Russia is using UN mechanisms to expand its propaganda network around the world
Russia has learned to cynically exploit the United Nations’ international bodies as a convenient cover for expanding its own geopolitical influence.
This time, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has become the Kremlin’s primary tool for brainwashing and spreading propaganda in African countries.
In January 2026, Russia’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO announced a so-called “voluntary contribution” of $250,000.
Moscow directed these funds to the budget of the International Programme for the Development of Communication—the only multilateral forum within the UN system created to provide financial and technical support to independent media in developing countries.
Officially, the Kremlin declared noble goals that fully align with UNESCO’s humanitarian mandate: the development of free and independent journalism, the fight against online violence, and the improvement of the general media literacy of the population.
However, behind the flowery rhetoric lies a blatant attempt to co-opt the media landscape. Funding through UN programs gives the donor a legal opportunity to shape the content of future projects, set thematic priorities, and establish the desired ideological focus.
Russia’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Rinat Alyautdinov, has already openly and publicly declared the “absolute priority of Africa” in current Kremlin programs.
According to information from the organization’s official documents, during 2026–2027, Russia plans to use grants to completely reshape the information space in five key countries on the continent—Mali, Malawi, Ghana, Kenya, and Senegal—to suit its own interests.
This was officially reported by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
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