Anti-Fake

Despite Russia being excluded from most international festivals since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Russian flag reappeared on the roof of the Palazzo del Cinema on the Venice Film Festival’s opening day—reviving questions about Moscow’s political, economic, and cultural influence at major international events.

Decades before Russian missiles rained on Ukraine, Moscow had already pulled off a quieter heist: seizing tens of billions in Soviet assets that rightfully belonged to Kyiv.

At the White House, Zelenskyy, Trump, and Western allies vowed to pursue peace and security for Ukraine. In Moscow, propagandists scrambled to twist the summit into another “victory” for Putin—trying to stir up a fight in an empty room.

While bombing the very Russian speakers he claims to “protect,” Putin continues to push for Russian language status in Ukraine. The reason is purely utilitarian: for Moscow, Russian speakers are tools to use against the states where they live—and the Baltic countries offer a clear example.

If you’re in Russia or occupied Ukraine, you’re about to get a spy in your pocket. Starting September 1, every new phone will come with Max Messenger—a Russian app that can watch, track, and control its users.

From nostalgic TikToks to fake Facebook groups, Russia is flooding the Baltic states with disinformation designed to stir division. Memes, mask manipulation, and Russian-speaking communities are weaponized to weaken the region from within.