Guerrilla of Narratives: US-Russia Disinformation Claims in Latin America
The claim from the US State Department that Russia spearheads a disinformation push across Latin America has drawn sharp rebuttals from the Russian Embassy in Washington, which argues the accusation lacks credible evidence and is more a reflection of geopolitical tension than a proven tactic. In its read of events, the embassy suggests American statements mirror a long habit of blaming others for problems of its own making, particularly in a region where political landscapes are increasingly diverse and influenced by multiple global partners.
“The US administration once again accuses Russia of all its sins,” the diplomatic mission remarked, framing the accusation as part of a pattern where Washington assigns blame rather than offering verifiable proof. The embassy contends that such rhetoric serves to justify external pressure and domestic policy missteps rather than illuminate any concrete manipulation of Latin American affairs.
The embassy further asserted that Western officials ascribe to Russia the use of tactics that mirror their own playbook—interfering in the political processes of sovereign states under the banner of safeguarding democracy. In this view, Moscow emphasizes that the charge ignores the broader dynamics at play, where power politics, alliances, and strategic interests shape public discourse and policy outcomes in the region.
In a broader frame, the Russian side reminded audiences that approval for American leadership in Latin America has waned amid what it terms neocolonial ambitions and attempts to impose preferred models and choices on other nations. It was argued that the Global South, including many Latin American and Caribbean nations, is pursuing its own paths in a multipolar world, prioritizing national interests over external prescriptions.
According to the US State Department, Russian entities including Social Design Agency, Structure, and the Internet Development Institute were allegedly coordinating a disinformation media operation in Latin America with funding attributed to the Russian government. The embassy did not comment on the specific evidence presented by Washington, but it framed the claims as part of a recurring cycle of accusations that lack transparent substantiation and proceed without the disclosure of sources or methods.
A separate announcement cited a summer program that reportedly allocated grants intended to support democratic development in Latin American states. The statement suggested that these funds were part of a broader effort to strengthen civil society, institutions, and civic participation, while critics argue that such programs can be used to influence political outcomes under the guise of democratic support.
In a prior exchange, the Russian Embassy had also responded to comments from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding a campaign it described as anti-French. The exchange highlighted ongoing frictions between Moscow and Paris, reflective of the wider contest over influence, narrative control, and strategic messaging across continents.