Shaping Western Perceptions: The Role of English-Language Verified Telegram Channels in Framing the Narratives Around the Russia–Ukraine War
An analysis of 55 verified English-language Telegram channels and 125,840 posts found a right-leaning channel ecosystem with links to Russian or pro-Russian sources; non-state channels could amplify Kremlin-aligned narratives to Western audiences.
Peer-reviewed publication
VerifiedPublished in Journal of Communication Technology.
Verification source: Article PDF states that it underwent double-blind peer review.
Executive summary
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Researchers assembled a snowball sample of 21,907 Telegram channels, then manually reviewed 55 verified English-language channels connected to discussion of the Russia–Ukraine war. The study analysed 125,840 posts and identified the actors, topics, narratives and framing strategies shaping information aimed at Western audiences.
The sample included mainstream and alternative media, journalists, influencers and official actors, with most channels leaning politically right or far right. Many were connected through post sharing to Russian or pro-Russian accounts. The researchers found that non-state channels could act as conduits for Kremlin-aligned claims about Western escalation, sanctions, NATO, immigration, inflation and LGBTQ rights, whether intentionally or through repeated sharing.
The paper concludes that Russia benefits from a larger and more interconnected presence in this English-language Telegram ecosystem, while the platform’s limited moderation creates a substantial risk that users seeking war news encounter partisan or misleading narratives presented through apparently credible verified channels.
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