CrimeaSOS: three factors of effectiveness of russian propaganda in the occupied Sevastopol

The level of perception of russian propaganda in occupied Sevastopol is higher than in the rest of Crimea. According to CrimeaSOS analyst Yevhenii Yaroshenko, three factors influence this, as he said in a comment to Hromadske Radio. 

“Unprecedented brainwashing is taking place in Sevastopol with the help of “Unarmy” or similar propaganda instruments. In addition, there is a large proportion of russians who were brought to Crimea after 2014 live in Sevastopol. The level of perception of militant pro-russian propaganda is significantly higher among these “immigrants” than among those residents who lived in Crimea until 2014”, — says the analyst.

Therefore, replacing the inhabitants of the peninsula with citizens of the russian federation is one of the factors why russian propaganda in Sevastopol may be more effective than a similar one in the other territory of Crimea.

The second factor is that Sevastopol was strategically interesting for russian propaganda due to the presence of the Black Sea Fleet there.

The third is the russian occupation administration of the city. The so-called “governor” of Sevastopol, Mikhail Razvozhaev, is a russian citizen who has no relation to Crimea. This significantly strengthens the control of the russian federation over the city.

“While there are many leaders being local traitors or collaborators in the occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Sevastopol is under stronger political control of the occupying state”, — adds the analyst.

After the occupation of the peninsula, russia invests a lot of resources in its propaganda to the residents of Crimea. The system of brainwashing extends not only to the adult population, but also to children. The occupation administration introduced lessons of “patriotic education” from the first grade, where “veterans” of the so-called “special military operation” are invited. After the 5th grade, children are encouraged to join the military organization “Unarmia” or cadet classes. Follow the link for more information about the militarization of education in Crimea.