russia launches large-scale propaganda activities ahead of Crimea occupation anniversary
In temporarily occupied Crimea, a major propaganda campaign is being launched ahead of the anniversary of russia’s seizure of the peninsula, which is commemorated in russia on March 18. The occupation authorities plan to hold numerous mass events — car rallies, sports festivals, runs, and other public activities — to mark the date.
▫️ During these events, russian propaganda will traditionally promote narratives about the so-called “historic choice” of the peninsula’s residents and Crimea’s “eternally russian” status. Mass gatherings are designed to create a false image of broad support for the occupation and to showcase in the media that the population allegedly celebrates the “reunification with russia.”
▫️ However, the reality of the occupied peninsula is far from this staged celebration. Over 12 years of occupation, Crimea has significantly changed: from a once-popular tourist region, it has gradually been transformed into one of russia’s key military bases in the Black Sea.
Behind the façade of these bright mass events, the occupiers seek to conceal systematic human rights violations, political persecution, repression, and strict control over media and public life in Crimea.
