How Russia uses culture to promote propaganda in France
In November-December 2024, several events were held in France, dedicated to Russian music, cinema, sports, and more. Despite their claimed “non-political nature,” the Kremlin used these events to justify its war against Ukraine and to manipulate French public opinion.
▫️ These included concerts titled “Days of Spiritual Culture of Russia and France,” the “Russian Film Festival,” the “Russian Literature” book fair, the “XIII Forum of Organizations of Russian Compatriots in France,” sports events, and others.
State institutions and agencies were involved in organizing these events, such as the Russian Embassy in France, the organizations “Rosconcert” and “Roskino,” and the “Spiritual and Cultural Center” of the Russian Orthodox Church in Paris. The events also featured Russian artists who, in violation of Ukrainian law, performed in occupied Crimea and expressed “gratitude to the Russian army” alongside slogans supporting Kremlin policies.
The Russian Federation systematically uses “cultural projects” as a tool to influence public opinion in France. The real goal of these cultural events in France is propaganda: justifying Russia’s crimes and undermining efforts to isolate the Kremlin internationally.
