Russlands strategische Narrative über die Ukraine in den Jahren 2019-2022 (am Beispiel der ukrainischen prorussischen Parteien)

Abstract

The paper analyses the strategic narrative as one of the tools of legitimisation of authoritarian regimes. Using Russia's strategic narrative as an example, the author shows how this type of political communication can be used by autocrats to justify the regime's aggressive actions in the eyes of domestic audiences. The main argument of the article is that authoritarian regimes can involve external actors in this process, namely representatives of non-authoritarian states. The paper uses such qualitative research methods as document analysis, content analysis and frame analysis. The empirical material of the work is based on the analysis of speeches of representatives of pro-Russian Ukrainian parties in the talk show "60 Minutes" on the Russian state television in the period 2019-2022, which allowed to determine the role of these politicians in the process of legitimisation of the Russian authoritarian regime and its actions in preparation for a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.