Russian Public Diplomacy During the Ongoing War in Ukraine: Actors and Instruments

Abstract

The Moscow-Kiev ongoing conflict has profoundly reshaped the geopolitical landscape of international relations with the West blaming Russia and NATO standing with Ukraine. This has prompted Moscow to redesign its public diplomacy strategies geared at counteracting western critics and fostering a favorable narrative. This article maps out those unique actors and instruments responsible for Russia’s public diplomacy in this context, piloted by an intricate nexus of state and non-state entities. Masterminding these actions are the Russian government, cultural and educational institutions, NGOs, Russian media, and online platforms. These organs are all tailored at disseminating information and influencing public opinion at home and abroad. Through the use and mobilization of its soft power mechanisms, Russia aims to project a status of strength and resilience while brushing aside western narratives and seeking to win friends. Understanding Moscow's public diplomacy strategies during this period is vital because of the geopolitical implications it has as the conflict unfolds. This article aims to outline the actors, instruments, and alongside the strategies employed by Moscow, thereby shedding light on the position of public diplomacy in contemporary warfare.