Kremlin-Friendly Media Campaign Targets Zelenskyy Amid Ongoing Conflict
Amid mounting tensions and escalating conflict, a 12-part video series titled “Zelenskyy Unmasked” has stirred significant controversy by painting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a highly negative light. The series was created by Ben Swann, a self-described independent journalist known for promoting conspiracy theories, and is seen as highly favorable to Russian interests. Swann’s series was perfectly timed to coincide with Congressional debates about increasing military aid to Ukraine, further fueling political divisions in the U.S.
Controversial Documentary Gains Traction
Swann’s flashy, documentary-style videos launched in April and quickly caught the attention of conservative social media influencers, including Donald Trump Jr. The former president’s son promoted the series across platforms like X, Truth Social, and Threads, garnering millions of views. “Curious about the billions of dollars and weapons Congress sent Ukraine? You need to watch the first episode of the explosive 12-part series,” Trump Jr. posted.
Unlike other conservative media personalities shocked by revelations of possible Kremlin funding, Swann has openly worked with Russian state media for years. One of his companies has received millions of dollars for producing Kremlin-friendly content, including shows for Russia’s state-owned RT (formerly Russia Today). Swann’s series closely mirrors Russian propaganda, depicting Zelenskyy as an authoritarian figure who has misled the West.
Swann’s Kremlin Ties and Propaganda Reach
Swann, a former TV journalist, has reinvented himself as a social media figure questioning mainstream narratives. After being fired from an Atlanta station in 2018 for promoting the debunked “Pizzagate” conspiracy, he embraced other controversial topics, including unfounded claims about COVID-19 and the October 2023 Israel-Hamas conflict.
In creating “Zelenskyy Unmasked,” Swann tapped into his Kremlin connections, recruiting guests with pro-Russian sympathies, including RT contributors like Tara Reade and Andrii Telizhenko. Some of these individuals have been linked to Russian influence networks, raising questions about the series’ true motivations.
Digital Influencers: Amplifiers of the Kremlin Narrative
The “Zelenskyy Unmasked” series spread rapidly on social media, thanks to conservative influencers and the support of Urban Legend, a digital marketing firm. Swann’s videos reached tens of millions of viewers. Conservative personalities like Chaya Raichik, Jenna Ellis, and Andrew Giuliani shared the series, often using identical language from Swann’s promotional materials. Some influencers, like Xaviaer DuRousseau, admitted being paid to promote the series, though many claimed ignorance of Swann’s ties to Russian media.
Russian Influence Operations Raise Concerns
The promotion of “Zelenskyy Unmasked” comes amid warnings from U.S. intelligence officials about renewed Russian efforts to spread disinformation. These campaigns not only aim to undermine Ukraine but also influence the U.S. political landscape ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Swann’s content, which amplifies anti-Ukraine rhetoric and supports Russia, fits neatly into this broader Kremlin strategy.
While Swann claims his work for Russian media is separate from his U.S. journalism, the overlap between his ventures suggests a coordinated effort to influence American and global audiences. The viral spread of “Zelenskyy Unmasked” highlights the growing role of social media influencers in shaping public opinion, often without transparency regarding their financial backing.
Kremlin Propaganda and Its Impact on U.S. Elections
The implications of Swann’s work go beyond Ukraine. Russian disinformation experts have warned that these campaigns increasingly seek to bolster support for Donald Trump, who has criticized U.S. support for Ukraine and praised Russian President Vladimir Putin. Swann’s videos align with this goal, sowing doubt about the war and amplifying Kremlin talking points.
The success of “Zelenskyy Unmasked” underscores how Russia’s disinformation efforts have evolved, using influencers and digital platforms to spread its narrative, raising serious concerns about transparency and foreign influence in both domestic and international affairs.