Ukrainians in Italy act to counter mass Russian information campaign

Russia is implementing a large-scale pro-Kremlin propaganda campaign in Italy, placing street advertisements in hundreds of towns and villages across the northern region. These ads feature the message, “Do not consider Russia an enemy,” said Tamara Pozdnyakova, head of the Lastivka Social Promotion Association, in an interview with the Ukrainian World Congress. 

“On the banners, there are two hands – one painted in the colors of the Russian flag and the other in the Italian flag. They also read, ‘Russia is not our enemy,’” Pozdnyakova said.

They have been discovered in cities such as Rome, Verona, and Portogruaro.

In response, the Ukrainian community quickly moved to counter the Russian propaganda campaign, sending letters to local authorities and spreading information through local media.

“In our town of San Donà di Piave, a small provincial city near Venice, these posters are everywhere. We immediately responded by writing to the mayor and alerting journalists,” Pozdnyakova said.

As a result, local police, at the request of Mayor Alberto Teso, removed the pro-Russian banners. However, similar banners can be found in almost every town and village in the northern part of the country. They are prevalent in many communities, Pozdnyakova said.

“Naturally, Ukrainians aren’t present everywhere, so no one is demanding their removal. But we have done our best to cover as much ground as possible to ensure these banners are taken down,” she added.

Pozdnyakova also urged other Ukrainian community organizations in Italy to raise awareness and counter this pro-Kremlin campaign.