History as a weapon: narratives and propaganda in the Russo-Ukrainian war

Abstract

The Russian-Ukrainian war highlights the role of historical memory as a tool for shaping public sentiment and legitimizing political action. This study investigates how historical narratives are used in the information war between Russia and Ukraine, and the means employed to manipulate historical memory. Through content analysis of scientific literature and data synthesis, the research reveals how the Kremlin regime re-appropriates historical concepts, particularly the history of Rus' and the victory in World War II, to promote a distorted historical memory and justify its aggressive policies. The selective presentation of historical facts, coupled with the active dissemination of manipulated information through digital technologies, underscores the destructive potential of historical memory as a weapon in modern hybrid warfare. Special emphasis is placed on the history of Rus, which in modern Russian propaganda is understood in accordance with the old Soviet paradigms. Another important aspect is the mythologised idea of victory in the Second World War. The conclusions indicate that Russian propaganda selectively presents historical facts, focusing on selected events, which contributes to the formation of distorted historical memory.