Faces of russian propaganda in the TOT: vadim pervyh
The CCD continues its series on the key executors of russian propaganda in the occupied territories of Ukraine. Today, we focus on vadim pervyh, CEO of the media holding TRK Krym, the main mouthpiece of kremlin propaganda on the occupied peninsula.
vadim pervyh began his journalistic career in Crimea as a radio host. After russian troops seized Crimea, he transitioned to working for local media outlets and openly supported the occupation regime. In 2016, he became the deputy of the so-called “minister of information and communications” of Crimea, and by 2020, he was appointed head of the Crimean TV company, which is fully controlled by russian authorities.
TRK Krym was established by the occupiers using the property and equipment of the Ukrainian state broadcasting company “Crimea.” The holding now comprises 16 pro-russian media outlets, including three major regional TV channels (one of which broadcasts in the Crimean Tatar language) and three radio stations. This network of enemy media continues to expand.
In 2023, pervyh was also elected chairman of the Crimean branch of the russian union of journalists, further solidifying his influence over the information space in the occupied peninsula. In addition to his leadership roles, pervyh organizes propaganda events and actively promotes kremlin narratives through his social media platforms.
In Ukraine, vadim pervyh was sentenced in absentia to 12 years in prison. The court found him guilty of collaboration, encroaching on Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, justifying russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine, and engaging in actions aimed at forcibly changing or overthrowing the government.
