Russia's propaganda war: Exploiting children's images to glorify conflict
The ongoing war in Ukraine, now in its second year, has seen a continuing trend where Russian propaganda intensely utilizes the image of children to mould its narrative. Recently, a surfaced video displaying children holding framed portraits of what is labelled as "heroes" of the conflict underscores this tactic.
The exploitation of children in Russian propaganda is not new
In a practice reminiscent of the USSR, Russia often enlists children in major national parades and state ceremonies. Here, they might recite patriotic poems, sing national anthems, or participate in plays based on historical events, among other activities.
A recently released video from an event in Russia showcases a group of children, each clutching a framed photo. The specifics of who these individuals are in the photographs remain speculative, yet they are vaguely referred to as having significant roles in the Ukraine conflict.
The video's accompanying description starkly labels the individuals in the photos as "thieves, murderers, rapists." It hints at a disturbing reality where those celebrated as heroes or deserving figures in Russia include war criminals, or convicts offered freedom in exchange for front-line service. Many of these individuals have died, yet the state venerates their memory as sacrificial symbols for the nation. Such narratives are fed to children, shaping their perceptions under the Kremlin's approving gaze.
