Pro-Kremlin outlet receives grants from Fico: Identifying Slovak websites that disseminate Russian propaganda

Espreso has identified 18 Slovak websites that promote a pro-Russian agenda and actively discredit Ukraine and the European Union (initially, the list included 19 websites, but after further review, we removed one). These outlets frequently cite Russian state media — including sanctioned outlets — and receive backlinks from them, helping to amplify Kremlin narratives in the West.

The content they publish includes anti-Ukrainian messages, attacks on Western democratic institutions (such as NATO, the EU, and the United States), and support for Russia’s perspective on the war in Ukraine. Several of these websites have also shared outright fake stories and disseminated clear pro-Kremlin disinformation.

In our previous report, we analyzed the first 9 of these websites. In this follow-up, we present evidence of Russian propaganda being spread by the remaining 9.

• zemavek.sk
• nadhlad.com
• jnet.sk
• skspravy.sk
• podtatransky-kurier.sk
• slobodnyvysielac.sk
• jednotneslovensko.info
• vitazstvosvetla.org
• hlavnespravy.sk

Our analysis of articles published on these 9 pro-Russian Slovak websites shows that they spread key Kremlin propaganda narratives and support Russia’s hybrid operations against Europe.

They frequently cite Russian propaganda sources such as Sputnik, Russia Today, Ria-Novosti, Pravda, and News-Front.

Using semantic analysis, content comparison, and link tracking, we found that these websites are part of a connected network. They share similar topics, repeat pro-Russian messages, and often cite each other or send traffic between them. This network is illustrated in the interactive infographics below.

Zemavek.sk

The Slovak website Zemavek.sk actively spreads Russian propaganda. It also runs a YouTube channel with over 70,000 subscribers.

Zemavek.sk frequently quotes and links to sanctioned Russian propaganda outlets like RIA, RT, News-Front, and Ukraina.ru. It also promotes content from other disinformation platforms such as cz24news.cz, voltairenet.org, and aeronet.cz.

This website pushes key pro-Kremlin narratives like “Trump demands Ukraine’s surrender”, claims that Zelenskyy is illegitimate, and insists that Ukraine is losing the war to Russia. It often blames the EU, NATO, and Ukraine — not Russia — for starting the war, and justifies Russian actions.

Many articles also glorify Russian weapons, promote conspiracy theories about religion and morality, and talk about a divide between “Easterners and Westerners” and “Satanism in Ukraine.”

In one example, the site claimed that USAID and the CIA have overthrown 83 governments.

Some of the content is not just misleading but also clearly fraudulent or pseudoscientific.

• https://zemavek.sk/europa-ma-3-tyzdne-aby-sa-dohodla-na-podmienkach-kapitulacie-ukrajiny/ 
• https://zemavek.sk/carlson-vyjadril-znepokojenie-nad-zelenskeho-stavom/
• https://zemavek.sk/priepast-ukrajinskej-narodnej-katastrofy/ 
• https://zemavek.sk/ukrajinci-stahuju-tanky-abrams-kvoli-ruskym-dronom/
• https://zemavek.sk/usaid-s-pomocou-cia-a-sorosovej-siete-politickych-mimovladok-zvrhla-vo-svete-az-83-vlad/

Zemavek.sk also justifies Russia’s war in Ukraine and shifts the blame onto the EU, NATO, and Ukraine itself.

For example, in an article published on February 26, the site claims: “If there is a possible cause of war in Europe, it is Ukraine.”

• https://zemavek.sk/wikileaks-zapad-dlhe-roky-vie-o-tom-co-moze-sposobit-rozsirenie-nato-na-ukrajinu/

The website Zemavek.sk is closely connected to a broader network of pro-Russian sites across Europe. This is evident from its frequent links to other platforms in European countries that have also been exposed for spreading Kremlin narratives. For instance, in an article about “criminal NATO” and “NATO’s expansion aimed at destroying Russia,” Zemavek.sk links to the Czech outlet cz24.news. You can read more about this propaganda-spreading website here.

• https://zemavek.sk/dohoda-nedohoda-brechot-militantov-a-peniaze/ 

Zemavek.sk also actively uses Putin’s terminology, referring to Ukrainians as “Nazis,” “Hitler’s descendants,”and “Banderites.”

