Russia Leveraging Cultural Diplomacy to Whitewash War Crimes in France, Disinformation Watchdog Warns
Paris – A wave of Russian cultural events swept across France between November and December 2024, ostensibly showcasing the richness of Russian arts, cinema, literature, and sports. However, a closer examination by the Center for Countering Disinformation reveals a calculated strategy by the Kremlin to exploit these seemingly benign cultural exchanges as a platform for propaganda and disinformation, aiming to sanitize its brutal war against Ukraine and sway French public opinion. The events, ranging from concerts under the banner of "Days of Russian and French Spiritual Culture" to the "Russian Film Festival" and even sporting competitions, served as a Trojan horse for the Kremlin’s narrative, masking its aggressive actions behind a veneer of cultural exchange. This carefully orchestrated campaign raises serious concerns about the weaponization of culture and the insidious nature of Russian disinformation tactics.
The Center for Countering Disinformation’s report meticulously documents the extent of Russian state involvement in these seemingly apolitical events. Official Russian bodies, including the Russian embassy in France, Rosconcert (the Russian state concert organization), Roskino (the Russian film promotion body), and even the Russian Orthodox Church’s "spiritual and cultural center" in Paris, played key roles in organizing and facilitating these initiatives. This direct involvement of state actors exposes the Kremlin’s calculated strategy of leveraging cultural diplomacy as a tool of information warfare. The report further highlights the participation of Russian artists who have a documented history of supporting the Kremlin’s policies, including performing in illegally annexed Crimea, expressing gratitude to the Russian military, and openly endorsing the invasion of Ukraine. Their presence at these events served to normalize and legitimize the Kremlin’s narrative while simultaneously undermining international condemnation of Russia’s actions.
The Kremlin’s strategy exploits the inherent goodwill and openness often associated with cultural exchanges. By presenting a curated image of Russian culture, divorced from the harsh realities of its war of aggression, the Kremlin seeks to cultivate a sense of normalcy and foster sympathy within the French public. This soft power approach aims to subtly shift perceptions, creating a more receptive audience for Russian propaganda and eroding support for Ukraine. The “apolitical” nature often ascribed to these events provides a convenient cover for disseminating pro-Kremlin narratives, allowing the Russian government to bypass traditional media channels and directly engage with the French populace. This tactic effectively circumvents critical scrutiny and allows propaganda to permeate public discourse under the guise of cultural appreciation.
The report warns that these cultural initiatives are part of a broader, systematic campaign by Russia to utilize “cultural projects” as instruments of informational influence in France. The Kremlin leverages the prestige and perceived neutrality of cultural events to gain access to influential audiences and shape public discourse. This strategy aligns with Russia’s broader disinformation playbook, which includes manipulating social media, spreading conspiracy theories, and promoting divisive narratives. By co-opting cultural platforms, the Kremlin aims to create an alternative reality where its aggression against Ukraine is justified, minimized, or even ignored. This deliberate blurring of the lines between culture and propaganda poses a significant threat to informed public debate and democratic processes.
The Center for Countering Disinformation emphasizes that the true objective of these seemingly innocuous cultural events is far from promoting genuine cultural exchange. Instead, they serve as a carefully constructed facade for propaganda, designed to whitewash Russia’s war crimes, deflect international criticism, and combat the growing international isolation of the Putin regime. The use of cultural events as a smokescreen allows the Kremlin to present a sanitized image of Russia to the world, distracting from its human rights abuses, its illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories, and the devastating humanitarian crisis it has unleashed. This calculated manipulation of cultural diplomacy undermines the very foundations of international relations and erodes trust in intercultural dialogue.
The report calls for increased vigilance and awareness regarding Russia’s exploitation of cultural platforms for propaganda purposes. It urges governments, cultural institutions, and the public to critically examine the underlying motivations and political context surrounding such events. Recognizing the potential for cultural diplomacy to be weaponized is essential in safeguarding against disinformation and protecting the integrity of cultural exchange. Furthermore, it is crucial to support independent media outlets and fact-checking organizations that play a vital role in exposing disinformation campaigns and promoting accurate information about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. By fostering media literacy and critical thinking, societies can become more resilient to the insidious influence of propaganda and defend against attempts to manipulate public opinion.