Zinaida Bandarenka: It's brutal attack on human mind

Russian continues to brainwash the population of Russia and Belarus. How can we struggle against propaganda?

Zinaida Bandarenka, People's Artist of Belarus and former anchor on the radio, talked to Radio Racyja.

– I personally watch satellite Ukrainian channels in addition to Russian ones. I have information to compare. I feel uncomfortably when I listen to Russian news about Ukraine: it is blatant propaganda! Our people begin to change (and, perhaps, already changed) their opinion on Ukraine. Aggression decreased for some time, but it now grows again. There's nothing more horrifying than an attack on one's mind. It changes people. People are under great influence of psychoactive TV methods.

– In your opinion, is the brainwashing effect of propaganda strong for the Belarusians? What position do most of them have – pro-Russian or pro-Ukrainian?

– Unfortunately, it is strong, so most people support Putin and his actions. Even my former colleagues try to convince me that it's beautiful what Russia is doing to Ukraine.

– How can we struggle against propaganda?

– The solution is simple. Don't watch television and receive information from different sources if you can. People should read the Bible that says that one should not only hear, he also should listen to. Watch and listen. Feel and be able to find differences... People should grow spiritually. But they are more interested in filling their fridges with food. Spiritual things are less interesting for people. It makes them an easy target for manipulation.