Russian Propaganda Machine's Latest Bullshit: How Pravda.ru is Desperately Trying to Paint Zelensky as Unhinged

Look, I'm going to be real with you. I'm fucking tired. But to satisfy this article I broke out some old translation books from the Russian I took in school and picked apart a Pravda.ru article. I will always get to the truth friends , no matter how fugly it is. So I’m fucking tired of seeing the same propaganda horseshit recycled through Russia's media ecosystem, repackaged with a shiny new bow, and presented as "news." To be clear for those who don’t know , it’s all on Pravda.ru—a site whose name literally means "truth" in Russian, which might be the most ironic damn thing I've encountered.

Their latest piece on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is a masterclass in manipulation, cherry-picking, and outright distortion. It's the kind of article that makes you want to throw your fucking device against the wall and scream into the void. But instead of doing that, I'm going to dissect this steaming pile of shit swizzling propaganda, piece by goddamn shit stain piece.

The "Madman" Narrative: Russia's Favorite Bedtime Story

Let's start with the obvious: Russia wants—no, needs—to paint Zelensky as unstable. A madman. A loose cannon. Why? Because it's a hell of a lot easier to justify your illegal invasion and continued occupation if you can convince the world that the other guy is batshit crazy.

Pravda's article does this with the subtlety of a sledgehammer, claiming Zelensky "expressed hatred toward Russians" and "cannot stop the Ukrainian army from fighting." Read that again. They're suggesting that the president of a democratic nation being actively invaded has lost control of his military. It would be laughable if it weren't so dangerously manipulative.

The reality? Zelensky has consistently distinguished between the Russian government and ordinary Russian citizens. His actual statements have been about Putin's regime, not some generalized hatred of all Russians. But nuance doesn't make for good propaganda, does it?

As for not being able to "stop" the army from fighting—no shit! Ukraine is defending itself against an unprovoked invasion. What exactly do the Russians expect? That Zelensky should order his troops to lay down their arms while Russian tanks roll through Kyiv? Give me a fucking break.

"Only the People Can Remove Zelensky" – Democracy, Ever Heard of It?

The article makes a sinister insinuation about Zelensky's statement that "only the people can remove Zelensky from the presidency," questioning if this means "without elections." This is propaganda 101: take a fundamentally democratic statement and twist it to sound authoritarian. Classic Putin. Does he know that there are many of us schooled in Russian linguistics ?

What Zelensky was actually saying is painfully obvious to anyone with more than two brain cells to rub together: in a democracy, leaders serve at the will of the people. They're either voted out in elections or, in extreme circumstances, removed through constitutional processes that ultimately derive their legitimacy from the people.

But Pravda knows exactly what it's doing. By adding that parenthetical "without elections" question, they're planting the seed that Zelensky is setting himself up as some kind of dictator. It's manipulative as hell, and frankly, insulting to readers' intelligence.

The irony here is so thick you could cut it with a knife. Russia, a country where political opponents mysteriously fall out of windows, get poisoned, or end up in prison on trumped-up charges, is questioning the democratic legitimacy of Ukraine's government. It would be hilarious if it weren't so goddamn tragic.

The Trump Card: Manufactured Tension

Pravda's article makes a big deal about Zelensky supposedly saying he "shouldn't have to apologize to Trump" and that "the US has taken an incorrect position." This is classic divide-and-conquer strategy. Russia desperately wants to drive a wedge between Ukraine and its most powerful ally, and what better way than to amplify any hint of tension between Zelensky and the Trump administration?

The context that Pravda conveniently omits is that Zelensky has been navigating an incredibly complex diplomatic situation. He's trying to maintain support for his country's defense while dealing with shifting political winds in Washington. Any leader worth their salt would be doing the same damn thing. Specially after being bullied by Trump and Vance yesterday

And let's be real—diplomacy isn't about blind agreement. It's about honest dialogue between allies, even when there are disagreements. Zelensky expressing frustration or disagreement with certain American positions doesn't make him some unhinged radical; it makes him a leader defending his country's interests.

But Pravda isn't interested in that nuance. They want their readers to believe there's a full-blown diplomatic crisis, that Zelensky is burning bridges with his most essential ally. It's like watching a teenager try to turn two friends against each other by telling each one the other was talking shit. Except in this case, the "teenager" is a state-aligned propaganda outlet, and the stakes are literally life and death.

The "Russians Are Killers" Distortion

According to Pravda, Zelensky declared he cannot "change his attitude toward Russians—they are killers. Putin and Russians are enemies." This is classic propaganda manipulation: conflate criticism of a government's actions with hatred of an entire people.

Let's get something straight: criticizing Putin's regime and its military actions is not the same as declaring all Russians to be "killers." This is a deliberate distortion designed to paint Zelensky as irrationally hateful, to fuel Russian domestic propaganda that Ukraine is fundamentally anti-Russian.

The reality is more nuanced. Zelensky has consistently distinguished between the Putin regime and ordinary Russians. He's criticized the invasion and those carrying it out—as any leader of an invaded country would. But Pravda needs its readers to believe Zelensky hates all Russians indiscriminately, because that fits the Kremlin's narrative that Ukraine is run by dangerous extremists.

