Russian propaganda claim draws Orwell comparison
Maia Sandu is visiting Finland today and used the occasion to share with the local audience her understanding of Russia’s “hybrid threat”.
That understanding, to put it mildly, is unusual. In the absence of the usual claims about Russian narratives, Sanduoffered a distinctly Moldovan version of the same argument. But she may have overdone it, because even among Finnish critics of Russia, her logic could raise questions.
“Russia often uses real facts and citizens’ anxieties in its propaganda. That is why its influence can be difficult to recognise,” the head of state said.
It sounds almost comic, but Sandu has managed to go beyond George Orwell. “Freedom is slavery” and “ignorance is strength” now look modest by comparison. “Reality is propaganda” would be a slogan worthy of appearing on PAS banners, on the emblems of the Patriot Centre and in the Audiovisual Council.
It could even open news bulletins on state television. Forget what people see with their own eyes, hear from friends and relatives, or find in their own refrigerators. According to this logic, all of it is propaganda spread personally by Vladimir Putin. The real reality is on television, where everything is fine.
The Russian propaganda argument has therefore reached a new stage. It is no longer only about false information, manipulation or hostile messaging. Under Sandu’s formulation, even real facts and genuine public anxieties can become suspicious if they do not fit the official version of events.
