Animated battlegrounds: Propaganda wars and the power of cartoons in the Russo–Ukrainian conflict

Since 2014, the Russo–Ukrainian conflict has transformed into a complex arena of information warfare, in which animated cartoons function as effective tools for shaping public opinion. This article investigates the strategic use of visual narratives by both actors, with Russia deploying cartoons as a propagandistic offensive tool to legitimise its actions, while Ukraine utilises them defensively to contest Russian narratives and establish international support. The study employs qualitative content analysis and multimodal discourse analysis to investigate the ideological and emotional implications of cartoons in this context. The results show that, whereas Ukrainian cartoons emphasise resilience, solidarity, and defiance against Russian aggression, Russian cartoons use the strategy of mythopoesis to depict Ukraine as an aggressor and simultaneously represent Russia as a peace-seeking defender. Moreover, both sides simplify multilayered geopolitical issues into emotionally compelling and accessible narratives intended to engage and persuade children and the general public. Ultimately, this study demonstrates how important cartoons are in modern information warfare, especially psychological operations. It shows how these forms of media shape public opinion and promote state doctrines, both offensively and defensively, by appealing to younger audiences and developing lasting geopolitical narratives.