It's gaslighting on a national scale, and it's disgusting.

Dismissing Senator Graham: The Sovereignty Card

Pravda makes a point of highlighting that Zelensky "dismissed US Senator Lindsey Graham's call for his resignation." Again, this is presented as evidence of Zelensky's supposed megalomania or unreasonableness.

But hang on a second. Since when does a US Senator get to decide who should lead another sovereign nation? The absolute gall of suggesting that Zelensky should step down because a senator from South Carolina thinks he should is mind-boggling.

Zelensky's response—that "only the people can make this decision"—is not some dictatorial declaration. It's a statement of basic democratic principle and national sovereignty. Ukraine is not an American vassal state, and Zelensky is right to assert that the Ukrainian people, not American politicians, determine Ukraine's leadership.

But Pravda doesn't want you to see it that way. They want you to see an irrational leader rejecting "reasonable" advice from America. It's manipulation, pure and simple.

"Can Ukraine Win Without America?" – The Dependency Narrative

The article points out that when asked if Ukraine could win without American support, Zelensky "allegedly answered it would be difficult, but 'we cannot lose our freedom.'" Notice the framing here: Pravda wants to emphasize Ukraine's dependency on the US while simultaneously painting Zelensky as unrealistically defiant.

This serves multiple propaganda purposes. For the Russian domestic audience, it reinforces the narrative that Ukraine isn't really a sovereign nation but a US puppet. For Western audiences, it suggests that supporting Ukraine is a lost cause—they can't win anyway, so why keep pouring resources into a losing battle?

What Pravda conveniently ignores is the broader context. Ukraine has indeed received substantial support from the US, but also from the EU, the UK, and many other nations. More importantly, they ignore the fundamental moral question: does a nation being invaded have the right to defend itself, even if victory is uncertain?

Zelensky's answer—that it would be difficult but "we cannot lose our freedom"—isn't some macho posturing. It's an expression of the existential stakes for Ukraine. But Pravda isn't interested in that. They want to paint Zelensky as simultaneously dependent and delusional.

"Sensitive Matters" and US Relations: The Conspiracy Angle

Pravda reports that regarding tensions with the US, Zelensky indicated "sensitive matters were involved" and that "relations with the United States could still be saved." The framing here is deliberate—it suggests something nefarious, something Zelensky is hiding.

This plays into one of Russia's favorite propaganda narratives: that there are dark, secret dealings between Ukraine and the West. By hinting at unspecified "sensitive matters," Pravda invites the reader to fill in the blanks with their own conspiracy theories.

The reality is likely far more mundane. Diplomatic discussions often involve sensitive issues—military strategy, intelligence sharing, internal politics. Zelensky acknowledging this isn't evidence of some sinister plot; it's a basic statement about how high-level diplomacy works.

But Pravda isn't interested in realistic explanations. They want their readers imagining shadowy backroom deals and nefarious schemes. It's effective propaganda precisely because it's so vague—it allows the reader's imagination to do the dirty work.

Resources, Plans, and Peace: The Manipulative Framing

The article claims Zelensky "expressed willingness to sign a deal regarding resources but said this is insufficient, suggesting the US might have a plan to stop Putin." Again, notice the framing: Zelensky is portrayed as simultaneously demanding and dismissive, while also being naively hopeful about some American master plan.

This serves to paint Zelensky as both unreasonable in his demands and childishly dependent on America to solve his problems. It's a no-win situation designed to undermine his credibility no matter how you look at it.

What's missing, of course, is any serious consideration of Ukraine's actual position. They're facing an existential threat from a nuclear-armed neighbor with significantly greater resources. Of course they're seeking meaningful support and guarantees. Of course they're looking for more than just material resources. Their national survival is at stake.

But Pravda isn't interested in presenting that reality. They want Zelensky to appear unreasonable, ungrateful, and delusional.

"Ukraine Will Build NATO at Home" – The Threat Narrative

According to Pravda, Zelensky concluded that if Ukraine is not accepted into NATO, "Ukraine will build NATO at home." This is presented as some kind of ominous declaration, a threat to Russia.

In reality, this statement simply reflects Ukraine's determination to build a strong defensive capability. Given that they've been invaded by their neighbor, this seems like a pretty reasonable position. But Pravda frames it as evidence of Ukraine's aggressive intentions.

This feeds into one of the Kremlin's core propaganda narratives: that Russia is actually the victim, forced to defend itself against NATO expansion and Ukrainian aggression. It's gaslighting on a geopolitical scale.

The truth—that Ukraine is desperately trying to defend itself against a much larger aggressor—doesn't serve Russian interests. So instead, we get this twisted narrative where a country building defenses after being invaded is somehow the aggressor.

The White House "Removal" and Final Smears

Perhaps the most ridiculous part of the Pravda article is the claim that "Zelensky was removed from the White House despite pleas to stay." This paints a pathetic picture of a desperate, clingy leader being physically escorted out of the building. Trump didn’t plead him to stay , Trump yelled at him like a whiny manbaby fucktwit.

