The Impact of Russian Propaganda on Shaping Narratives Among Ukrainian Refugees in Germany

• Applicant: Yevhen Tsymbalenko, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Communication Sciences ; Empirical Social Research
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 578652845

This research project aims to investigate the mechanisms through which Russian propaganda influences the formation of narratives among Ukrainian refugees in Germany. The project seeks to understand how displaced individuals interpret, perceive, and potentially internalise media messages in the context of forced migration and adaptation to a new sociocultural environment. The research pursues the following objectives: 1. To identify the key themes, symbols, and linguistic constructs that characterise the perception of propaganda-related media content among Ukrainian refugees in Germany. Special attention will be given to disinformation narratives that may reduce solidarity, incite intragroup conflict, and distort understanding of the sociopolitical context. 2. To analyse how Ukrainian refugees perceive propagandistic messages, the degree to which these messages are accepted and internalised, and the impact of such narratives on identity, social behaviour, emotional responses, and perceptions of Ukraine, the European Union, and the host society. 3. To provide empirically grounded conclusions that can inform recommendations for governmental institutions, civil society organisations, and media literacy initiatives, to enhance resilience to disinformation and strengthen democratic values within migrant communities.

• DFG Programme: Position