On May 29, 2024, Elizabeth Lane, an American actress of Georgian origin who serves as a TV anchor at UNIFYD TV, was invited to the program “Gonieri” of the pro-Kremlin TV outlet “ERI Media.” During the last weeks, both the full version of the interview with Elizabeth Lane and fragments of the program were actively distributed on social media, both on Facebook and TikTok (1, 2, 3, 4). Zurab Khachidze, the deputy governor of Samtskhe-Javakheti, also distributed the video.
In the program, Elizabeth Lane talked about various political issues and disseminated a number of anti-Western narratives. For example, Lane notes in an interview that America shares Navalny’s idea that Abkhazia should not be part of Georgia and is trying to enslave them with the financial help of developing countries. Also, according to her, the “Georgian Dream” is the only government that does not obey the US.
Additionally, Elizabeth Lane points out that Putin is one of the best politicians in the world, and on Putin’s attitude toward Abkhazia, she says: “Abkhazia is – I’ll give it to you if you can convince me that CIA agents like Saakashvili aren’t running around here… Now tell me why is that wrong?”
What do we know about Elizabeth Lane?
Elizabeth Lane is one of the hosts of UNIFYD TV’s “Beyond The Surface Of America” program starting in March 2024. The programs cover topics as the Masons’ role in Washington’s history and their connection to the Central Intelligence Agency – the CIA. Other episodes deal with paranormal events at Skinwalker Ranch in Utah and alternative agriculture in Tennessee.
UNIFYD TV is a streaming platform founded by Jason Shurka. Jason Shurka heads another organization called UNIFYD World. UNIFYD World is focused on “creating global awareness and unity”. UNIFYD TV, on the other hand, broadcasts unconfirmed information and conspiracy theories on topics such as aliens, secret organizations, and alternative treatment methods.
For example, guests on shows and documentaries often claim to have met extraterrestrials or have insider information about extraterrestrial phenomena. In addition, the platform broadcasts documentaries and interviews about groups such as the Illuminati and the Freemasons, which it claims have “secret agendas”. It should be noted that the platform actively (1,2) spreads the conspiracy theory about the “Blue Beam” as well.
Elizabeth Lane also has a YouTube channel called The Elizabeth Lane Show, which was launched in November 2023 after her first channel was deleted by YouTube. The first two videos uploaded to the channel are about the difficulties of relationships and the porn industry.
Elizabeth Lane openly expresses her support for Vladimir Putin. She has published many posts praising the President of Russia. Lane shares Vladimir Putin’s meetings with residents, excerpts from Putin’s interviews (1, 2). In one of the posts, Lane compares Putin to Kennedy and writes that in some ways they serve the same purpose: “This man is right. Thank God, we have Putin!”. In another post, Elizabeth Lane calls on Putin not to give up.
Elizabeth Lane has published (1,2) photos and videos taken on Moscow’s Red Square.
In contrast to the praise of the Russian president, Lane criticizes European leaders and has published a video of special forces confronting demonstrators to illustrate autocracy and restrictions on expression in the West. As an example of the fact that democracy no longer exists in Europe, she manipulatively cites the statement made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany in 2022. For more information, see the “Myth Detector” material:
Elizabeth Lane also mentions in the ERI MEDIA program that she is friends with Kremlin propagandist Scott Ritter. Scott Ritter was the United Nations chief weapons inspector from 1991-98. After leaving office, he became an active critic of the US government. Ritter has repeatedly been involved in online sex scandals involving minors. “Myth Detector” has prepared a number of articles about Scott Ritter and the disinformation spread by him.
Putin and the Issue of Abkhazia
After expressing her respect for Putin, Lane notes that Putin has not done anything for the development of Abkhazia, as he did, for example, in the case of the Ukrainian territories, which means that Putin does not consider Abkhazia to be his property and that is why he does not try to restore and develop it.
After the 2008 Russia-Georgia war, Russia recognized the independence of Abkhazia on August 28. Despite this recognition, no significant Russian investments have been made in Abkhazia, and Abkhazia remains underdeveloped economically and infrastructurally. However, it is worth noting that the strategic value of Abkhazia for Russia differs from the value of Ukrainian territories, which affects the level of Russian interest, investment, and development efforts in Abkhazia.
