On Tuesday, our correspondent in Moscow told how the war is now being discussed in Russian TV programs. Is it possible to react to statements that sound drastic other than fearing the worst?
Presenter on the Russian state TV channel Rossiya-1 Vladimir Solovyov presented in his program that the Russians should take Germany and its soil as their military target.
A violent presentation – when will it be proposed to attack Finland?
Senior researcher studying Russian propaganda Svetlana Pasti The University of Tampere says that Finns should not panic.
– The purpose of Vladimir Solovyov’s and similar programs is precisely to create fear outside of Russia and, in addition, to increase one’s own popularity in Russia.
Pasti describes Solovyov as a popular propagandist who openly supports Russia’s war of aggression.
However, Solovyov is not a marginal influence. According to an opinion poll, he has been the most popular journalist in Russia for the past three years.
This is especially important in a country where TV faces are highly trusted, especially on state television channels.
The media plays a very important role in shaping opinion.
– Reliable and versatile information from Russia and Ukraine is more important than television propaganda. The less the Finnish media reports on Russian propaganda, the less it can cause unrest among Finns.
But what if it scares you?
According to Past, knowledge is the best defense against fear. In his opinion, the media have a place for reflection in war news.
– The media should not try so much to influence emotions or try to look for sensations, but to look at the issue from different sides in a cold-hearted way.
It’s hard to find out what people really think about things in Russia
The presenters of the propaganda channels make a living and gain fame with their “colorful” programs, but is it really just propaganda?
What do Russians really think?
According to Past, this is practically impossible to find out.
The official state propaganda is very strong, and denies that the Russian armed forces harm civilians, for example. Second, propaganda labels Ukrainians as Nazis.
Other than official information is hard to come by, and on top of that, having your own opinion can get you up to fifteen years in prison.
Pasti cites polls, according to which the “special operation” had 57-75 percent support in Russia last spring and summer.
According to one poll, as many as 77 percent of those who supported the operation, i.e. the war, were of the opinion that the borders of the Soviet Union should be restored.
You can discuss the topic on 27.1. until 11 p.m.
Also watch the video in which Antti Kurra quickly explains the Leopard decision: