Today, on vladimir putin’s 72nd birthday, the cult of his personality in russia has reached its peak.

▫️ Popular propaganda messages this year include “putin is the most influential leader of the 21st century” and “putin’s rise to power is due to God’s providence.”

Standard narratives like “returning russian lands” and “raising russia from its knees” are also widely circulated. State employees, students, and members of the so-called “smo” are coerced into publicly congratulating him.

▫️ Additionally, the cult of putin’s personality has spread to the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, with narratives expressing gratitude to putin for “returning them to their homeland.”

The cult of putin’s personality is a central element of russian propaganda. By deifying him, propagandists aim to unite society around him, foster disdain for democratic institutions and other nations, and justify the war in Ukraine as putin’s and russia’s “special mission.” His sacralization is a crucial element of russian propaganda to maintain his absolute and unchallenged authority.