Can Ukraine Win Its Information War With Russia?
Smutok’s rival, RT, also started out in 2005 by telling positive stories about Russian history and culture—no one cared and ratings were terrible. Gradually, RT changed its strategy, becoming a platform for Western conspiracy-theorists, far-right nationalists, and far-left radicals who sympathize with Russia. The formula works: RT claims that it now reaches more than 644 million people worldwide, and it can slip in messages about Kremlin policy between more popular programming.