Russian Narratives: Denazification of Ukraine – A Narrative Since 2022

A special miniseries from the podcast 4 Minutes reveals how the Russian Federation uses words as weapons. We focus on narratives – stories that reshape reality, divide society, and undermine trust in democratic institutions. Step by step, we explore how these narratives arise, why they work, and how to resist them. Each episode is about four minutes long and focuses on a specific story, claim, or method of manipulation. This series is for anyone seeking to understand not just propaganda, but how modern wars are fought – without bullets, using words. 

Transcript

We continue our special mini-series Russian Narratives, where we examine, step by step, how certain stories shape the worldview of millions. Today we focus on one of the most controversial and frequently repeated narratives that emerged with the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022: the so-called denazification of Ukraine. This narrative claims that Russia is not waging war for territory, influence, or power, but is protecting the world from a resurgence of Nazism. It taps into powerful historical emotions and the collective memory of World War II, reinterpreting the past to serve present-day geopolitical goals.

In the opening hours of the February 2022 invasion, Vladimir Putin used the word "denazification" when announcing the launch of a "special military operation" in Ukraine. In his speech, he claimed that the goal was to rid Ukraine of a Nazi regime that was allegedly oppressing Russian-speaking citizens and threatening the very existence of the Russian nation. The language was carefully chosen. In a country where the 1945 victory over Nazism remains a cornerstone of national identity, the word “Nazi” still holds enormous emotional weight. It is not just an insult—it is a declaration of absolute evil.

Russian propaganda has systematically tried to reinforce this narrative. Reports emerged about alleged neo-Nazi groups in Ukraine, especially the Azov Regiment, which was portrayed as a symbol of Ukrainian fascism. Old photos featuring extremist symbols were taken out of context, without regard for their real meaning or scale. State media like RT and Sputnik repeatedly exaggerated signs of nationalism, equating patriotism with extremism. As a result, large parts of the Russian public came to believe that Ukraine was ruled by a fascist regime and that the Russian army was acting as a liberator.

But this denazification narrative is not only aimed at the domestic audience. It is also targeted at the international stage, especially in countries that experienced the horrors of Nazi occupation. In these regions, the narrative can be powerful precisely because it evokes historical associations and emotional responses. Nazism is universally condemned, and accusing someone of it can lend a sense of moral legitimacy to Russian actions—even when there is no credible evidence. This narrative also serves to distract from the real causes of the war: Russian aggression, the violation of international law, and imperial ambitions.

What's particularly striking is how often this story contradicts reality. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is himself of Jewish heritage, and his family lost members in the Holocaust. Ukraine is a pluralistic democratic country with a functioning opposition and independent media. And yet, the entire system is labeled as Nazi. This shows that the goal is not to convince with facts but to mobilize through emotion. It’s about creating an enemy that no one dares to defend.

Another layer of manipulation is that Russia presents its own war crimes as part of the fight against evil. Bombing cities, deporting civilians, torture, and killings are all framed as "necessary steps" in the battle against fascism. This shifts moral responsibility away from the perpetrators and onto the victims. A black-and-white world is constructed, where everything Russia does is righteous, and everything Ukraine does is criminal.

Denazification also serves to justify occupation, reeducation, and cultural erasure. In areas under Russian control, school curricula are rewritten, Ukrainian symbols are banned, monuments are torn down and replaced. History is rewritten to fit the narrative of "liberation from Nazis." It’s a dangerous model that exploits historical memory, replaces past with present, and undermines reality itself.

It's important to remember that terms like “Nazi” or “denazification” in this context are not used descriptively—they are tools of manipulation. They are not terms with clear definitions but weapons in an information war. By repeating them, Russia aims to construct a worldview in which the aggressor is seen as a liberator and the victim as a threat.

Thank you for listening to this episode of Russian Narratives. If you're interested in how propaganda rewrites history, follow us on social media—TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X.

In the next episode, we’ll explore another recurring Russian narrative: Ukraine as a producer of biological weapons and a pawn in a Western conspiracy. We look forward to having you with us.