russia strengthens its media influence in the self-proclaimed Abkhazia
russia continues actively extending its influence over temporarily occupied territories not only in Ukraine but also in other countries where part of the territory lies under its sway. One instrument of this strategy has been the launch of a contest for journalists and bloggers in the self-proclaimed republic of Abkhazia. This contest is backed by sergei kiriyenko — first deputy chief of staff of presidential administration of russia.
As kremlin overseer of domestic policy and ideology, kiriyenko has long controlled information campaigns in the so-called “near abroad.” His work aims to advance russian narratives through regional media—in territories such as Abkhazia—and via other cultural and political projects. The journalists’ contest is only part of a broader strategy that encompasses not only media initiatives but also the creation of new information platforms for pushing kremlin messages.
Supporting such projects in the self-proclaimed Abkhazia demonstrates how russia seeks to expand its media influence by creating an illusion of “legitimacy” for its actions and manipulating public opinion through propaganda channels. This is part of kremlin’s overarching strategy to uphold its interests on the international stage.
In the report “The Architecture of the russian propaganda machine,” the Center noted that kiriyenko is a key curator of domestic policy and ideology in russia.
