It is necessary to overcome the implanted ideology by providing a reliable narrative.
“To oppose the pro-Russian narrative in the world, Ukraine should offer a pro-Ukrainian alternative , “said Vivian Walker, executive director of the US Public Policy Advisory Commission at the State Department, at a news conference at the Center for European Policy Analysis in Washington, DC, according to Voice of America. >
Ukraine should talk about the unique qualities of Ukrainian culture and identity, illustrate the shortcomings in Putin's story about Ukraine. I see this as a kind of deterrence strategy, “she said at an event entitled” Culture is the main goal of Russia's war in Ukraine. “
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According to Vivian Walker, such a strategy involves overcoming ideology not by attacking the cultural space, but by providing a “credible alternative narrative.”
“We – diplomats, scientists, journalists, experts – have a serious responsibility to create conditions for persuasion of the Ukrainian narrative in the world information space “, – the representative of the State Department added.
To achieve this, Vivian Walker recommends following a few rules. First, to be based on real facts, so as not to fall into the trap of unconscious repetition of false narratives about Ukraine. For example, she calls on experts and journalists to stop using the phrase “Ukrainian crisis” in the context of a full-fledged Russian invasion of Ukraine .
geostrategic confrontation between Russia and the United States for power and global space, which often emphasizes Russian propaganda .
“We should talk about this [war in Ukraine] not as a struggle between two superpowers, but as a struggle between two countries in one region. This will help put Ukraine in the global arena as a significant competitor, both on the battlefield and in the information space, “said Vivian Walker.
She recalled that the US government is already helping in its efforts to counter the Russian narrative. In particular, due to the broadcast of the American media in Ukraine – “Voices of America” and “Radio Liberty”.
In turn, the Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States Oksana Markarova stressed that Russia uses culture in war as an instrument of arms. She recalled a recent incident at the Cannes Film Festival, from which Russian director Kirill Serebrennikov called on the international community to lift sanctions on some Russian oligarchs.
“This issue is much broader than Ukraine. To have at least a chance at peace, a chance at another Russia, we must be very honest and frank about how Russians use Russian culture as a weapon, “Markarova said.
“There are still people who are pushing this narrative – to abolish Putin, but not Pushkin. It is quite obvious to me that these people, unfortunately, did not read Pushkin. If they read some of his work, they would understand that everything Putin does is all there, in his writings. You can call it propaganda or persecution not only against Ukraine, but also against any of Russia's neighbors, “Markarova added.
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The cultural element in the current war plays no less a role than the military, – said Volodymyr Sheiko, Director General of the Ukrainian Institute.
“For decades, Russia has used culture to establish, promote , spread xenophobic, pro-war sentiments, messages and narratives that oppressed neighboring countries, tried to take away the identities of other countries or communities that (as Russia believed) belong to its geopolitical interests, “- shares the experience of Sheiko.
It's time to allow Ukrainians to be heard, says the director general of the Ukrainian Institute.