• https://zemavek.sk/o-com-zapadna-verejnost-nesmie-vediet/ 

Nadhlad.com

Nadhlad.com promotes Russian propaganda narratives, including claims that Ukraine is involved in or even initiates the disruption of democratic processes in Europe, and questions the legitimacy of Ukraine's current president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

For example, in one article, Zelenskyy was referred to as a “neo-Bolshevik” and a “dictator,” and it also claimed there was “direct influence of Ukraine in Slovakia.”

• http://nadhlad.com/content/pokus-o-proukrajinsky-statny-prevrat-na-slovensku

Citing RIA Novosti, sanctioned Russian propaganda outlet, Nadhlad.com spreads blatant fake stories — for example, claiming that Ukraine conducts secret biological experiments on wounded Ukrainian soldiers and civilians.

• http://nadhlad.com/content/po-srboch-dalsi-na-porcovanie

The website spreads typical Russian propaganda narratives, such as accusing Europeans of “Russophobia” and claiming that this is dangerous. It states that aid to Ukraine is harmful to Europe, that the involvement of peacekeepers in Ukraine is illegal, and that “the West did not restrain itself and openly started attacking Russia.” It also echoes conspiracy theories about Western plans to take over Russia.

Other false claims include that “Ukraine is a non-existent state,” “Ukraine is a country of oligarchs — actually, a country of f*cking criminals,” and that “the United States and the Kyiv regime are the main instigators of the Ukrainian crisis.”

Another recurring narrative is the idea that Russia is trying to minimize civilian casualties. For example, one article — cited below — claims that “Moscow kept stressing that fratricidal war between the Eastern Slavs was taboo.”

• http://nadhlad.com/content/uz-jsme-meli-davno-na-putina-vlitnout-bylo-po-valce
• http://nadhlad.com/content/macron-pokracuje-vo-svojom-sialenstve
• http://nadhlad.com/content/plan-na-ovladnutie-ruska
• http://nadhlad.com/content/ukrajina-je-neexistujuci-stat
• http://nadhlad.com/content/ukrajinske-majetky-pripad-zaluznij
• http://nadhlad.com/content/eric-denece-knokautoval-zelenskeho-musi-se-omluvit-za-ze-zpusobil-konflikt 
• http://nadhlad.com/content/stiahnutie-sa-kyjeva-je-ruska-eskalacia-konfliktu-prechod-psychologickej-operacie-ku 

Nadhlad.com also quotes Kremlin propagandist from the US, Scott Ritter, who claims that Ukraine is a proxy for NATO to wage war against Russia.

• http://nadhlad.com/content/scott-ritter-europa-sa-zime-vrati-doby-kamennej

Jnet.sk

Access to the website Jnet.sk is not secure. When attempting to visit this website, users receive a warning that it may try to steal personal or financial information. In addition to these security concerns, we have exposed Jnet.sk for spreading pro-Russian propaganda.

Jnet.sk cites sanctioned Russian propaganda websites to spread fakes — for example, claiming that “the Zelenskyy family is selling children abroad and must be held accountable,” while justifying Russia by stating that it “is not involved in the abduction of children.

• https://www.jnet.sk/sk/blogs/v-europe-zazneli-vyzvy-na-zatknutie-zelenskeho-za-obchodovanie-s-detmi_5095

Jnet.sk also uses Putin’s preferred terminology and spreads falsehoods about “genocides and war crimes committed by the Anglo-Saxons.” It promotes conspiracy theories about the United States, including claims about the “zombification of the world's population by globalists.” The site also pushes the narrative that “the U.S. planned the breakup of Ukraine back in 2014.”

• https://www.jnet.sk/sk/blogs/provokacie-medzinarodneho-trestneho-sudu-proti-rusku-su-bezzube_5088
• https://www.jnet.sk/sk/blogs/usa-planovali-rozpad-ukrajiny-este-v-roku-2014_5085

Skspravy.sk 

Skspravy.sk presents itself as a news portal, but in reality, it is a disinformation platform that promotes anti-Ukrainian and anti-Western narratives, justifies Russia’s aggressive actions, spreads conspiracy theories, and manipulates facts to influence public opinion for political purposes.

