Project description
How disinformation is used to justify Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
Russian disinformation narratives that continue to be disseminated throughout several European countries are used to ‘legitimise’ acts of violence during the ongoing Russian invasion in Ukraine. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the VIRUS project aims to investigate how violence is legitimised through certain narratives taking place in Ukraine and, at the same time, demonstrate that, depending on certain circumstances, violence may easily spread as a result. Justifications of the invasion of Russia in Ukraine will be analysed, especially the role of illiberal actors who justify such actions and portray violence as both necessary and virtuous. Tools will also be developed to address the disinformation and narratives, including a multilingual website and awareness-raising campaigns.
Objective
The VIRUS project will investigate the narrative legitimisation of violence during the Russian invasion of Ukraine in Russia and Europe, exploring the argument that, similar to a virus, violence proliferates when conditions are favourable. By analysing the narrative justifications for the ongoing Russian invasion, propagated by illiberal socio-political actors in Russia and selected European democracies—specifically Germany, Italy, and Austria—the project will demonstrate how these actors portray violence not as an immoral act or a last resort, but as necessary and even virtuous action, thereby creating a conducive environment for its normalisation and escalation, and undermining democratic norms across Europe. Beyond its scientific significance, VIRUS will also develop practical tools to identify and counter narratives and illiberal actors that endorse the Russian invasion. These tools will include the creation of a multilingual website and the implementation of awareness campaigns to enhance democratic resilience and media literacy in Europe, especially where democratic institutions are in decline and Russian disinformation persists.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
-
HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
35122 Padova
Italy
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.