Facts, fiction and power: the role of conspiracy theories in the Kremlin’s framing of the Russian invasion of Ukraine

This article examines how the Kremlin strategically deploys conspiracy theories to frame the Russian invasion of Ukraine, suggesting that these narratives serve as ideological tools in Russia’s foreign policy. Drawing on critical literature and the discourses of key officials, the article explores how conspiracy theories, such as the ‘Western Plot’, the ‘Golden Billion’ and the ‘New World Order’, are utilised to reinforce core national values, including patriotism, social cohesion and Russian moral exceptionalism. Rooted in Russia’s historical identity and collective memory, these values are utilised to legitimise aggression, construct an oppositional stance against the West and solidify domestic unity under centralised leadership. The findings suggest that conspiracy theories are not peripheral discourses but serve as a low-cost, high-impact toolkit for shaping public opinion, marginalising dissent and contesting Western liberalism. By reframing international conflicts as moral imperatives, the Kremlin consolidates its power while presenting Russia as a unique civilisation.