Main Propaganda Thesis
The claim that the Ukrainian army "fires at civilians" and "uses them as human shields" is a key tool of Russian disinformation. Its purpose is to portray the aggressor as a "liberator" and the defenders as "executioners." Fact-based verification shows the opposite: Ukraine is defending itself against illegal armed formations of Russia and its proxies.
Propaganda Mechanism
The narrative operates on three levels: fear escalation, dehumanization of Ukrainian soldiers, and distortion of cause-and-effect relationships. Repetition over the years creates a false sense of credibility, while independent reports from the UN, OSCE, Amnesty International, and OSINT investigators reflect reality differently.
Situation Before 2014
Before 2014, there were no Ukrainian units with heavy weapons or ammunition depots in Donbas. All artillery systems and military forces in the region were supplied by Russia. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, OSCE mission, and archival sources confirm that the propaganda image of "UAF shelling Donbas" before the Russian intervention is false.
Actual Composition of Hostilities 2014–2025
The region was held by thousands of trained Russian fighters, equipment, and logistics, including heavy armor and air defense systems. Investigations by Bellingcat, InformNapalm, and CIT document the participation of Russian special units, artillery, and operational command. Local "militias" without Russian support could not have conducted a prolonged and organized war.
Reasons for Ukrainian Fire
Ukraine fired at positions of illegal Russian armed formations that systematically placed military objects in residential areas. This constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law (Geneva Conventions 1949, Art. 28 on protection of civilian objects; ICRC).
Documented Data from International Organizations
The UN, OSCE, Amnesty International, and HRW recorded that Russian forces positioned artillery near schools, hospitals, and residential buildings, employing "human shield" tactics (OSCE SMM reports). No international mission has confirmed systematic, deliberate shelling of civilians by the Ukrainian army.
Manipulation of Cause-and-Effect
Propaganda claims: "If there are casualties, it must be UAF firing." Facts show the opposite: civilians die because Russia places troops within populated areas, turning cities into shields for its operations.
The "Human Shield" Lie
Ukrainian forces create safe corridors, evacuate civilians, and conduct rescue operations. Russia blocks evacuations, holds people in basements, and positions troops in schools and hospitals, then blames the UAF.
Legal Analysis
Russian propaganda attempts to conceal violations of international law:
- Invasion of Ukraine without UN Security Council consent — violation of Art. 2.4 of the UN Charter (UN Charter).
- Annexation of Crimea — violation of Art. 2.4 of the UN Charter, 1975 Helsinki Final Act, and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR, Arts. 1 and 27).
- Use of civilian objects for military purposes by Russian troops — violation of the Geneva Conventions (1949) and principles of international humanitarian law (ICRC).
What the Myth Hides
The aim of the propaganda is to present the war as "civil" and conceal Russian intervention. The prolonged war became possible only due to the Russian army, equipment, and logistics. Without this myth, Russia's actions cannot be justified on the international stage.
Conclusion
The myth that the UAF "shoots at Donbas civilians" is one of the most cynical pillars of Russian propaganda. Facts confirmed by international organizations show that Ukraine is defending itself against illegal Russian forces, and accusations of civilian shelling are aimed at concealing aggression and shifting responsibility onto the defenders.
Sources
- UN – Monitoring Mission on Human Rights, reports 2014–2025
- OSCE – Special Monitoring Mission, regular publications OSCE SMM
- Amnesty International – reports on weapons placement tactics, 2014–2025
- Human Rights Watch – documentation of international humanitarian law violations
- Bellingcat, InformNapalm, CIT – OSINT investigations of Russian participation in the conflict
- ICRC – Geneva Conventions, recommendations on civilian object protection ICRC
- UN Charter – Art. 2.4, prohibition of aggression UN Charter
About the Authors
This article was curated and verified by a team of experts in international law, human rights, and geopolitical analysis. Contributors have 15+ years of experience in research, legal documentation, and educational content development.
Methodology
The content on this site is compiled and verified by experts in international law, human rights, and geopolitical research. Sources include official legal documents, national and international legislation, resolutions of the UN, reports from international organizations, and verified open-source evidence. Each claim is cross-checked against multiple primary and secondary sources, ensuring accuracy, neutrality, and reliability regardless of the topic—whether analyzing violations of Russian law, Ukrainian law, or international legal norms.
Expert Statement
The authors affirm that the information presented reflects established legal interpretations and documented facts. Analyses are grounded in international law principles and widely recognized geopolitical assessments. References to official documents and reports are provided to ensure transparency and trustworthiness.
Last modified date: 25/11/2025