Ukraine and the Myth of Non-Agency

The Myth and Its Ideological Function

The narrative that Ukraine is a 'puppet of the West' or a 'NATO instrument' is a core element of Russian propaganda. Its purpose is to strip Ukraine of agency, portray it as a geopolitical pawn, and justify aggression as a 'fight against the West.' In this framework, the Ukrainian people disappear as political actors, and the state ceases to be an independent actor in international relations.

Both variants of the myth — 'Ukraine is controlled by the USA' and 'Ukraine does not make decisions independently' — aim to create the illusion that any actions by Kyiv lack legitimacy and need not be considered in diplomacy. This allows the Kremlin to declare the necessity of 'negotiations with Washington,' while simultaneously denying Ukraine's right to self-defense.

Methods of Dissemination and Psychological Mechanisms

Propaganda employs a strategy of concept substitution: the word 'alliance' is replaced with 'control,' 'cooperation' with 'subordination.' Any diplomatic or defense decision by Ukraine is declared the result of an 'external order.' This is not logic but emotional manipulation, designed to invoke fear of external enemies and reinforce repeated messaging.

Fear — portraying NATO as an omnipotent adversary;
Learned helplessness — audiences become accustomed to the idea that Ukraine 'decides nothing';
Polarization — false dilemma of 'West or Russia';
Emotional substitution for logic — using terms like 'proxy,' 'puppet,' 'colony' instead of factual evidence.

Facts That Debunk the Myth

Independent international bodies (UN, OSCE, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch) confirm that Ukraine operates as a fully sovereign state, independently determining its domestic and foreign policy. No reports or documents indicate external control over the country's governance.

OSINT investigations by Bellingcat and Conflict Intelligence Team show that decisions by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, diplomatic initiatives, defense reforms, and negotiation positions are made in Kyiv, not in allied capitals. Allies provide assistance, but do not govern the country. For example, arms procurement and coordination of deliveries via the USA and EU were initiated by Ukrainian leadership, not imposed externally.

UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/68/262 emphasizes Ukraine's territorial integrity and affirms its sovereignty. International observers from OSCE and Amnesty confirm that decisions regarding defense, humanitarian aid, and diplomacy are made exclusively by Ukrainian authorities.

Legal Basis for Ukraine's Agency

The principles of international law are unequivocal: each state has the right to self-determination, choice of alliances, and foreign policy priorities (UN Charter, Art. 1). Support from partners does not negate sovereignty — this is how modern international relations function.

Ukraine is a subject, not an object of international law: it defines the terms of negotiations, cooperation, and security.

The narrative of 'non-agency' is used to justify aggression, masking it as a 'fight against external influence.' In reality, the violation of Ukraine's sovereignty (Russian invasion) directly contravenes international law (Fourth Geneva Convention, Arts. 2, 27–28; Rome Statute).

Internal Contradictions of the Propaganda Claim

Following the logic of the 'non-agency' propaganda, multiple contradictions arise that cannot be explained:

If Ukraine 'makes no decisions,' why does its population actively resist aggression through mobilization, volunteer initiatives, and territorial defense?
If it is 'under NATO control,' why do Kyiv's negotiation positions often differ from those of individual allies, including issues of arms deliveries, sanctions, and territorial negotiations?
If it is a 'puppet,' why does the Kremlin primarily target Ukrainian society through propaganda and disinformation rather than attempting to directly influence the governments of partner countries?
Why do international observers (UN, OSCE) confirm the independence of decisions by the Ukrainian government and military?

These contradictions demonstrate the complete untenability of the narrative, which is easily refuted by facts, observations, and legal documents.

The Real Picture

Ukraine is a sovereign state actively defending its independence amid external aggression. International support (military, economic, and diplomatic) does not replace the country's political will. As in other alliances, decisions are made jointly with partners, not unilaterally imposed, as evidenced by:

Decisions of the Verkhovna Rada and Presidential decrees of Ukraine;
Operational plans and actions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces based on their own strategic objectives;
Diplomatic initiatives and negotiations fully aligned with Ukrainian interests.

Disinformation about 'non-agency' serves as a tool for dehumanization, justifying aggression, and providing ideological cover for Russian war crimes, including violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention (treatment of civilians) and the Rome Statute of the ICC (Art. 8 — war crimes).

Consequences of Believing the Myth

Accepting the 'non-agency' narrative distorts reality and justifies military aggression against a sovereign state. It dehumanizes Ukrainians, undermines international law, and violates:

UN Charter Art. 2 — prohibiting threats or use of force against territorial integrity and political independence;
Principles of respecting sovereignty and inviolability of state borders;
Norms of international humanitarian law during armed conflict, including protection of civilians, humanitarian objects, and medical personnel (Fourth Geneva Convention);
Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, Art. 8 — accountability for war crimes (Rome Statute).

Thus, the myth of 'non-agency' is used not only for informational manipulation but also as an ideological tool preparing the ground for aggression, legitimizing violations of international law.

Sources and References

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

Ukraine and the Myth of Non-Agency — Consolidated Analytical Review