Russian propaganda creates public support for nuclear war and accuses Western media of escalation: Analysis of October’s top narratives on Russian TV

The War of Words project, an AI tool specializing in processing and analyzing video and audio from Russian propaganda sources, has identified eight main narratives broadcasted on Russian television leading up to the U.S. presidential elections. In October 2024, the term “nuclear” was mentioned 1,284 times across three major channels. Alongside the usual rhetoric about the “threat of NATO expansion” and “response to external threats,” accusations against Western media for “exaggerating and fueling fear around Russia’s nuclear arsenal” have increased, project analysts note. The War of Words’ experts also add that, since 2022, there has not been a single day without discussions of nuclear threats on Russian television.

Top October narratives on Russian TV regarding potential nuclear conflict:

• “The West, particularly the US and NATO, is provoking Russia with regular military exercises and nuclear weapon placements” — portrayed as a threat warranting counter-actions.

• “NATO is expanding, and nuclear facilities could be placed in new areas like Finland and Poland” — presented as a strategic security risk for Russia.

• “Arms supplies to Ukraine, including discussions about possible nuclear status, are dangerous” — framed as a provocation from the West that increases the risk of nuclear conflict.

• “Russia’s defense doctrine is defensive in nature” — broadcasted as a countermeasure to Western threats.

• “Western standards on nuclear threats are double-sided” — used to justify Russia’s nuclear exercises.

• “The risk of unintentional nuclear weapon use is rising due to increased tensions, potential errors, and misunderstandings between sides” — framed as a rationale for aggressive rhetoric and shifting responsibility for catastrophic outcomes.

• “Western media are guilty of exaggerating and stirring up fear around Russia’s nuclear arsenal” — portrayed as an illustration of heightened tensions and a justification for Russia’s negative image.

• “US domestic decisions contribute to escalating international conflicts” — used to justify Russia’s aggressive nuclear rhetoric.

“Russia, as always, plays on contradictions, confusing the viewer — blaming the world for provoking nuclear war, yet speaking of its right to a nuclear strike; expressing outrage at the West’s calls not to fear a Russian nuclear attack, yet asserting it does not intend to strike first; complaining about Western nuclear drills while conducting its own. As a result, people are left confused and ready to justify any decision made by political leaders. Propaganda is still not viewed by the world as a weapon, yet right now, Russia is using it to create public support for nuclear war. This is incredibly dangerous and demands the world’s attention now,” says Volodymyr Borodiansky, founder of the War of Words project and former minister of culture, youth, and sports of Ukraine.

War of Words continues to track the evolution of Russia’s nuclear rhetoric to expose and counter Russian propaganda aimed at destabilizing the international environment and justifying its aggressive policies.

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