The Siege of Leningrad as a Tool of Russian Propaganda Abroad
The Russian propaganda campaign for the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazism is gaining momentum, with diplomatic missions playing an active role. For instance, exhibitions dedicated to the Siege of Leningrad have been opened in the so-called “Russian House” in Cyprus and at the UN headquarters.
Through such events, Russia seeks to manipulate the memory of World War II to enhance its image abroad. By emphasizing the heavy losses endured during the siege, Moscow continues to exploit the narrative of the “great sacrifice of the Russian people” in the fight against Nazism while downplaying the contributions of other nations.
This is part of Russia’s effort to craft an image of a “defender of peace” and to evoke sympathy. In doing so, Moscow aims to deflect criticism of the Kremlin’s ongoing armed aggression against Ukraine.
