They say propaganda was a product of the previous communist regime. Dead wrong! As a person who refuses autocracy, and therefore supports the current efforts to defeat Russia in the Russo-Ukrainian war, I cannot see the obvious propaganda and enormously biased journalism. Czech media propaganda works to its fullest.
Since the Western banks rule the country along with oligarchic frenemies and some crooks, propaganda is exactly what it is (they control the media).
No complex background
The sentences often begin with “Vladimir Putin started the war”. And of course, without the necessary complexities connected to it. Or it goes: “Russia attacked Ukraine.”
If you look at history, it is full of Russo-Ukrainian wars. So, using a time series, it is something we should expect and not an aberration.
The West wants Ukraine, and Russia respectively, to contain each other economically and thus politically, and Russia wants the same, and vice versa.
Vladimir Putin is trying to extend territory as a defense mechanism against the West, and NATO wants the same.
If the West hadn’t organized a coup d’état called Euromaidan, no war would basically be taking place. Ukraine would either be enormously pro-Russian or militarily occupied by Russia without any greater violence.
Feeling cornered by the potential Ukrainian entrance to NATO or the EU (which would mean missiles within his borders) and being aware of the limited possibility of removing the pro-Western government, he started a war that he believed would be short-lived.
No matter how complex the situation is, Czech media propaganda presents everything as clear-cut.
Russo-Ukrainian war: Z – zbytečná válka (unnecessary war)
One medium also called the Russo-Ukrainian war “zbytečná válka” (unnecessary war) because of the letter Z Russians use.
The war is wasteful (lives, injuries, destroyed cities), but not unnecessary from a Russian standpoint.
Once again, don’t forget Vladimir Putin really thought he could have defeated Ukraine in 3 days. So the whole thing wasn’t so evil.
Czech media propaganda: Good Ukrainians, bad Russians
Czech media present Russians as aggressors. They emphasize war crimes, brutality, and losses. Reports highlight Russian failures, desertions, and internal struggles. Any Russian advance is framed as temporary, costly, or misleading. Their leadership is portrayed as incompetent, corrupt, or desperate.
Ukraine is depicted as heroic. Every action is framed as a success. Even retreats are called strategic. Losses are minimized or ignored. Reports focus on Ukrainian resilience, innovation, and bravery. Any Russian defeat is celebrated. Every Western weapon delivered is a game-changer.
If Ukraine loses territory, media blame Russian numerical superiority, Western hesitation, or bad weather. When Ukraine gains ground, it is proof of Russian collapse. Setbacks are rarely framed as failures. Any Ukrainian weakness is temporary, while Russian problems are systemic.
Both sides commit war crimes. Torture, executions, and mistreatment of prisoners happen on both sides. These acts violate the Geneva Conventions and are highly despicable. Yet, the press only highlights Russian crimes. Ukrainian abuses are ignored, justified, or dismissed as Russian propaganda. The media narrative is clear. Russia is losing, Ukraine is winning. Every event fits into this framework, even when facts suggest otherwise.
Why just the Russo-Ukranian war?
Western nations are sending massive amounts of weapons to Ukraine. Israel is the only other country receiving significant military aid. Other conflicts continue with high casualties but receive little to no Western military support. Because the West has an interest in Russia and also some cultural bias (it sees Russia as a big enemy).
Myanmar has been in conflict since 1948. Ethnic armed groups fight against the military. In 2024 alone, about 10,900 people died in battles. The war has displaced millions.
Sudan has faced internal conflicts since 2008. Ethnic violence and civil war have devastated the country. The total estimated fatalities exceed 1.1 million. The humanitarian situation is catastrophic.
Ethiopia has been in turmoil since 2018. Civil conflict between regional and political groups continues. The exact number of deaths remains unclear, but the war has caused widespread suffering.
The Arab-Israeli conflict has lasted since 1948. In 2024, Israeli military actions killed an unbelievable number of people from explosive violence. Gaza suffered the most. The war has displaced millions.
The Sahel region in Africa has faced insurgencies since 2002. Militant groups operate across several countries. The exact death toll is unknown, but the violence has destabilized entire nations.
The West prioritizes Ukraine and Israel with military aid. Other wars continue with similar or worse casualties but receive little attention or support.
Proxy war
If the West didn’t care about Ukraine, no weapons would have been lifted there. The massive influx of weapons signalizes there is party which has an enormous interest for the outcome of this – yes – proxy war.
Yes, they use their weapons. We have no clue where the military decisions are made – in London, Washington, or Paris? Also, a lot has been written about the direct involvement of the Western soldiers on the Ukrainian on Russian soil.
General Sir Patrick Sanders, the Chief of the General Staff of the British Army, emphasized the critical importance of supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia. He stated that Ukraine is essentially “fighting our war”.
Graham E. Fuller proclaimed: “Indeed, this is not a Ukrainian-Russian war but an American-Russian war fought by proxy to the last Ukrainian.”
Conclusion
Czech media propaganda shapes the narrative of the Russo-Ukrainian war in a way that ignores complexity and nuance. It presents Ukraine as heroic and Russia as purely evil, leaving no room for deeper analysis or historical context. Western interests in the conflict are downplayed, and the fact that both sides commit war crimes is ignored when it does not fit the approved narrative.
The West treats this war differently from others. Conflicts in Myanmar, Sudan, Ethiopia, and the Sahel continue with staggering casualties but receive little attention or aid. Ukraine, however, is flooded with weapons, not because of humanitarian concern but because of geopolitical interests. The war is a proxy struggle, with Western powers deeply involved in shaping its course.
Propaganda serves power. Whether it is Russia or the West, the goal is to control the narrative, justify actions, and suppress dissent. Czech media, fully aligned with Western interests, does not inform—it conditions. The truth is more complex than their clear-cut headlines.
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