By Sofie Hansen
Introduction to Vatnik Soup: The Ultimate Guide to Russian Disinformation
The book Vatnik Soup by Pekka Kallioniemi and Morten Hammeken is a comprehensive guide aimed at demystifying the complex ecosystem of Russian disinformation, revealing the underlying strategies, narratives, and key players involved. The title itself—Vatnik Soup—originates from an online series created by Kallioniemi, which profiles pro-Russian propagandists and examines the tactics they employ to influence public perception.
The term “vatnik” is a derogatory slang used to describe individuals who blindly support Russian state propaganda or exhibit ultra-nationalist tendencies, typically without critically analyzing or questioning the information they consume and promote. This character often embraces Kremlin narratives without skepticism and defends Russian geopolitical interests no matter their ethical or factual basis.
The metaphor of “soup” is used to convey how these disinformation elements are mixed together, much like ingredients in a soup, to create narratives that can be easily consumed and digested by target audiences. The authors describe the disinformation landscape as a complex concoction of half-truths, outright lies, manipulated facts, and historical references, all blended to create persuasive narratives that serve Russian geopolitical goals.
Kallioniemi’s original #vatniksoup series on Twitter (now referred to as X) provided a basis for the book. The series aimed to expose and document the various actors, ranging from public figures and journalists to influencers and trolls, who contribute to spreading Russian narratives. Each entry in the series profiles a particular individual or organization, explaining their role in the disinformation campaign, their methods, and the impact of their actions on shaping public opinion and policy.
The book is divided into three main chapters:
- Before You Go Online
- False Russian Narratives
- The Vatnik ABC
Each chapter not only educates but also equips readers with practical advice, such as how to verify sources, recognize propaganda techniques, and avoid falling victim to emotionally manipulative content.
Chapter 1: Before You Go Online
This chapter serves as an introductory course on the mechanics of modern disinformation. It provides essential knowledge on how online platforms are used to manipulate opinions and emotions, laying the groundwork for more complex discussions in the subsequent chapters.
Social Media 101: This section explains how social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter (X), and YouTube are weaponized for disinformation. Social media algorithms prioritize content that generates engagement—often sensational or controversial material—which creates a fertile ground for the spread of misinformation. The authors illustrate how a single post from a troll account can be amplified through networks and shared across multiple platforms, reaching millions within a short span of time.
Post-Truth Politics: The term “post-truth” refers to situations where emotional appeals and personal beliefs have more influence on public opinion than objective facts. It emerged as a critical concept during the 2016 US elections and the Brexit referendum, where misinformation and emotional manipulation swayed public opinion. An example in the context of Russian disinformation, post-truth strategies are used to create confusion and distrust in institutions. For example, during the annexation of Crimea, Russian media outlets spread conflicting reports and misinformation to blur the line between truth and fiction, making it difficult for people to ascertain the actual situation on the ground.
Conspiracy Theories: Conspiracy theories play a crucial role in the disinformation landscape, often serving as gateways to more radical beliefs and behaviors. A prominent example is the QAnon conspiracy, which accuses a group of global elites of engaging in child trafficking and Satanic rituals. While originating in the US, this narrative was picked up and promoted by Russian trolls to create chaos and distrust in Western societies.
The History of Russian Information Warfare: This section traces the roots of Russian disinformation back to Soviet times, when active measures were used to influence political outcomes globally. The authors explain how the disinformation tactics employed today have evolved from these Soviet-era operations, becoming more sophisticated and widespread with advancements in technology.
The Russian World (Russkiy Mir): The Russkiy Mir concept positions Russia as the protector of Russian speakers and Orthodox Christians worldwide, justifying intervention in countries with significant Russian-speaking populations. This narrative has been used to rationalize military actions in Ukraine, Georgia, and the Baltic states, where Russia claims to be defending the rights and safety of Russian minorities.
Hybrid Warfare: Hybrid warfare refers to the combination of conventional military tactics with non-military tools such as cyber-attacks, economic pressure, and disinformation campaigns. This section highlights how Russia blends these tactics to achieve strategic goals without direct military confrontation. The authors cite examples like the 2014 annexation of Crimea and the destabilization of Eastern Ukraine, where hybrid warfare played a critical role.
