The CCD continues its series of reports about the main perpetrators of Russian propaganda in the occupied territories of Ukraine. Today, we will introduce Alexander Kofman, a propagandist and representative of the occupation administration in Donetsk.

Before the Russian invasion, Kofman described his position in an interview as: “my patriotism ends with the fence of my dacha.” He was not involved in politics, but after the Revolution of Dignity, he suddenly became concerned with Ukraine’s rethinking of the Soviet period of history. Kofman was outraged that his sacred “grandfathers” were being labeled as invaders, so he decided to act—starting with a blog, followed by speaking at a pro-Russian rally in Donetsk, and eventually launching his career in the occupation administration.

In 2014, Kofman ran for the post of “head of the DPR.” During these pseudo-elections, he praised the Russian occupation and declared the “reunification of the fraternal peoples of the DPR and LPR.” He often boasts of his close friendship with the decesed DPR terrorist Aleksandr Zakharchenko. That same year, he became the “Minister of Foreign Affairs of the DPR.” During this period, Kofman frequently appeared on Russian propaganda television, spreading falsehoods to discredit Ukraine. For instance, he gained notoriety for a fake story about “Albanian punishers from the Azov battalion” who allegedly raped and killed dozens of women in Berdiansk. By 2016, tensions arose between Kofman and Zakharchenko, leading to Kofman being dismissed as “Minister of Foreign Affairs of the DPR.” After his dismissal, he disappeared from the information space for three years.

In 2019, Kofman received a new position as the head of the “public chamber of the DPR.” This body was ostensibly created as a platform for dialogue between the government and the public to address social and economic issues but in reality became a key channel for disseminating Kremlin propaganda among the population of the occupied Donetsk region.

During his tenure as head of the “public chamber of the DPR,” Kofman initiated the “Alley of Russian Glory” campaign in Donetsk, resulting in the setting up of three monuments to leaders of the occupiers. He also launched the “Stars over Donbass” festival, bringing together artists willing to work in the occupiers’ interests. Additionally, Kofman oversaw the publication of the “ABC of Regions,” a book containing propaganda poems aimed at indoctrinating children. He actively promotes Kremlin narratives through his social media pages and frequent interviews with propagandist media.

Kofman is under sanctions imposed by Ukraine, the EU, the US, and other countries. In September this year, the SBU also announced suspicion against him for collaboration and encroachment on the territorial integrity of Ukraine due to his involvement in organizing Russia’s pseudo-referendum in the occupied territories.