MODERN RUSSIAN MUSIC AS A TOOL FOR THE SPREAD OF PRO-RUSSIAN NARRATIVES: FEATURES AND WAYS OF COUNTERACTION FROM UKRAINE

Over the course of two years of full-scale war, numerous studies demonstrate that a portion of Ukraine’s population still maintains an interest in Russian-language musical products. This has a particularly negative impact on the consciousness of such citizens and supports the armed aggression of the Russian Federation. Through the monetization of music streaming on various platforms, funds flow into Russia’s budget, which it then uses to purchase weapons for its war against Ukraine. Music is enjoyed by different generations of people, regardless of age, status, or nationality. That is why it is one of the most effective means of spreading propaganda. It is unobtrusive, designed for easy perception and relaxation. This manipulation tactic of audience consciousness can be observed even during World War II. Most Russian songs predominantly celebrate everyday phenomena, various forms of leisure, or depict the grandeur of love and other emotions. However, in Russia, there are types of songs that propagate narratives such as the idealization and romanticization of Russian President V. Putin, calls for patriotism, reminders that everyone living in Russia and speaking Russian is part of the «great Russian people», emphasis on the greatness and power of Russia, and portraying the country as always victorious, urging participation in the military. Ukrainian media researchers need to regularly and carefully monitor the emergence of such compositions and the narratives they spread. They have a particularly negative impact on the consciousness of Ukrainian citizens, especially those residing in temporarily occupied territories of our country. The dissemination of propaganda through songs is a widespread and at the same time insidious method of influencing society. Russia actively uses it and unfortunately, quite successfully, as evidenced by numerous studies showing that Ukrainians still listen to Russian music on many online platforms.