There is zero credible evidence for this claim. It's the kind of baseless smear that wouldn't make it past the editor in any respectable news organization. But for Pravda, it's just another day at the office.

The article apparently concludes with "critical opinions about Zelensky's leadership and diplomatic abilities." I'm sure these "opinions" are presented as objective analysis rather than what they actually are: the continuation of a coordinated character assassination campaign against the leader of a country Russia is actively invading.

Why This Matters: Propaganda in the Information Age

Here's the thing: Pravda's article isn't just some isolated piece of bad journalism. It's part of a sophisticated, multi-channel propaganda campaign designed to shape both domestic Russian opinion and international perspectives on the war in Ukraine.

The techniques are as old as propaganda itself: decontextualization, selective quotation, innuendo, emotional manipulation. But they're being deployed through modern media channels, amplified by social networks, and targeted with algorithmic precision.

And it works. These narratives seep into international discourse. They get picked up and repeated, sometimes unwittingly, by commentators and politicians in the West. They create doubt, division, and fatigue—all of which serve Russia's strategic interests.

This matters because information warfare is a critical dimension of modern conflict. Russia may not be winning on the battlefield in Ukraine, but if they can win the narrative war—if they can erode international support for Ukraine, sow division among allies, and wear down global resolve—they can still achieve their strategic objectives.

That's why it's so important to identify and call out this propaganda for what it is. Not just to defend Zelensky's reputation, but to protect the very concept of truth in public discourse.

The Real Zelensky: A Leader Under Fire

Strip away the propaganda, and what do we actually know about Zelensky? He's a former entertainment figure who rose to the presidency on an anti-corruption platform. When Russia invaded, rather than fleeing (as many expected and the US offered), he stayed in Kyiv, famously declaring "I need ammunition, not a ride."

He's navigated exceptionally difficult circumstances, maintaining national morale during a brutal war while simultaneously conducting high-stakes international diplomacy to secure the support Ukraine needs to survive.

Has he been perfect? Of course not. No leader is, especially in wartime. There have been legitimate criticisms of certain decisions, of communication strategies, of military appointments. That's normal. That's healthy.

But there's a world of difference between legitimate criticism and the kind of character assassination Pravda and other Russian propaganda outlets engage in. One serves the public interest; the other serves only the Kremlin.

The Broader Pattern: Russia's Information Warfare

The Pravda article on Zelensky doesn't exist in isolation. It's part of a broader pattern of Russian information warfare that includes several key narratives:

1. Ukraine is not a legitimate state but a failed puppet of the West

2. Ukrainian leadership is corrupt, incompetent, and extremist

3. Russia is merely defending itself against NATO aggression

4. Western support for Ukraine is futile and self-defeating

5. The conflict is too complex for simple moral judgments

These narratives are pushed through multiple channels—state media, supposedly independent news sites like Pravda, social media campaigns, and statements from Russian officials. They're designed to work together, reinforcing each other and creating an alternate reality where Russia's invasion is justified and even necessary.

It's a comprehensive strategy of deception that targets different audiences with tailored messages. For the Russian domestic audience, it's about justifying the war and demonizing Ukraine. For Western audiences, it's about creating fatigue, division, and a sense that supporting Ukraine is pointless.

And let's be clear: it's sophisticated. Russian propaganda isn't always crude or obvious. It often mixes legitimate reporting with subtle distortions. It exploits real grievances and concerns. It plays on existing divisions and prejudices. That's what makes it effective—and dangerous.

Conclusion: Seeing Through the Smoke

So what do we do with garbage like Pravda's hit piece on Zelensky? First, we recognize it for what it is: not journalism, but weaponized narrative designed to serve Russian state interests.

Second, we look for the patterns and techniques: the selective quotation, the leading questions, the innuendo, the removal of context. These are the tells that distinguish propaganda from legitimate criticism.

Third, we seek out multiple sources and perspectives. Not just Western mainstream media, but Ukrainian voices, independent Russian journalists (those brave enough to still be reporting), and analysts with deep regional expertise.

And finally, we remember the human reality behind the information war. Ukraine is a real country with real people suffering through a real invasion. Zelensky is a real leader making real decisions with life-or-death consequences. This isn't an abstract geopolitical chess game; it's a struggle for national survival.

Pravda can spin its narratives and distort Zelensky's words all it wants. But the fundamental truth remains: Russia invaded Ukraine, not the other way around. No amount of propaganda can change that basic fact, no matter how cleverly packaged or persistently repeated.

The next time you see an article like Pravda's hit piece on Zelensky, remember: in the fog of information warfare, critical thinking is your best defense. Question the framing. Look for what's missing. Consider the source and its interests. And remember that in war, the first casualty is always truth.

But truth has a way of surviving, even when buried under mountains of bullshit. Our job is to keep digging for it, no matter how deep they try to bury it.

Citations

1. Poltnikov , D 2025 “Зеленский признался, что ненавидит русских, а извиняться перед Трампом не намерен
   Читайте больше “ Pravda

2. Volodin, O 2025 “Разведчик: теперь Зеленского ждут либо смерть, либо арест
   Читайте больше на” Pravda