The first report of the IMR’s project titled “The Kremlin complex: strengths and weaknesses of the Putin regime,” focuses on the Russian government’s information strategies to promote the Sputnik V vaccine. The Sputnik V story showcases the dichotomy of the regime’s weaknesses and strengths, exemplified by the limited capabilities of the Kremlin’s propaganda machine, which is often viewed as a key power tool of the Russian government.
Despite the fact that Russian scientists managed to develop an effective and safe vaccine and despite the Kremlin’s efforts to promote it both domestically and abroad, the Putin regime failed to achieve mass vaccination in the country or noticeably improve Russia’s position in the international arena. The report examines the Kremlin’s key narratives, contrasts them with factual information, and offers insights into the regime’s modus operandi.
