Why Western Defenders of Russia Are Getting It So Wrong

Westerners defending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine ignore facts, betray democratic values, and fall for one of the most dangerous propaganda machines alive today.

Jul 19, 2025

blue and brown wooden playground — Photo by Алексей Малышев on Unsplash

When a war breaks out in a faraway land, we often assume the truth is buried beneath layers of grey. In today’s toxic media environment, many Westerners pride themselves on being critical thinkers, on questioning power, challenging narratives, and resisting manipulation. In the case of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, some of the loudest voices claiming to “see through the lies” are echoing the most dangerous disinformation of our time.

This is about basic morality, the credibility of facts, and the cost of intellectual laziness. If you live in a democracy with access to free information, and you still choose to adopt Kremlin talking points, you are not rebelling against the system; you are falling into the very trap you claim to avoid. You should know this has consequences far beyond internet debates.

Understanding the Nature of the Invasion

Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 under the direction of President Vladimir Putin, a man who has remained in power for nearly a quarter century and consolidated his rule through censorship, repression, and war. The invasion was not provoked by an immediate military threat, and Ukraine posed no danger to Russia. It had not joined NATO, and it did not launch an attack.

Instead, the invasion was a flagrant violation of international law. Russian forces bombed hospitals and schools. Civilians were targeted, and war crimes were committed. Despite the overwhelming evidence from satellite imagery to on-the-ground reports, there remains a disturbing segment of Western observers who continue to justify or even endorse the Kremlin’s actions.

The Lure of the Alternative Narrative

Many of these defenders do not consider themselves Putin sympathizers. Some view themselves as critics of U.S. foreign policy, while others believe they are simply “asking questions.” However, parroting propaganda from a government that jails dissidents, poisons opponents, and blocks independent journalism is complicity wrapped in ignorance.

Some repeat the claim that “NATO provoked Russia.” This is a common refrain, designed to justify a brutal invasion by suggesting the West brought it upon itself. However, NATO is a defensive alliance, and Ukraine’s path to membership was both distant and uncertain at the time of the attack. Regardless of one’s views on NATO expansion, it cannot explain or excuse the slaughter of civilians and seizure of sovereign territory.

Others declare that “Ukraine is corrupt,” as if corruption somehow legitimizes invasion. Ukraine, like many post-Soviet states, has faced challenges with corruption but has also shown clear movement toward democratic reform. Unlike Russia, Ukraine holds competitive elections, allows opposition parties, and does not arrest citizens for criticizing the government.

Another argument is the ever-popular whataboutism: “The U.S. has done bad things too.” That is undeniably true. That said, American foreign policy failures, no matter how damning, do not absolve Russia of its actions. Moral relativism is not a defence against war crimes. Two wrongs do not make a right, and excusing evil with the presence of other evils only ensures more suffering.

The Danger of Disinformation

Perhaps the most insidious myth is that everything is “fake news” and the war is not what it seems. Some claim that Ukraine is losing badly, that Russia is fighting Nazis, or that all Western reporting is fabricated. These assertions are not grounded in analysis or balanced research. They are drawn directly from the Kremlin’s propaganda machine campaign, so refined that it has convinced educated people in free societies to question verified facts in favour of conspiracy.

This kind of propaganda does not require you to believe every lie. It only needs you to doubt the truth. It flourishes by exploiting cynicism, masking manipulation as skepticism, and painting moral clarity as naïveté. When people in democratic nations adopt this logic, they lend legitimacy to authoritarian aggression and weaken the global defence of human rights.

The Western Privilege of Knowing Better

What makes this phenomenon especially frustrating is that citizens in countries like Canada, the United States, and much of Europe have unparalleled access to independent journalism, expert analysis, and public debate. They are not beholden to a single state-run outlet or subject to threats for speaking out. Even with this privilege, some choose to consume only the media that confirms their biases, often from obscure Telegram channels, anonymous accounts, or Russian state media dressed in digital camouflage.

Many of these individuals believe they are resisting indoctrination. In truth, they are succumbing to it.

This is a plea to distinguish between criticism and capitulation. To apply reason, empathy, and historical understanding when evaluating geopolitical conflict. To recognize that believing the “alternative narrative” without scrutiny is not enlightenment, it’s neglect.

The Real Cost of Moral Confusion

When Westerners rationalize Russia’s actions, they do more than spread falsehoods. They chip away at the fragile scaffolding of global solidarity. Their words embolden strongmen. They send a message to authoritarian regimes that the truth is malleable and aggression can be excused with the right spin.

Most heartbreakingly, they betray the people of Ukraine, millions who have lost homes, family, and safety, who endure daily air raids and occupation, who fight not for empire but for the simple right to exist as a free and independent country.

The least the world can offer is truth.

How We Move Forward

Rebuilding trust in the truth starts with humility. It begins by acknowledging that none of us, especially those living comfortably in peaceful nations, can fully understand the horrors of war. Nonetheless, we can listen and we can read widely, seek out reputable sources, and challenge ourselves to go beyond the easy narratives.

We must reject false equivalence and moral shortcuts. We must be willing to say that one country invading another is wrong, that bombing civilians is wrong, and that spreading lies in the name of ideology is wrong.

Also, we must hold the line because the principle of truth, however imperfectly pursued, still matters. Without it, we lose the ability to tell injustice from justice, resistance from aggression, freedom from domination.

If this resonated with you, consider sharing it with a friend. Refer others who might benefit from a more informed conversation. Subscribe or buy me a coffee to help fuel the next piece.

Because the truth is worth defending.

Buy Me a Coffee