Millions of Views, a Subversive Message: How Russian Propaganda is Targeting Odesa

Odesa and the Subtlety of Russian Propaganda: A Viral Video Exposes a Dangerous Trend In the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the battle for hearts and minds is as crucial as the military struggle. A recent TikTok video highlights a concerning trend: the subtle dissemination of Russian propaganda aimed at portraying Odesa, a major Ukrainian city, as inherently Russian. The video, created by a Ukrainian user, features examples of videos that have garnered millions of views, promoting the narrative that Odesa should be liberated from Kyiv's control and is, in essence, a Russian city. "They're not shouting it from the rooftops," explains the TikTok creator, "but the message is there, in every video. They ask questions in Ukrainian, but the answers are always in Russian, reinforcing the idea that Odesa is a Russian-speaking city and should be under Russian control." The video presents several examples of these videos, each with millions of views, demonstrating the wide reach of this propaganda. The creator also connects this campaign to statements made by former US President Donald Trump suggesting the cession of Russian-speaking territories to Russia. This connection adds another layer to the analysis, highlighting the potential international implications of this subtle yet effective propaganda campaign. The success of these videos underscores the need for critical media literacy and vigilance against the insidious nature of modern propaganda. The video serves as a stark reminder of the information war being waged alongside the physical conflict in Ukraine.