PROXY VOICES: FOREIGN MEDIA FIGURES IN RUSSIAN PROPAGANDA

This article analyzes the role of foreign content producers from third countries within the Russian propaganda ecosystem during the Russo-Ukrainian war. It argues that these actors, often presenting themselves as independent journalists or commentators, perform a dual function: they are used by Russian media to demonstrate alleged international support for Russia, while simultaneously targeting audiences in their countries of origin to undermine trust in mainstream media. Focusing on Anne-Laure Bonnel as a case study, the article shows how cautious rhetoric, selective framing, and appeals to narrative complexity are used to relativize responsibility for Russian aggression and normalize pro-Kremlin interpretations of the war. Keywords: Russian propaganda, information warfare, Russian-Ukrainian war, alternative media, Anne-Laure Bonnel, pro-Kremlin narratives.