Russia has released a provocative television advertisement that features Volodymyr Zelensky in a Santa Claus costume, alongside AI-generated versions of European officials and British journalist Piers Morgan. The ad, broadcast by the state-backed network Russia Today, attempts to shift blame for various challenges faced by Europeans onto Vladimir Putin.
The advertisement opens with a striking visual of a man in a tent sharpening a blade, accompanied by a voiceover stating, “Migrants settled by your Christmas tree? It’s all because of Putin.” It continues with a series of complaints familiar to many Europeans, linking high energy bills and inflated festive meal prices to the Russian leader. The ad also features a computer-generated version of Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, while a children’s choir sings, “Bureaucrats are on your back? It’s all because of Putin – wack!”
In a standout scene, the ad depicts a mock-up of Zelensky dressed as Santa, who is portrayed as stealing gifts and then turning to the camera to say, “It’s all because of Putin, dear.” The narrative concludes with a montage of television personalities, including Piers Morgan and fellow journalist Anderson Cooper, repeating the phrase, “It’s all because of Putin,” as a family watches from their living room. The advertisement closes with the message, “Dear Europeans, save your blind faith for Santa.”
This unconventional advertisement serves as an apparent attempt by the Kremlin to redirect discussions regarding Putin’s responsibility for numerous issues impacting Europe. It aired shortly after a comprehensive investigation revealed 145 acts of sabotage across Europe, all linked to Russian operatives.
Locations such as Poland and London have been focal points for these incidents, which include the detonation of explosives on railway lines and the arson of a warehouse providing aid to Ukraine. A senior European intelligence official, speaking to the Associated Press, noted, “It’s a 24/7 operation between all the services to stop it.”
The recent surge in sabotage incidents comes in the wake of increased tensions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The newly appointed head of MI6 has emphasized that the front line with Russia is “everywhere,” underscoring the pervasive threat posed by these actions.
According to Samantha de Bendern, an Associate Fellow at Chatham House, these acts of sabotage can be classified as acts of terrorism. She stated, “Russia is at war with us. We just don’t know it. I think people will only wake up to this threat when a missile falls on a European capital or European city.”
The controversial nature of the advertisement, alongside the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical strife, highlights a complex narrative of blame and responsibility that continues to unfold as Europe grapples with the implications of its relationship with Russia. As the holiday season approaches, this ad serves as a stark reminder of the tensions that shape the current landscape.
