Russia is exaggerating its interest in the “shared values visa”
russian propagandists are distorting the content of the Swiss newspaper Tages-Anzeiger article, trying to create the impression of an “unprecedented interest” in the “shared values visa” program. It is being offered to citizens of Europe, the USA, and Canada as a way to emigrate to russia under the slogan of “protecting traditional spiritual and moral values.”
In reality, the article explains that russia is actively promoting this initiative through targeted ads and dedicated websites aimed at people dissatisfied with their own governments. This creates the illusion that russia is a viable alternative to the West.
▫️ russian propaganda also manipulates the numbers, talking about “thousands of applications per month,” when in fact only 1,156 submissions have been received over the program’s 11-month existence.
▫️ kremlin’s attempts to attract foreigners via such programs are not new. For example, the “golden visa” program also proved disastrous: over two years, only 40 applications were filed and the expected revenues never materialized. This demonstrates the lack of genuine interest in russia from Western investors and migrants.
Despite millions spent on PR, similar projects — like the “repatriation of compatriots” initiative — have also failed to meet expectations. This confirms once again that, despite loud propaganda, kremlin cannot make the country truly attractive to the outside world.
