Want to know the narratives playing out on Russian media related to events in the #KerchStrait - this analysis by the Hybrid Warfare Analytical Group at the @uacrisis centre.
THREAD:
"We've been closely monitoring the Kremlin media over the last 24 hours."
1/11
THREAD:
"We've been closely monitoring the Kremlin media over the last 24 hours."
1/11
2/11 "Main messages of the Russian propaganda regarding the crisis in the Kerch Strait, close to annexed Crimea, can be divided into two main groups: those directly concerning the seizure of three Ukrainian vessels and those on the wider political situation."
3/11 "Key points for Group 1 are as follows:
Allegedly, Ukraine hasn't warned Russia about the ships’ movement beforehand & the ships seized performed dangerous maneuvers in the Russian waters;
It is claimed that the Ukrainian boats received a warning that they chose to ignore"
Allegedly, Ukraine hasn't warned Russia about the ships’ movement beforehand & the ships seized performed dangerous maneuvers in the Russian waters;
It is claimed that the Ukrainian boats received a warning that they chose to ignore"
4/11 Key points for Group 1 [continued]
"Soldiers are lightly wounded and their lives are not under the threat."
"Soldiers are lightly wounded and their lives are not under the threat."
5/11 "Key points for Group 2:
Ukraine has violated the territorial waters of Russian Federation;
This “provocation” is solely aimed at imposing martial law in Ukraine and, henceforth, cancelling the elections with the President Petro Poroshenko being a main beneficiary;"
Ukraine has violated the territorial waters of Russian Federation;
This “provocation” is solely aimed at imposing martial law in Ukraine and, henceforth, cancelling the elections with the President Petro Poroshenko being a main beneficiary;"
6/11 Key points for Group 1 [continued]
"Alleged “provocation” as well as the possible imposing of martial law have to be coordinated with the USA
Supposedly, Ukraine has started heavy shelling of the residential areas in Donetsk region."
"Alleged “provocation” as well as the possible imposing of martial law have to be coordinated with the USA
Supposedly, Ukraine has started heavy shelling of the residential areas in Donetsk region."
7/11 "All these messages serve reaching several goals that Russia tries to promote both at home and abroad:
1) It was Ukraine that violated international maritime law, not Russia that has acted within its authority;"
1) It was Ukraine that violated international maritime law, not Russia that has acted within its authority;"
8/11 "2) The idea that Crimea belongs to Russia is emphasized via action, with Kremlin demonstrating that Russia is not willing to let the territories it occupied go peacefully but is ready to raise the stakes;"
9/11 "3) Ukraine is once more depicted as being heavily dependent on the US, whose image of the actual enemy is reinforced again;
4) Ukrainian politicians supposedly are only protecting their position in power, not the national interests;"
4) Ukrainian politicians supposedly are only protecting their position in power, not the national interests;"
10/11 "5) Alleged “heavy shelling” with no proof serves as a distraction for public and a tool to portray Ukraine in a negative light."
11/11"Additionally, Kremlin bots are active the social networks, pushing the message that the crisis in Kerch Strait demonstrates weakness of the Ukrainian navy and strength of the Russian forces thus twisting the violation of maritime law into the matter of national pride."
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