Conspiracy theories have long been one of the most powerful disinformation tools used to manipulate public opinion and influence public behavior. In recent years, Russia has made particularly intensive use of this mechanism to destabilize the situation in strategic regions, build distrust of the West and undermine confidence in democratic institutions. Conspiracy theories are deliberately constructed in a way that allows them to spread widely, with the aim of creating information chaos and raising doubts about official versions of events.
Mechanisms for creating conspiracy theories
Conspiracy theories are based on several basic psychological and social mechanisms. First, they exploit the natural tendency of people to look for patterns and causes in random or complex events. Second, they exploit emotions, such as fear, anger or uncertainty, which increase susceptibility to disinformation. In the context of Russian disinformation, conspiracy theories often appeal to fears related to globalization, migration or Western military interventions.
An example is the conspiracy theory surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, which claims that the virus was artificially created by Western elites to control the population. Such narratives have been widely disseminated in Russian state media and through fake accounts on social media platforms. This has made them very popular in Eastern European countries, including Ukraine, where fears of a pandemic and vaccination have been further fueled by pro-Russian circles.
The use of conspiracy theories in Ukraine
Ukraine, a prime target of Russian aggression, is particularly vulnerable to conspiracy theories. Russia has systematically spread narratives designed to discredit the Ukrainian government, military and Western allies. One example is the conspiracy theory that the events in Maidan in 2014 were allegedly the result of an organized coup inspired by the CIA. This type of narrative is reproduced by the Russian media and used to build divisions in Ukrainian society.
Another example is the theory regarding alleged organ trafficking by Ukrainian soldiers in Donbas. This false narrative, disseminated by Russian news channels, was designed to dehumanize Ukrainians in the eyes of international public opinion and to instill fear and resentment of their defense efforts.
One of the most notorious conspiracy theories used by Russia in its war against Ukraine is that concerning the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in July 2014. Russian media and officials have spread various versions of events, including accusations that Ukraine shot down the plane, suggesting the use of fighter jets or Ukrainian air defense systems. These theories sought to divert attention from evidence pointing to the involvement of pro-Russian separatists who used Russia’s Buk missile system. False narratives also included claims that the plane was full of already dead bodies or that it was an assassination attempt to discredit Russia.
Another example is the conspiracy theory regarding the 2022 attack on Mariupol, including the destruction of the drama theater where hundreds of civilians were hiding. Russia has repeatedly claimed that the building was blown up by Ukrainian Azov fighters, despite overwhelming evidence that Russian forces carried out the airstrike. Such narratives have been widely circulated in Russian and pro-Russian media to justify the military’s actions and shift the blame to Ukraine.
Conspiracy theory distribution channels
Russia uses a variety of channels to effectively disseminate conspiracy theories. These include traditional media, such as television and newspapers, as well as modern digital platforms, including social media. A key tool is troll farms, which mass-produce disinformation content and distribute it in various languages to reach the widest possible audience.
It is worth noting the activities of Russian web portals that publish articles presenting false or manipulated information. Combined with campaigns on sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Telegram, this content is rapidly gaining popularity, especially among those susceptible to conspiracy theories. In addition, Russia is using local pro-Russian organizations and activists to support the spread of these narratives on a societal level.
Social and political implications
The spread of conspiracy theories has far-reaching consequences for the societies they target. In Ukraine, it leads to social divisions, an increase in distrust of state institutions and a weakening of trust in international allies. Conspiracy theories are also being used to delegitimize Ukraine’s defense efforts and undermine its sovereignty in the international arena.
In addition, the spread of disinformation affects democratic processes, such as elections, by manipulating public opinion and undermining public debate. In the long term, this can lead to political destabilization, which is the main goal of Russia’s hybrid strategy.
How to counter it?
Countering the spread of conspiracy theories requires a complex approach that includes both media education and legislative action. Developing critical thinking skills in society and promoting reliable sources of information are crucial. In Ukraine, NGOs such as StopFake play an important role in exposing Russian disinformation and raising public awareness.
International cooperation also plays an important role in the fight against disinformation. Western countries should support Ukraine in building resilience to Russian information influence, both by providing technology to detect false content and by training journalists and government officials.
Summary
The spread of conspiracy theories is one of the most effective tools in the arsenal of Russian disinformation. The effects of this phenomenon are particularly evident in Ukraine, where conspiracy theories are being used to undermine the country’s domestic stability and international standing. Combating this phenomenon requires coordinated action at the national and international levels, as well as the involvement of civil society in building resistance to information manipulation.
