How Russia uses athletes from TOT for propaganda
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has ordered the Defense Ministry to establish a military sports unit in the occupied Donetsk region. This unit will include athletes from the temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories who are candidates for Olympic sports teams. The new unit will be based in Moscow.
For years, the Russian government has used sport as a tool in its propaganda efforts. By creating this military sports unit, the Kremlin aims to promote military service in the Russian army among the residents of the occupied territories.
Moreover, involving athletes from these areas in various tournaments helps reinforce the narrative that the residents of these regions are successfully integrated into Russian society.
Earlier, the CCD, in collaboration with Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, launched a new section on the War & Sanctions portal titled “Champions of terror.” It provides information about athletes who act as Russian agents abroad. This initiative calls on the international community to suspend Russian athletes from competitions and end all cooperation with them.