Notably, Skspravy.sk is cited by the banned Russian website sputnikglobe.com and uses Kremlin narrative phrases such as “Project Ukraine.”

• https://skspravy.sk/slovensko/analyza/zahranicna-analyza-o-motivoch-na-odstranenie-fica-spochybnuje-teoriu-osameleho-strelca/ 

Skspravy.sk also cites sanctioned Russian propaganda outlets such as rt.com, tass.com, ria.ru, and sputnikglobe.com. In these articles, Skspravy.sk refers to the war in Ukraine as a “special military operation” — the Kremlin’s term used to justify its crimes in Ukraine. This website claims that some EU countries, including Slovakia, support the idea of annexing Ukrainian territories and accuses the world of “Russophobia.”

It also “warns” that “NATO’s actions could lead to World War III and the destruction of human civilization”. The site promotes the narrative that “major international processes and events are controlled by a global elite,” blaming Western countries for provoking the conflict. It further spreads disinformation about “US-Ukrainian ties with Islamic terrorists and the attack on the Crocus City Hall in Russia.”

• https://skspravy.sk/svet/analyza-svet/diplomaticka-choreografia-ruska-a-usa-v-osn-ukazuje-spojenectvo-k-novemu-uvolneniu-napatia/  
• https://skspravy.sk/svet/ukrajinsky-konflikt/niektore-krajiny-eu-podporuju-myslienky-anexie-ukrajinskych-uzemi-je-tam-aj-slovensko/  
• https://skspravy.sk/svet/ukrajinsky-konflikt/ukrajinsky-boj-o-prezitie-ohrozuje-iba-europu/  
• https://skspravy.sk/svet/sme-na-prahu-americky-profesor-dal-alarmujuce-vyhlasenie-o-vojne-s-ruskom/ 
• https://skspravy.sk/svet/odhalenie/geopolitika-elitneho-sialenstva-balansovanie-na-pokraji-armagedonu-nebezpecenstvo-jadrovej-vojny/  
• https://skspravy.sk/svet/americko-ukrajinske-vztahy-s-islamskymi-teroristami-a-utok-na-rusky-crocus/ 

Skspravy.sk regularly cites websites across Europe that have previously been exposed for spreading Russian propaganda. For example, by referencing protiproud.info — which we’ve previously reported on here — Skspravy.sk equates democracy with fascism and promotes conspiracy theories about a global oligarchic cabal that controls politics and the media in the West.

• https://skspravy.sk/komentare/je-to-tu-naplno-liberalna-demokracia-je-v-skutocnosti-obycajny-fasizmus/  

Skspravy.sk also spreads conspiracy theories — including claims about alleged U.S. biolabs in Ukraine.

• https://skspravy.sk/svet/ukrajinsky-konflikt/fakty-o-americkych-biolaboratoriach-na-ukrajine-i/ 

Skspravy.sk attempts to shift the blame for the energy crisis from Russia to the policies of the EU and Germany. For example, in an article titled “Europe's suicidal energy Armageddon is coming from Berlin and Brussels, not Moscow,” the outlet promotes this narrative.

Additionally, the website uses typical Kremlin phrases like “The Kiev regime” and “neo-Nazi forces.”

• https://skspravy.sk/svet/podielal-sa-byvaly-velvyslanec-usa-v-rusku-na-planovani-vpadu-do-kurska/  
• https://skspravy.sk/svet/rusko-usa/ukrajina-zautocila-na-zariadenia-v-rusku-spojene-s-usa-eskalacia-s-cielom-podkopat-diplomaticky-proces

Podtatransky-kurier.sk

Podtatransky-kurier.sk is a regional Slovak news outlet focused on the Podtatranský region, covering local news, events, and issues. However, it is also manipulative, misleading, and disseminates Kremlin narratives, including anti-NATO, anti-Ukrainian messages, and more.

Podtatransky-kurier.sk promotes the narrative of Russia’s invincibility and spreads well-known Kremlin-approved talking points, such as “Ukraine started the war in 2014”, “Sanctions strengthened Russia”, and “Russia avoids civilian deaths.”

