Hot topics of Russian disinfo: “Strong regional leader Kernes” made into an icon of federalism. Issue #29
Not surprisingly, coronavirus dominated the media last week. There were many critical publications in conscientious media, too: transportation collapse in Kyiv, pumped up prices for masks, criticism of medical reform. However, contrary to media ethics, disinformers used them to sow panic, emotionally devaluing power, opposing "inefficient Ukrainians" to the whole other "civilized" world, and spreading apocalyptic predictions. They also criticized Zelensky, fantasized about Ukraine's foreign governance and once again resumed discourse on the federalization of Ukraine, either inventing "coronavirus federalism" or inflating nationwide a petty conflict between Kharkiv region officials.Period: March 16—22, 2020