Troll Farms: Troll farms are organizations that employ individuals to create fake accounts on social media to post comments, share content, and engage in conversations that promote specific narratives. These operations aim to distort public perception and create an illusion of widespread support or dissent. An example is The Internet Research Agency (IRA) in St. Petersburg, Russia, which is the most infamous troll farm. During the 2016 US elections, the IRA orchestrated a sophisticated campaign involving thousands of fake accounts to promote content and misinformation, significantly influencing the political discourse in the United States.
Chapter 2: False Russian Narratives
Chapter 2 delves into the specific narratives that Russia uses to delegitimize Ukraine and its government, as well as how these narratives are constructed and disseminated. This chapter is alike chapter 1 given that it is structured into several sections, each focusing on a different theme:
Countering Russian Narratives About Ukraine: Provides an overview of the main disinformation themes used to discredit Ukraine, including the portrayal of the country as a failed state or a Nazi-controlled regime.
Euromaidan and the Revolution of Dignity: Discusses how the 2014 Euromaidan protests and the Revolution of Dignity have been misrepresented by Russian media as a Western-sponsored coup. This narrative aims to undermine the legitimacy of the Ukrainian government and justify Russian actions in Crimea and Eastern Ukraine.
Genocide in Donbas: Refutes the false claims that Ukraine is committing genocide against Russian-speaking populations in the Donbas region. The authors analyze how these allegations are used to legitimize Russian military support for separatists and paint Ukraine as the aggressor.
The Decadent West: Explores how Russia portrays Western countries as morally corrupt, politically unstable, and socially decaying. This narrative is intended to contrast the West with Russia’s supposed stability and traditional values.
Volodymyr Zelensky: Provides a case study of how the Ukrainian President has been targeted by Russian disinformation campaigns. The chapter examines how Zelensky is depicted as a puppet of the West and unfit to lead, thereby undermining his authority and Ukraine’s international standing.
Chapter 3: The Vatnik ABC
The final chapter, “The Vatnik ABC,” introduces readers to a comprehensive directory of 93 different “vatniks”—individuals and entities involved in spreading Russian disinformation. This chapter acts as an encyclopedia of propagandists, explaining their backgrounds, roles, and the narratives they promote. This chapter is structurally centered around these three components:
Detailed Profiles of Propagandists: Each profile offers insights into the personal and professional backgrounds of these figures, their affiliations, and the specific disinformation themes they support.
Case Studies: The chapter presents several in-depth case studies that demonstrate how these individuals portrayed have effectively spread disinformation, manipulated public perception, and contribute to political instability.
Terms and Concepts: The “Vatnik ABC” also includes the “Vatnik Dictionary” which is as a glossary of important terms and concepts related to Russian disinformation, such as “deep-state” and “whataboutism,” providing readers with the necessary vocabulary to understand and discuss these issues.
Conclusion and key findings of Vatnik Soup: The Ultimate Guide to Russian Disinformation
The book concludes by reiterating the need for vigilance, critical thinking, and proactive measures to counteract the influence of disinformation. Kallio Niemi and Hammeken stress the importance of collaboration between governments, NGOs, media, and individuals in creating a resilient society that can withstand the foreign disinformation campaigns.
Overall, Vatnik Soup serves as both an educational resource and a practical guide, providing readers with the necessary tools to navigate and counteract the sophisticated disinformation machinery deployed by Russia.
Key findings within the book:
- Systematic and Coordinated Disinformation: Russian disinformation is a well-organized, state-sponsored effort involving various actors, including state media, troll farms, and influencers, to shape global narratives.
- Core Narratives: The main themes include portraying Ukraine as a Nazi-controlled state, painting the West as morally corrupt, and spreading conspiracy theories such as claims about Western biolabs. These narratives aim to justify Russian actions and discredit Western institutions.
- Adapting to Digital Platforms: Russian disinformation tactics have evolved from traditional media to leveraging social media, using algorithms and networks to rapidly spread content and amplify false narratives.
- Impact on Politics and Society: Russian disinformation has influenced political outcomes and deepened polarization in Europe and the U.S., promoting pro-Kremlin parties and undermining democratic institutions.