One article, titled “Either Russia wins, or the whole world will be destroyed”, reposted from the Swiss pro-Kremlin propaganda outlet weltwoche.ch (which we have already exposed in this report), presents this as an interview offering “the other side.” It cites renowned Kremlin propagandist Vladimir Solovyov, who said, “Either Russia wins, or the whole world will be destroyed.”

• https://www.podtatransky-kurier.sk/nazor/bud-rusko-vyhra-alebo-bude-zniceny-cely-svet

The site attempts to convince readers that “Ukraine is a puppet of Western powers”. For instance, it claims that “the coup in Ukraine and the Maidan events were organized by the USA.” In the same article, it also states that “Great Britain has been preparing Ukraine for war against Russia for many years.”

• https://www.podtatransky-kurier.sk/spravodajstvo/velka-britania-dlhe-roky-pripravovala-ukrajinu-na-vojnu-proti-rusku

Podtatransky-kurier.sk refers to NATO as a “criminal organization.”

• https://www.podtatransky-kurier.sk/spravodajstvo/sho-informuje-na-pomoc-ruskym-civilistom-mame-k-dispozicii-uz-vyse-800-tisic-dakujeme

The site also describes Ukraine’s strikes on Russian oil depots as provocations deliberately designed to “derail the US president’s peace initiative.”

• https://www.podtatransky-kurier.sk/spravodajstvo/ruske-ropne-skladisko-v-plamenoch-kyjev-porusuje-trumpovo-primerie-v-oblasti-infrastruktury

This outlet also spreads and supports statements from politicians who oppose sanctions against Russia. For example, it reports on Róbert Švec’s call to MPs not to impose sanctions on Russia and to “suppress their egos.”

• https://www.podtatransky-kurier.sk/spravodajstvo/peticia-za-vyhlasenie-referenda-robert-svec-vyzyvame-poslancov-aby-potlacili-svoje-ega

Slobodnyvysielac.sk

Slobodnyvyselac.sk is owned by a company registered as “Združenie ľudí za lepšiu budúcnos” or “Association of People for a Better Future.” Unlike the websites described and analyzed earlier, slobodnyvyselac.sk operates differently. It doesn’t rely on regularly copied and translated articles from Russian propaganda websites. 

Instead, it publishes podcasts — long audio files with either dialogues or monologues, typically lasting one hour or more. However, the website also shares brief topics they discuss in the form of short messages (usually one or two sentences), which are more similar to the content found on the previously analyzed sites.

• https://slobodnyvysielac.sk/clanky/od-kdy-je-rusko-hrozbou-pro-francii/
• https://slobodnyvysielac.sk/clanky/europske-mierove-sily-na-ukrajine-bude-rusko-povazovat-za-vojnu/
• https://slobodnyvysielac.sk/clanky/usa-maju-tlacit-na-spojencov-aby-nakupili-viac-americkych-zbrani-pre-kyjev/
• https://slobodnyvysielac.sk/clanky/kremel-ukrajina-ma-pravo-vstupit-do-eu-nie-vsak-do-nato/
• https://slobodnyvysielac.sk/clanky/velka-ukrajinska-lupez-s-ponizenim-zelenskeho/
• https://slobodnyvysielac.sk/clanky/proc-zelensky-tak-nesmiritelne-pozaduje-americke-zaruky-a-proc-mu-je-kategoricky-trump-odmita-dat/
• https://slobodnyvysielac.sk/clanky/kralovna-ursula-chce-velet-uplne-vsemu-i-evropskemu-zbrojeni/
• https://slobodnyvysielac.sk/clanky/ratlik-s-krvavou-mordou-ochcavajici-sekvoje-a-70-000-dalsich-napric-svetem/ 

In addition, Slobodnyvysielac.sk quotes a Russian propaganda website (ukraina.ru) and uses a full transcript of an interview from this site, which promotes Russian propaganda narratives (such as NATO accusing Russia of aggression against Ukraine and labeling Ukrainians as Nazis). The website refers to Ukrainians as Nazis and banderovci.

