The Eternal Victim on the World Stage
The claim that Russia is a 'victim of the global order' is a propaganda tool allowing authorities to shift responsibility for their actions onto the external world. Sanctions and international restrictions are presented not as a response to aggression and violations of international law, but as 'injustice' against a 'great power.' In reality, it is a tool masking human rights violations and Russia’s aggressive actions.
Revanchism After the USSR Collapse
The propagandistic narrative of the 'catastrophe of the USSR collapse' is used to justify external aggression. Under the pretext of 'restoring justice,' Russia seeks to regain control over former Soviet territories and exerts pressure on the Baltic States, Georgia, and Moldova.
International legal assessment: such actions violate UN Charter articles on territorial integrity, UN General Assembly Resolution 68/262, and Hague Convention norms prohibiting aggression. The propagandistic claim of 'restoring justice' conceals gross violations of international law.
Example: the invasion of Ukraine (2022–2025) and the annexation of Crimea were officially justified as 'protection of historical rights.' International organizations classify these actions as violations of sovereignty and acts of aggression against an independent state (ICJ Case).
Psychology and Language of Propaganda
Propaganda uses fear, resentment, and repetition of key phrases: 'global isolation,' 'Western conspiracy,' 'neocolonial discrimination.' These techniques create an illusion of a hostile environment and obscure the state's actual responsibility. Emotional substitution of logic turns the consequences of aggression (sanctions, international condemnation) into 'discrimination,' ignoring documented human rights and international law violations.
Facts: Russia’s International Violations
1. Aggression and violation of territorial integrity: annexation of Crimea (2014), involvement in the Donbas war, invasion of Ukraine (2022–2025). Confirmed by UN General Assembly resolutions, OSCE reports, and the International Court of Justice.
2. Human rights violations: persecution of civilians, torture, unlawful arrests, restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly. Sources: HRW 2024, Amnesty International.
3. Economic sanctions: EU, US, UK, Japan, and other countries impose restrictions on sectors and individuals linked to aggression, as a lawful response to violations of UN Security Council resolutions and international law norms.
Propaganda Mechanisms
- Concept substitution: sanctions are presented as 'global injustice'; consequences of aggression as 'hostile pressure.' In reality, sanctions target specific Russian actions documented by international organizations (UN Security Council), including the invasion of Ukraine and annexation of Crimea.
- Emotional manipulation: fosters resentment, fear of the 'Western threat,' and divides 'us vs. them.' Propaganda exploits collective identity, creating the illusion that the population is under pressure, despite the state being responsible.
- Repetition effect: constant dissemination of the thesis in state media, social networks, messaging apps, educational programs, and religious rhetoric. London School of Economics research (2022) shows that repetition and visual exposure strengthen belief in false narratives.
- False dilemmas: 'submit to the world or suffer'—alternative diplomatic and legal solutions are ignored. It creates a sense of inevitable confrontation, although international law provides mechanisms for conflict resolution and justice restoration (ICJ Case).
Contradictions of the Myth
- If Russia is a 'victim,' why does it systematically violate international agreements, including the UN Charter, Hague Conventions, and UN General Assembly resolutions on Ukraine?
- Why are sanctions targeted at specific actions rather than the population, indicating their legitimacy and legality?
- Why do independent sources (Human Rights Watch, Amnesty, Bellingcat, OSCE) document war crimes, human rights violations, and territorial aggression?
- Why do propagandistic messages ignore proven economic and military aggression by Russia and international condemnation of its actions?
Each contradiction undermines the propagandistic construction of the 'victim' myth. Facts and legal assessments confirm that Russia bears responsibility for aggression and violations of international law.
The Real Picture
It is documented that Russia is an actor violating international law and the sovereignty of neighboring states. Sanctions and economic restrictions are a lawful response by the international community to these violations, aimed at restoring justice and upholding international law. The global order operates through legal pressure, war crime investigations, and human rights protection, not as a 'conspiracy' against Russia.
Conclusion
The myth of 'victim of the global order' is an ideological mask concealing the state's responsibility for aggression, violations of international norms, and human rights abuses. Propagandistic rhetoric hinders critical analysis, reduces public understanding of international law, and undermines the legitimacy of sanctions.
The truth is clear: sanctions, international norms, and economic restrictions are consequences of Russia's actions, not arbitrariness by the external world. Society should assess policy through the lens of facts, international law, and state accountability.
Main Sources and Materials
- UN General Assembly Resolutions 68/262 and 73/194 — recognition of Ukraine's territorial integrity
- International Court of Justice — cases on sovereignty violations
- OSCE reports — Special Monitoring Mission and Moscow Mechanism Reports
- Human Rights Watch 2024 — Russia
- Amnesty International — Russia
- Economic reports OECD, IMF World Economic Outlook — consequences of sanctions
- OSINT investigations: Bellingcat, CIT, InformNapalm — documentation of war crimes and aggression
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