Leaders | Speaking truth to Putin

Russian “offshore journalists” need help, not hindrance

Europe should let them do their jobs

Mandatory Credit: Photo by TOMS KALNINS/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock (12928289e)A woman reads a copy of Novaya Gazeta's European version newspaper, at a flat in Riga, Latvia, 06 May 2022. Anti-Kremlin newspaper Novaya Gazeta had suspended publication in Russia under pressure from the authorities. On 06 May, the first print edition of Novaya Gazeta Europa appeared in Latvia.Anti-Kremlin newspaper Novaya Gazeta Europa is published in Latvia, Riga - 06 May 2022

Nov 24th 2022

Most wars are accompanied by propaganda, aimed at breaking the enemy’s will to fight. Much of Vladimir Putin’s propaganda is targeted at his own people. As well as mobilising supporters, its purpose is to demoralise opponents of the war and break their will. Mr Putin’s assault on Ukraine would have been impossible without years of sustained assault on the minds of the Russian public, many of whom have swallowed his story that he is defending Russia from Western aggression, rather than invading a neighbour without provocation.

This article appeared in the Leaders section of the print edition under the headline “Let them shout”