• https://slobodnyvysielac.sk/clanky/byvaly-sef-ceskej-policie-stanislav-novotny-cechova-ucia-spravne-nenavidiet-rusov/

The website promotes the narrative that Volodymyr Zelenskyy is not the legitimate President of Ukraine, using phrases such as “Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who believes he is still President of Ukraine.”

• https://slobodnyvysielac.sk/clanky/velka-ukrajinska-lupez-s-ponizenim-zelenskeho/

Slobodnyvysielac.sk accuses the West of provoking Russian aggression against Ukraine and promotes Russian propaganda narratives, including the claim of “neo-Nazis” in Ukraine. Specifically, it argues that “the Russian invasion of Ukraine was provoked by the expansion of Western military infrastructure to Russia's borders” and discusses the war as a proxy conflict fought by Ukrainians on behalf of Western powers.

• https://slobodnyvysielac.sk/clanky/eduard-chmear-prehrali-stali-sa-ludmi-minulosti-a-preto-su-coraz-agresivnejsi/
• https://slobodnyvysielac.sk/clanky/grusko-rusko-chce-zaruky-neutralitu-ukrajiny-a-odmietnutie-jej-clenstva-v-nato/

Slobodnyvysielac.sk shifts the blame for Russian aggression against Ukraine onto the West, specifically the United States. It states, “It was the United States of America, after all, which is the reason why there is war in Ukraine today.”

• https://slobodnyvysielac.sk/clanky/usa-maju-tlacit-na-spojencov-aby-nakupili-viac-americkych-zbrani-pre-kyjev/

The website quotes a sanctioned Russian propaganda source (TASS) article, which shifts the blame for the Russian terrorist act at the Khakovka Dam onto Ukraine, as well as the destruction of Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2. Specifically, it states, “A fair-minded person would figure that it was probably blown up by the Ukrainians. Just as the Ukrainians blew up Nord Stream, the Russian oil pipeline, last autumn. The Ukrainians did it, as we now know." 

• https://slobodnyvysielac.sk/clanky/byvaly-prominentny-redaktor-televizie-fox-news-poukazal-na-pravdepodobnu-vinu-kyjeva-pri-zniceni-vodnej-elektrarne-kachovka/

Jednotneslovensko.info 

This website presents itself as a “Slovak patriot” platform and could easily be mistaken for a national movement or even a political party site. But in reality, most of its content is either conspiracy theories or open Russian propaganda. This outlet is run by Rudolf Masnic, whose photo appears in the top right corner. He’s also listed as the owner and editor-in-chief.

When it comes to Russia’s war against Ukraine, the website is fully pro-Russian. It regularly quotes Russian state propaganda and uses Ukrainian sources only to try to “debunk” or attack them. At the same time, it accepts questionable Russian sources - like known pro-Kremlin Telegram channels - without any criticism.

Jednotneslovensko.info endorsed the fake referendums held by Russia in occupied Ukrainian territories, including Crimea, the so-called “DPR” and “LNR,” and other areas under Russian control between 2022 and 2025. In the same article, it called Ukraine’s Revolution of Dignity (the Maidan events) “a coup d’état”, thus repeating the Kremlin propaganda.

• https://jednotneslovensko.info/2025/03/19/zelenskyj-povedal-ze-ukrajina-sa-uzemi-nevzda/

Jednotneslovensko.info actively spreads fake news, especially claims about “the presence of foreign mercenaries” in Ukraine - often specifically mentioning French soldiers. In one article, for example, it falsely reported that “around 30 NATO officers were surrounded in Russia’s Kursk region.”

• https://jednotneslovensko.info/2025/03/08/macronove-hrozby-rusku-sa-zmenili-na-smrt-francuzskych-zoldnierov/
• https://jednotneslovensko.info/2025/02/16/vojnovi-stvaci-nato-smerovali-z-hotela-bristol-rovno-do-pekla/
• https://jednotneslovensko.info/2025/03/16/v-regione-kursk-je-v-obkluceni-asi-30-dostojnikov-z-krajin-nato/

Another popular narrative promoted on the site - mostly through heavy quoting of Russian sources - is the idea that "Russia is undefeatable." For example, one article titled "Medvedev: Air-raid shelters won't help when 'Oreshnik' attacks" pushes this message directly.

