The Many Layers of Russian Propaganda

Russian propaganda has different layers regarding the channels, intensity, and quality of the narratives it uses. It is not a completely chaotic system but a coordinated structure that adapts to different audiences and situations. Usually, the public and even many „experts“ see only a limited range of what is happening, or they refuse to see more because they are even part of it.

This lack of awareness allows propaganda to work silently in the background. Understanding how these layers interact is essential to see the full picture.

Goals

Aimed to shift certain policies: for instance, to remove sanctions, stop support for Ukraine, or influence Western energy policies to favor Russian interests.

Aimed to split and destabilize Western societies: amplify tensions, support far-right, far-left, and other anti-establishment forces, and even conduct false flag operations. The purpose is not only to confuse but to weaken trust in democratic institutions, media, and alliances like the EU and NATO.

Overt

This is the visible and aggressive part of the machine. Russian media channels, Russian „diplomats and politicians,“ and official Kremlin speakers openly spread the message. Their communication not only justifies but also praises the full-scale invasion, with extreme demonization of Ukraine and the West.
„Ukrainians have biolabs and are Satanists.“ „The West is in decay.“

Other examples include daily reports on Russian state TV claiming that Western leaders are “Nazis,” that “Ukraine never existed as a real state,” or that “Russia is fighting NATO, not Ukraine.” These messages are loud, emotional, and aimed at creating anger and fear. They form the backbone of official state propaganda, making aggression appear righteous and inevitable.

Covert

Hidden actors, anonymous trolls, Russian-paid or manipulated Western „agents of influence,“ academics, and „experts“ form the next layer. They spread pro-Russian narratives, and in many cases are not detected as propagandists. Narratives can range from extreme to subtle, always designed to confuse, divide, or shift the debate.

Examples include fake online accounts posing as local citizens to spread disinformation about Ukrainian refugees, coordinated trolling campaigns during elections, or “alternative” media websites funded through opaque networks. Some academics or public figures echo Kremlin talking points such as “the West forced Russia’s hand,” “sanctions hurt Europe more than Russia,” or “Ukraine is hopelessly corrupt, so supporting it is pointless.” These actors often hide behind the mask of “alternative opinion” or “academic neutrality.” Their influence is effective exactly because it looks „independent“ and „reliable.“ Not all of them are “paid” by Russia; ideological reasons or a more complex form of collaboration with Moscow can also motivate their stance.

Subtle Messaging

Here, the manipulation becomes more refined. „Mild“ demonization of Ukraine and the West is combined with extremely superficial criticism of Russian politics and a long list of anti-Western narratives disguised as „criticism.“
„NATO provoked Russia to make the mistake of invading Ukraine.“ „I condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine but…“

Other examples include constant emphasis on “Western hypocrisy,” emotional stories about “ordinary Russians suffering under sanctions,” or the framing of Ukrainian defense as “prolonging the war.” These narratives rarely sound extremist; they sound “reasonable.” That is exactly the goal: to create fatigue, doubt, and moral confusion. This type of messaging often sounds rational at first glance, which makes it dangerous. It works slowly, planting doubts, creating false balance, and normalizing distorted ideas. We have many cases where subtle pro-Russian messaging is portrayed as “rational,” while calls for supporting Ukraine and warnings about Russian imperialism are shown as “emotional” or “irrational.”

Why This Is Crucial

Only if we understand the different layers of how Russian propaganda attacks us are we able to recognize the full spectrum of attacks against our societies. Overt, blatant propaganda also has the effect that we do not recognize subtle influence. The more visible the lies, the easier it is to overlook the quiet infiltration. Each layer supports the other, creating a system that can reach every level of public discourse, from open aggression to intellectual manipulation.