Recent appearances by fugitive former president Viktor Yanukovych on Russian federal TV channels have sparked discussions among Ukrainian experts and the wider public. The program analyzes the motives behind Yanukovych’s television appearance and how it fits into Russia’s broader information campaign aimed at discrediting Ukraine and promoting anti-Western narratives.
Yanukovych, in his statements on Russian TV, repeats messages justifying the refusal of Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration, suggesting that closer ties with the West could have led to civil war. His appearances are accompanied by criticism of the EU and NATO, seeking to shift responsibility for the events of 2014 onto external actors. Experts note that this narrative is targeted at both Russian audiences and at sowing skepticism among Europeans towards Ukraine.
The article also examines the legal and historical aspects of the 2014 change of power in Ukraine, highlighting that the international community did not accept Russian narratives of a "coup d'état" and that attempts to legitimize Yanukovych’s return have not found global support. Statements by Russian leaders, such as Putin’s recent remarks at the SCO summit, merely repeat old arguments that gain little traction internationally.
Furthermore, Russia is seeking to use platforms like the SCO to advance anti-Western rhetoric and bolster its influence in Eurasia. However, countries in the region, despite economic ties with Russia or China, pursue a balanced policy and do not support Moscow’s imperial ambitions. Ukraine, meanwhile, continues its course toward Euro-Atlantic integration and is building its own relationships with SCO countries.
Overall, experts point out the weakness of Russia’s information attacks and their failure to affect international recognition of Ukraine’s statehood and the legitimacy of its 2014 change of government.