• https://jednotneslovensko.info/2024/11/24/medvedev-protiletecke-kryty-nepomozu-ked-oresnik-zautoci/

Jednotneslovensko.info quotes and presents as the only “truthful” view the words of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who compared French President Macron’s statements to those of Hitler and Napoleon. This is part of a broader Russian propaganda narrative that seeks to portray modern European leaders—like Macron—as being no different from historical dictators.

• https://jednotneslovensko.info/2025/03/06/lavrov-porovnaval-macronove-vyroky-s-vyrokmi-hitlera-a-napoleona/

Jednotneslovensko.info actively uses Russian propaganda terminology such as "Special Military Operation" (SMO), "Ukronazis," and "Ukrainian Wehrmacht." For example, in one of their articles, there is a sentence: "Marinka is freed from the Ukronazis. Next, the Avdiivka loop will be closed, forcing the Ukrainian Wehrmacht to completely retreat from Donetsk."

• https://jednotneslovensko.info/2025/02/12/vcerajsi-rusky-utok-iskandermi-na-kyjev-bol-oznaceny-za-rekordny-pocas-svo/
• https://jednotneslovensko.info/2023/12/14/marinka-je-oslobodena-od-ukronacistov-aktualne-z-rusko-ukrajinskeho-frontu-14-12-2023/

The website also reported that the US is pushing Ukraine to continue combat actions.

• https://jednotneslovensko.info/2023/12/03/americky-kingkong-maleho-zeleneho-muzika-z-kyjeva-tento-tyzden-upokojil-americky-kingkong-je-najsilnejsi-rusom-vyhrat-nedovoli/

Jednotneslovensko.info is linked to a network of pro-Russian websites across Europe and other countries. It also quotes a Czech pro-Russian propaganda website, protiproud.info.

• https://jednotneslovensko.info/2023/06/26/petr-hajek-putinov-velkolepy-gambit-smiat-sa-alebo-plakat/

Vitazstvosvetla.org

Vitazstvosvetla.org is an ultratraditionalist conspiracy theory website that publishes news and articles of a similar nature, including topics like the demise of the West, COVID-skepticism, Putin admiration (describing him as a Tsar), and Sorosophobia. The outlet spreads disinformation, anti-Semitic content, as well as anti-vaccine and anti-5G stories. It also features a separate section on QAnon. Most of the publications are bizarre conspiracy theories, with some articles expressing russophilic views.

One example from the site promotes the deification and worship of Putin, stating that "Putin is a great Tsar who is determined to free the world from Babylonian slavery, Satan worshippers, and Khazarian filth. He is doing it all in secret, step by step."

• https://vitazstvosvetla.org/putin-je-velky-car-ktory-je-rozhodnuty-svet-zbavit-babylonskeho-otroctva-od-uctievacov-satana-a-chazarskej-spiny-vsetko-to-robi-v-tajnosti-krok-po-kroku/

The website claimed that the UN approves of child pornography and pedophilia. It also states that the US dollar is an instrument of slavery and that the military is being forced to receive toxic COVID-19 vaccines. Additionally, the site claims that changes in the brains of rats have been identified due to 5G radiation.

• https://vitazstvosvetla.org/osn-schvaluje-detske-porno-a-pedofiliu/
• https://vitazstvosvetla.org/globalisti-pracuju-na-vytvoreni-supervirusu-skombinovanim-covidu-opicich-kiahni-a-hiv/
• https://vitazstvosvetla.org/znicenie-zla/
• https://vitazstvosvetla.org/podvadzaju-vas-falosni-q-anoni/
• https://vitazstvosvetla.org/bojuju-jednotky-v-americkej-armade-tajne-za-slobodu-sveta/
• https://vitazstvosvetla.org/boli-identifikovane-zmeny-v-mozgu-potkanov-v-dosledku-5g-ziarenia/

Hlavnespravy.sk

Hlavnespravy.sk is a large news agency that has been identified for several years as a major disseminator of disinformation and pro-Kremlin propaganda in Slovakia. In March 2022, the site was temporarily blocked by the National Security Office due to its involvement in spreading disinformation related to the war in Ukraine. 