After the 2022 invasion of Ukraine and the capture of Mariupol, Russia launched a large-scale reconstruction project in the devastated city, which aims to reconstruct homes, infrastructure, and public spaces. This project includes the construction of new housing complexes and the restoration of major facilities, such as the Mariupol Drama Theater, which was bombed by Russia itself. However, in this case, the reconstruction serves not only a practical, but also a symbolic purpose – the legitimization of Russian control. The reconstruction plan, to be implemented by 2035, aims to promote the narrative that Russia saved the Russian-speaking population of Mariupol from Ukrainian fascism. An Associated Press investigation suggests Russia is using the reconstruction to cover up war crimes it committed by attacking the theater, knowing hundreds of civilians were sheltering inside. The reconstruction of Mariupol is also a means of closer integration of the city into the administrative and economic system of Russia, which is strategically important due to its location and economic potential.
Also, in other regions, such as Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014, significant investments were made compared to Abkhazia. Russia has focused on infrastructure development, including the construction of the Crimean Bridge, which connects Crimea with Russia. Although Crimea is internationally recognized as part of Ukraine, the investments made in Crimea are aimed at consolidating Russian control and gaining domestic political support.
Admittedly, while Abkhazia has some strategic military importance, it does not have the same critical value as Crimea, where the Black Sea Fleet is based, or the Donbas region, which has significant industrial resources. Therefore, Russia is more interested in those regions that have greater strategic value and where Russia wants to strengthen its control and spread its influence. Abkhazia’s primary strategic value is maintaining a military base for Russia, which will help Russia spread its power in the South Caucasus and fight against NATO’s influence in the region. In this case, economic development is not as crucial as it is in areas like Mariupol, whose reconstruction serves to consolidate control and integrate the population. By recovering Mariupol, Russia aims to demonstrate its ability to rebuild and improve the regions under its control, which helps legitimize its occupation.
It is also important to consider the economic potential. Abkhazia has limited economic resources and infrastructure compared to regions such as Crimea or other parts of eastern Ukraine. Abkhazia’s economy is underdeveloped, with limited infrastructure and industry. Due to the lack of amenities and services, Abkhazia attracts only low-budget Russian tourists. In contrast, Crimea and Mariupol have strategic economic assets, including ports and industrial facilities, which make them more attractive for Russian investment.
Alexei Navalny and the West
In the program, Elizabeth Lane also talks about the Russian oppositionist, Alexei Navalny, and presents him as an agent of the West. According to Lane, there is evidence that Navalny met with representatives of British intelligence. In addition, Elizabeth Lane develops the opinion that as long as Navalny, the “American man” did not think of Abkhazia as a part of Georgia, it turns out that the US shared his position regarding the independence of Abkhazia.
Allegations that Alexei Navalny had ties with British intelligence emanate from Kremlin sources. In 2021, a video shot in 2012 was released, in which Vladimir Ashurkov, the executive director of Navalny’s anti-corruption fund (FBK), meets James William Thomas Ford, a representative of the British Embassy in Moscow. According to Russian sources, destabilization strategies of the Russian government were discussed at the meeting. However, the circulated video does not show that the financial support that Ashkurov is requesting for the anti-corruption fund has anything to do with the coup d’état. Russia’s Federal Security Service suspected that the said diplomat was working for the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), which was operating under diplomatic cover. While these allegations have been used by Russian state media to portray Navalny as a foreign agent, there is no concrete evidence to support Navalny’s direct ties to British or other Western intelligence agencies. Notably, the allegations are often seen as part of the Kremlin’s strategy to discredit Navalny and his anti-corruption movement.
As for the argument that the US shares Navalny’s opinion regarding Abkhazia’s status, it has no factual basis and misrepresents US policy. The United States does not recognize Abkhazia as an independent state. It supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia and constantly considers Abkhazia and South Ossetia as an integral part of Georgia. This position is evident in many statements of the US State Department and various administrations, which have repeatedly called for peaceful resolution of conflicts in the region and respect for Georgia’s borders. The US does not recognize the legitimacy of the elections or government structure in Abkhazia and calls on Russia to revoke the recognition of Abkhazia’s independence. The United States has also called on Russia to honor its obligations under international agreements, such as the 2008 ceasefire agreement, to withdraw its forces and allow humanitarian aid into the region.
