Essence of the Thesis and Its Purpose
The thesis that Ukraine is "territory, not a state" aims to distort reality. Millions of citizens building institutions, defending sovereignty, and electing authorities are reduced to "geographical area." The goal is to legitimize seizure and propose the West the idea of a "division of spheres of influence."
Psychological and Rhetorical Mechanisms
Repetition of the word "territory" creates a sense of learned helplessness. The false dilemma "either Ukraine as territory or Russia as the guardian of order" forms a mental pattern where any resistance is portrayed as violating "historical justice."
Telegram channels and bots propagate the thesis of "might makes right," ignoring international law.
Historical and Legal Facts
Ukraine has been sovereign since 1991 and recognized by all UN members (GA Resolution 46/182). The Constitution, independent institutions, and the armed forces confirm its statehood (see International Crisis Group, Human Rights Watch).
Attempts to present the country as "territory" ignore these legal and political realities.
Cultural and Historical Code
Propagandists appeal to history and geography, substituting identity with territorial belonging. The history of Kyivan Rus and Soviet administrative decisions are presented as "proof" of belonging to Russia. Ukrainian language, culture, and European integration are depicted as "artificial tools of the West."
Facts refute this: research by the Ukrainian Institute of National Memory and OSCE reports confirm a stable Ukrainian identity.
Logical and Linguistic Traps
If Ukraine is "territory," its residents are deprived of self-determination—a contradiction to international law (Article 1 of the UN Charter). Pseudoscientific tone and historical simplifications create an illusion of objectivity while ignoring independent sources.
Internal Contradictions
If Ukraine is merely a territory, why the occupation, sanctions, and propaganda against the international community? Any logic dismantles the Kremlin’s "geographical" argument.
Conclusion
The thesis of "territory" is disinformation and a tool of psychological pressure. Mechanisms: repetition, substitution of concepts, emotional pressure, polarization. The Kremlin's goal is to justify aggression, demoralize Ukrainian society, and incline the West to a "division of spheres of influence." The falsity of the thesis is evident, and its danger lies in undermining international law and justifying violence.
Key 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.
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Last modified date: 25/11/2025