Halyna Padalko is a multidisciplinary researcher from the Ukraine. She specializes in strategic communication, propaganda, disinformation, and the application of Al tools in these domains. She was the keynote speaker at an International Woman’s Day breakfast hosted by our local chapter of the CFUW. She began her talk by saying she understands what it is like to live next to a crazy neighbour.

Padalko shared stories of Ukrainian women stepping up into military roles after the Russian invasion. Women who had been living ordinary lives enlisted themselves in the military and went to war. As she spoke about these women and the Ukrainian people, she paused once to compose herself. I’m paraphrasing, but she said, “I wish I could say all Ukrainians are united, but we are not.”

The Russian playbook, as she referred to it, steadily drips untruths and disinformation everywhere all at once. These untruths are paired with seductive suggestions for a different life. For example, the ongoing Russian media insistence that Ukrainian people actually want to be a part of Russia and would be better off for it. This propaganda has begun in in Canada also. Recent Canadian graduates are receiving direct messages suggesting how great it would be to live in California; higher pay, lower taxes… why don’t you come join us? The design is to plant the seeds, sow doubts, and then offer solutions.

Right now, it feels like we Canadians are pretty united. We’re loving the Elbows Up campaign, shopping for Canadian made products and booing the US anthem. I’m all for it. If we can learn anything from the Ukraine’s experience, it’s keep your media sources reliable. Be wary of insidious drips.

If you haven’t already seen it, please enjoy the re-boot of the I am Canadian rant.

Keep your joy.

Anne Milne is an every Sunday blogger, unless it’s a holiday weekend. Or summertime. 

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