It should be noted that in 2021, Alexei Navalny’s teammate Vladimir Milov clarified the positions of Alexei Navalny regarding the occupied territories of Georgia. According to Milov, Navalny has changed his position and they fundamentally think that “Abkhazia and South Ossetia should be considered as part of Georgia”. In April 2023, Navalny published a lengthy letter in which he apologized to Georgians for the position he took in 2008.
It should be noted that in 2021, Alexei Navalny’s teammate Vladimir Milov clarified the positions of Alexei Navalny regarding the occupied territories of Georgia. According to Milov, Navalny has changed his position and they fundamentally think that “Abkhazia and South Ossetia should be considered as part of Georgia”. In April 2023, Navalny published a lengthy letter in which he apologized to Georgians for the position he took in 2008.
Alexei Navalny „To my shame, in 2008 I wrote a post where I insulted Georgians, which was due to the fact that my friend was bombed in Tskhinvali. I apologized for that and I apologize again, although I know that because of this my opinion is not valued much in Georgia.”
The dissemination of Elizabeth Lane’s interview
Both the full version and excerpts of the show have been shared on Facebook in recent weeks, mostly by conspiracy-mongering, anti-Western, and pro-government accounts on various Facebook pages and groups. Zurab Khachidze, the deputy governor of Samtskhe-Javakheti, was among them.
| Pages | Groups |
| ERI Media | The post was disseminated by Giorgi Nalchevanidze, who is the administrator of the group and a supporter of Levan Vasadze and the “Conservative Movement”. Levan Vasadze & Media |
| Dedakalaki [Capital] | The user that shares the posts, Giorgi Arghvliani, is a member of the “Conservative Movement”. However, in these groups, the posts of “Solidarity for Peace” programs are often circulated.
Traditional-National Movement/Dmanisi, |
| National TV Didgori | One of the administrators of History of Georgia, Avto Shergelashvili, distributes materials from various pages, including the anonymous Facebook account “Information-Analytical Union”, the disinformation spread by “Myth Detector” has been debunked many times. |
| ArAgarevinet | Anti-liberal space. Recently, the posts of the anonymous pro-government page “Ar Agarevinebt” have been circulating in the group. Levan Vasadze’s videos were also distributed in the group.
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| Zura Khachidze | The disinformation spread by the user Tinatin Mchedlishvili has been repeatedly verified by “Myth Detector”. The groups mainly contain posts of anti-vax and conspiracy content: Anti-Freemasonry. “Antichrist” New World Order (NWO); anti-ecumenism,
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| Viola Mikanadze, a supporter of the “Georgian Dream” posts in the group Protest. The report mainly distributes posts supporting the Georgian Dream (1,2) and discrediting the opposition (1, 2) in the group. | |
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Alexander Gorgijanidze, the person spreading the post, mostly spreads videos of the “Conservative Movement” (1,2), but he also shares posts praising Bidzina Ivanishvili. |
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| Kakha Kaladze Mayor of Tbilisi, Politics, Politics and Society, Citizen, Propaganda against abnormal propaganda In these groups, the post is spread by the same, probably fake account Gia Berianidze, who is mainly engaged in spreading the materials (1, 2, 3, 4 , 5)) of the pro-government Facebook pages “Ar Agarevinebt” and “Ai politics”. |
Other Groups
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Georgian Resources in Georgian hands) |
As for the TikTok accounts that share Elizabeth Lane’s videos, one of them, geo.course, is a supporter of “Georgian Dream” and mainly publishes fragments of Irakli Kobakhidze’s videos. The user monimimi, which is a supporter of the “Conservative Movement” has spread the fragments of the interview with Elizabeth Lane in six parts (1,2,3,4,5,6). Some fragments of the interview have been published on the TikTok account of “Eri Media” ERI (1,2,3,4,5,6).
