Ukrainians in France help counter Russian propaganda, says Kogutyak

The Ukrainian community in France is diligently working with local authorities to expose and counter Russian propaganda, Volodymyr Kogutyak, UWC Vice President for Western Europe and Association of Ukrainians in France (AUF) Vice President, told the UWC.

According to him, Ukrainian organizations are on the front lines of the information struggle by monitoring cultural, social, and political initiatives that may serve as tools of Russian influence in France. He cited a recent case in which an exhibition of paintings by a Russian artist was scheduled to take place near Paris. 

“As soon as we learned about it, I sent a letter with documentation proving that the artist works for Russian propaganda. The local authorities canceled the event. You have to act constantly: write letters, meet with officials, present arguments and evidence,” Kogutyak told Suspilne.

Kogutyak noted that these efforts are beginning to shift attitudes. While Russian cultural initiatives once drew large audiences in France, turnout has dropped sharply. 

“Where once large halls would fill for performances by Russian artists, today only a small group attends, people who fully support Putin and Russia. Of course, we can’t convince them anymore,” Kogutyak said.

France has long been a stage for Russian soft power, from cultural diplomacy to organized rallies, but since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, French authorities have come under pressure to scrutinize such activities more closely. Ukrainian organizations see themselves as crucial partners in that effort. 

Kogutyak said that Ukrainian organizations in France are now focusing their efforts on a campaign to have the government recognize Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism.

“Once France officially recognizes Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism, it will be able to legally block many pro-Russian events and demonstrations,” Kogutyak said.