In today’s Vatnik Soup, I’ll introduce the main themes of Russian disinformation on TikTok. Each day, there are thousands of new videos promoting pro-Kremlin narratives and propaganda.

It’s worth noting that Russians can only access European TikTok via VPN.

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There is currently a massive TikTok campaign aimed at promoting a positive image of Russia. The videos typically feature relatively attractive young women and focus on themes of nationalism and cultural heritage.

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Ironically, many of these videos from Moscow or St. Petersburg are deceptively edited to portray Ukraine in a false light — claiming there is no war and that international aid is being funneled to corrupt elites.

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Other videos feature Russians living in the West who spread familiar false narratives — for example, that Ukraine was the aggressor in Donbas in 2014. They also promote so-called “peace” initiatives while implying that the ongoing conflict is somehow Zelenskyy’s fault.

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As you can predict, some of these people are actually paid by the Kremlin. One of them is Alexandra Jost AKA Sasha Meets Russia, who produces high-quality propaganda around Russia.

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There is also a growing amount of AI-generated content featuring women in Russian military uniforms, often presented in an overtly sexualized manner.

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And it’s not just in English — there are numerous “German” accounts spreading pro-Russian propaganda, often focusing on idealized portrayals of Russia and especially Russian women.

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Naturally, there are also posts depicting a “peaceful, white Russia,” showing only white people on the streets—despite the fact that around 15% of Russia’s population is Muslim.

This “decadent West vs. traditional Russia” narrative is a recurring and well-established trope in Russian propaganda.

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Then there are the videos portraying Putin as a beloved leader, universally admired by Russians. These often feature footage of a younger, more energetic Putin—rather than the older, more isolated and paranoid figure he appears to be today.

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To conclude, European TikTok is currently facing a significant Russian disinformation and propaganda problem. This content includes AI-generated videos, promotion of Russian military & cultural themes, and clips featuring attractive Russian individuals to enhance appeal.

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The 2nd edition of “Vatnik Soup — The Ultimate Guide to Russian Disinformation” is officially out!

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