European Parliament: Russia falsifies history to justify aggression

Russia systematically distorts historical facts as a weapon in its hybrid war against Ukraine, according to a resolution adopted by the European Parliament on Jan. 23, the Ukrainian service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reports.  

The resolution addresses the Kremlin’s disinformation campaign and the falsification of history. European lawmakers stressed that this toolbox is used to manipulate public opinion and justify the ongoing war against Ukraine.  

Debates held in the Strasbourg-based parliament at the end of 2024 preceded the adoption of the resolution.  

“For the first time, the resolution exposes the ideological dimension of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, including the regime’s manipulation of historical facts and the dissemination of disinformation to support its illegal war against Ukraine,” the Ukrainian parliament noted.  

By employing tools of disinformation and dissemination of propaganda, Russia seeks to deny the existence of the Ukrainian nation and statehood, European lawmakers emphasized.  

“Disinformation is a fundamental part of Russia’s military activity. The front line of this hybrid war cuts through our democracies, universities, parliaments, media, and other institutions. It aims to sow distrust and deepen internal divisions,” said Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Security and Foreign Policy.  

The resolution also condemns the ideology of the “Russkiy Mir” (Russian World), calling it imperialistic and a denial of Ukraine’s right to independence and national identity.  

The European Parliament noted that Russian propaganda seeks to rewrite not only Ukraine’s history but also the history of other European countries. The Kremlin denies the occupation of the Baltic States in 1940, falsely claiming they “voluntarily joined” the USSR.  

“In Poland’s case, it continues to deny responsibility for the Katyn massacre and attempts to portray the 1939 invasion as ‘liberation.’ Regarding the Czech Republic and Slovakia, it spreads the narrative that the 1968 invasion was allegedly caused by Ukrainians [serving in Soviet military] units and the Politburo of the Communist Party,” RFE/RL reports.  

Russia has not only avoided accountability for atrocities and crimes committed in territories occupied by the Soviet Union but also weaponizes history, fostering a “victory” cult over World War II to ideologically mobilize and manipulate its citizens in support of its illegal war against Ukraine, the resolution states.  

Lawmakers called for stronger efforts to counter Russian disinformation and support independent media. The resolution also underscored the importance of preserving historical truth and combating attempts to justify aggression through the distortion of historical facts.