The head of Russia’s leading state media has declared that the country’s global image should be built on its military might – boasting that nations with “good rockets” also make “good candies.”
Konstantin Ernst, CEO of the state media outlet Channel One, made the remark during a plenary session of the “Made in Russia” forum in Moscow. He urged Russia to “stop being modest” and promote the industries in which it still holds an advantage which he said above all is its defense sector.
“Exporting [intermediate-range ballistic missile] prototypes created the right impression and the necessary image among those who doubted us. Because whoever has good rockets, has good candies,” Ernst said.
He argued that Russia must capitalize on its perceived technological and military strengths – including its Sukhoi Su-57 (NATO: Felon) “fifth generation” fighter jet, which he called “the best modern aircraft in the world.”
According to Ernst, the production and sale of such weapons represent “a powerful symbol of the nation’s image – not only in military success but cultural prestige.”
“We need to stop being cautious in [promoting] those industries where we have undeniable advantages,” he said.
Ernst lamented that Russia had long “failed to work on its image,” claiming that Western countries have consistently tried to “discredit” it.
“Throughout our history, Russia has been attacked by false narratives,” he said, arguing that stories like Ivan the Terrible killing his son or the assassination of Tsar Paul I were British fabrications.
He listed the 2014 Sochi Olympics and the 2025 InterVision Song Contest as positive milestones in shaping Russia’s public image, and even described the ongoing war as including “an image component.”
“We heard so much about the perfection of Western systems – Patriot, Abrams, and others. It turned out not everything is so complex and everything is surmountable,” he added.
He did not reference Russia’s intensified strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and rail network as winter nears.
Due to Russia’s ongoing attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, most regions across the country, including the capital Kyiv, are living under strict blackout schedules. In some areas, electricity is available for only a few hours a day as power companies struggle to repair critical damage and balance the grid.