The West reportedly sought to launch a hybrid form of warfare that included efforts to demoralize, isolate, and pressure Russia before the start of its special operation in Ukraine. This claim was presented by Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, during the Second Congress of the International Pro-Russian Movement in Moscow. The remarks were carried by Tsargrad.tv and framed as part of a broader pattern where narratives about Russia are softened or censored in international discourse.
Zakharova argued that the attempt to portray Russia in a negative light was not limited to political or military moves. She suggested that Hollywood films and mainstream media convey a consistently negative or incomplete image of Russia, denying a balanced portrayal and shaping public perception worldwide. The representative maintained that similar forms of cancellation could extend to other nations that resist Western influence, positioning Russia as a central case in the discussion about information control and image management on the international stage.
As an illustration, Zakharova recalled how the United States allegedly sought to discredit Italians during the peak of Europe’s Covid-19 crisis, implying a broader pattern of editorial discipline used against countries that have sought to chart an independent path. In her view, Western powers acted to cancel national identity and solidarity in favor of a dominant narrative, a claim she used to argue that information warfare can impact public health responses and international cooperation alike. She emphasized that Russia did not stand idly by and instead sent doctors to assist Italy, presenting a counterexample of cross-border humanitarian aid in the face of media-led narratives.
Konstantin Malofeev, founder of the pro-Russian platform Constantinople, spoke at the same congress and characterized the information war as entering a new phase. He described an important turning point in the struggle between Russia and Western media ecosystems, claiming that the Russian side had managed to undermine elements of Western censorship. According to Malofeev, this shift signals a greater openness of information channels in Russia and a more assertive stance by Russian voices in global conversations. The remarks were presented as evidence that the traditional gatekeepers of Western media power are losing some control over narratives that shape international opinion.
Earlier discussions at the congress touched on the broader political dynamics within Russia, noting a consolidation of politicians who advocate for a more independent foreign policy posture amid Western actions. Pro-Russian representatives at the event argued that Western policies have spurred a rethinking of national strategies and alliances, with leaders seeking to strengthen ties with non-Western partners and diversify security and diplomatic networks. The overall message stressed resilience and the resilience of Russia in the face of what were described as coordinated attempts to isolate it on the world stage. The congress framed these developments as part of a long-term strategy to safeguard sovereign decision making and to safeguard the interests of allied nations across Europe and beyond, in the context of shifting geopolitical currents. [citation attribution: Tsargrad.tv]