WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 20: Demonstrators march to the White House to protest against the rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine on February 20, 2022 in Washington, D.C. Attendees called for U.S. President Joe Biden to take a stronger stance on deterring Russia from invading Ukraine and demanded the end of Russia's occupation of Crimea. (Photo by Kenny Holston/Getty Images)
  • Just prior to their invasion, Russian media ramped up disinformation stories depicting the Ukrainian government as being on a genocidal campaign against ethnic Russians in the country, who Moscow has no choice but to swoop in and protect.