„US proxy war” and „2014 coup” narrative featured in russian propaganda is so entrenched among a certain kind of Westerners because it fits their orientalist fantasies. It depicts both Ukrainians and Russians as unable to take initiative and to behave rationally.

They find it unbelievable that Ukrainians were able to successfully oust a corrupt politician and move towards a more democratic system without being steered by an outside (Western) force, without a need for cloak and dagger conspiracy.

Talking about “US proxy war” and “NATO provocations” strips Russia and its dictator of agency as well. In this view Russia is reacting instead of acting and falling blindly for the supposed NATO trap through no fault of their own. A play on the “noble eastern barbarian” trope.

This propaganda narrative is a complete reversal of reality and contains barely concealed contempt for “relatively civilized” Eastern Europeans and needs to be called out whenever spotted.