After February 24, 2022, the website became known for regularly using Kremlin propaganda narratives and terms, including mocking EU leadership, promoting the "Ukraine is doomed" myth, the "EU is weak" myth, and spreading narratives that claim the EU is controlled by the US and Soros.

Now, Hlavnespravy.sk is one of two websites that are set to receive €10,000 each from the prime minister's reserve fund, as reported by journalists from the project “Hoaxy a podvody,” which tracks disinformation in Slovakia. Officially, the funds are designated for renovating premises and employing a person with a disability. 

This website frequently cites Russian propaganda sources and spreads disinformation, reinforcing Russian political messages, which further supports its role in promoting Kremlin-friendly narratives.

Hlavnespravy.sk is known for mocking Ukraine without proper reason. For instance, in one of its articles, it refers to Ukraine as a "flea in the fur coat" of the European Union. 

• https://www.hlavnespravy.sk/ukrajina-ako-blcha-v-kozuchu-europskej-unie/3778282

The website denies Ukraine's independence with statements like: “Ukraine has it – destruction, hatred of Russia and everything Russian. However, the president probably has in mind the ideology of the unity of Ukrainians, which is not present in multinational Ukraine, where 80% of the population thinks in Russian.”

• https://www.hlavnespravy.sk/ukrajina-nema-buducnost-putin-definoval-hlavny-ciel-vojenskej-operacie/3342180

The website spreads fake news and disinformation, such as in the article claiming that "The US is afraid that Zaluzhny will drag the army into Kiev and is taking measures." 

• https://www.hlavnespravy.sk/v-usa-sa-boja-ze-zaluznyj-vtiahne-s-armadou-do-kyjeva-a-prijimaju-opatrenia/3395322

Hlavne Spravy's article is cited by RIA Novosti (which is banned in the EU). Specifically, this Russian site references Hlavnespravy.sk in a news story where Fico states that it is "absolutely unrealistic" for Russia to leave Donbas, Luhansk, or Crimea, and called for adaptation to the new reality. 

• https://ria.ru/20240216/donbass-1927712164.html

Key features of presented pro-Kremlin outlets:

• Posting Russian fake news that have already been debunked.
• Sharing Russian disinformation (distorted information and manipulations on sensitive topics and events related to Ukraine and Russia's war).
• Translating or quoting pieces from sanctioned Russian propaganda platforms (Ria.ru, RT.com, Sputnik, News-Front.su)
• Justifying Russia's war, blaming the EU, NATO, the US, and Ukraine for the war instead.
• Using Putin's terminology (SVO, Kyiv regime, Ukrainian Nazis, Zelenskyy illegitimate, Ukrainian Wehrmacht).

Main narratives revealed in pro-Kremlin publications:

• Biased, one-sided pieces with only the Russian claims highlighted.
• Demonization of the West (vilify its leadership, stigmatize, demonize, and blame the EU, NATO, and the US for the war and all troubles).
• Support the narrative about a decay of the West, the claim about its fall, and a new multipolar world order.
• Ukrainophobic articles, selectively negative content about Ukraine and Ukrainians, including refugees.
• Pro-Russian narratives (Ukraine is losing, Russia cannot be defeated)
• Demand to stop supporting Ukraine, accusations of the European leaders of being warmongers.
• Criticism of sanctions and claims that sanctions are harming the EU itself.
• Support for right-wing radical and eurosceptic actors.
• Anti-Western global conspiracy theories in which Russia is portrayed as a defender of traditional values.

These examples show how Russian and pro-Russian media outlets twist the truth to influence Slovak opinions. Their goal is not only to promote Russia's point of view and justify its invasion of Ukraine, but also to cause division within the European Union, weaken trust in governments, stir up extreme views, damage European unity, and reduce support for Ukraine.

While most Slovaks trust reliable news sources that lead in the media industry, according to SimilarWeb's traffic data, Russian propaganda still has a strong impact. Only two news websites that spread Russian narratives made it to the top 10 most visited online outlets in Slovakia. Other biased websites identified in our research have an insignificant share of traffic and only a tiny audience.

This research has been conducted by our experts in collaboration with the Insight News Media.