Diana Panchenko: From Ukrainian Journalist to Kremlin Propagandist

September 30, 2024 – Russia/Ukraine – 

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned Ukrainian-born journalist Diana Panchenko for actively spreading Kremlin propaganda under the guise of independent journalism. Once a presenter on Ukrainian television, Panchenko has transformed into a key figure in Russia’s international disinformation strategy, using sophisticated video content and pseudo-journalistic framing to push narratives that support Moscow’s agenda and undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Panchenko began her media career in Ukraine, working for outlets like NewsOne and First Independent stations later sanctioned for their pro-Russian stances. Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, she relocated first to Russia and then to Dubai. From there, she now produces sleek, multilingual video content on platforms like YouTube and X (formerly Twitter), presenting herself as a journalist while promoting disinformation.

Her channel, which boasts over 1.8 million subscribers, is professionally produced and visually polished. Her videos tackle geopolitical themes with provocative titles such as “Who owns Crimea?” and “NATO is already in Ukraine,” but their content heavily distorts reality. RSF describes her approach as psychological operations disguised as journalism, blending factual distortion with conspiratorial narratives about Ukrainian “Nazism” and Western manipulation.

In May 2024, Panchenko expanded her outreach to English-speaking audiences. RSF believes this shift is part of a coordinated effort to influence global public opinion, particularly in Western democracies, where it promotes figures like Donald Trump as “agents of peace.” Her financial success—earning thousands of dollars monthly—underscores how disinformation can be both influential and profitable.

Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) opened an investigation into Panchenko in early 2023, which escalated to formal treason charges in October. Despite these legal actions, she continues to operate freely online, further amplifying Kremlin talking points through a format that mimics trustworthy journalism.

RSF warns that Panchenko’s influence lies in her ability to appear credible while systematically misleading audiences. Her case exemplifies a broader and dangerous trend: the strategic deployment of media figures by authoritarian regimes to manipulate perception, erode democratic discourse, and undermine public trust in legitimate journalism across borders.

Reference –