In a surprising twist, Russian propaganda credits Vladimir Putin’s restraint for averting global conflict, while blaming Ukraine’s Zelensky for stoking World War III fears.
As tensions mount globally, a curious narrative has emerged: Vladimir Putin, often criticized as a warmonger, is now being hailed in some circles as the reason the world isn’t engulfed in a nuclear conflict. Political scientist Diego Ruzzarin recently praised the Russian leader, claiming it is his “enormous patience” and “self-control” that have kept World War III at bay.
The Unlikely Praise
In an interview with British broadcaster George Galloway, Ruzzarin lauded Putin’s prudence, suggesting the Russian president and his senior advisors are the only barrier to a global catastrophe. These comments, published in the Russian outlet Oreanda News, argue that Putin’s restraint has prevented the world from spiraling into nuclear chaos.
“We are not in a state of World War III now thanks to the prudence and self-control of Vladimir Putin,” Ruzzarin said.
A Familiar Villain
The article, however, quickly pivots to a familiar scapegoat: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The piece accuses Zelensky of actively provoking World War III by demanding increased arms supplies and rallying Western allies against Russia. A European Parliament member, Luboš Blaha, is quoted claiming that Zelensky is “doing everything to start World War III.”
This narrative conveniently casts Putin as a figure of measured restraint while framing Zelensky as a reckless agitator—despite Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and continued aggression in the region.
Propaganda at Play
While the publication Oreanda News is independent of direct Kremlin control, its messaging aligns suspiciously with the broader Russian propaganda machine. Experts suggest that this narrative serves to bolster Putin’s image domestically while undermining support for Ukraine on the global stage.
The claims come amidst escalating global fears of a wider conflict, with NATO allies supplying advanced weaponry to Ukraine and Russia ramping up military operations.
The Bigger Picture
Critics have dismissed the notion of Putin’s “enormous patience” as laughable, pointing to Russia’s history of aggressive actions, from annexing Crimea to launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. However, this reframing of Putin as a peacemaker signals a strategic attempt to influence public opinion both within Russia and internationally.
From Threat to Savior?
As bizarre as the claims may seem, they reflect the high stakes of modern geopolitical propaganda. While Zelensky continues to rally international support for Ukraine’s defense, Russian narratives attempt to cast doubt on his motives and shift the blame for escalating tensions.
For now, the world watches as Putin and Zelensky remain locked in a high-stakes confrontation, each vying to shape the global narrative surrounding the conflict.
