Larry the Cat Becomes a Symbol in Russia-Ukraine Propaganda

Larry the Cat, the resident feline of Downing Street, has unwittingly become a focus of Russia’s propaganda efforts amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Pro-Kremlin sites are circulating false narratives suggesting that the beloved cat “snubbed” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his recent visit to the UK. These claims emerged following an incident where Larry, positioned near the entrance of Number 10, reportedly jumped away as Zelensky and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer approached.

According to the pro-Russian news site Life, Zelensky “noted the cat’s unfriendly behaviour and was apparently embarrassed.” The narrative wrongly interprets Larry’s actions as a refusal to engage with the Ukrainian leader. In a tongue-in-cheek response, Larry’s official account on social media platform X referred to the situation as “feline diplomacy,” suggesting a more playful intent behind his actions.

Propaganda and Misinterpretation

The portrayal of Larry as a pawn in this geopolitical chess game is not entirely new. Last year, the cat made headlines for a humorous encounter with former Scottish Secretary Ian Murray, who described Larry as “a little s***” during a speech to the CBI Scotland annual dinner in Glasgow. Murray reminisced about his visit to Downing Street when the new Prime Minister was appointing his cabinet, noting that “none of us got a picture with Larry” due to the cat’s notoriously elusive nature. Ironically, Murray lost his position as Scottish Secretary shortly after, during a cabinet reshuffle in September.

Despite the serious implications of the current conflict, Larry has garnered a reputation for being one of the UK’s more charming “diplomats.” Sir Keir Starmer remarked that Larry receives “more attention than all the rest of us put together.” Prime Minister Rishi Sunak echoed this sentiment, stating, “I’ve had no end of international leaders where we do the handshake on the door, but the moment Larry makes an appearance their total focus goes somewhere else.”

A Historical Context

Larry has been a fixture in Downing Street since 2011, when he was adopted by then-Prime Minister David Cameron as part of an effort to address a rat problem in the area. Over the years, the cat has outlived several political figures, including five prime ministers and even former US President Barack Obama during his visit.

His status as a household name has sparked interest not only among the public but also among politicians. As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the inclusion of Larry in propaganda narratives serves as a reminder of how public figures, even those of the animal variety, can be co-opted for political messaging.

The playful misinterpretation of Larry’s behaviour highlights the lengths to which some media outlets will go to frame narratives in the context of ongoing conflicts. As the situation between Russia and Ukraine develops, the role of cultural symbols like Larry may continue to evolve, reflecting the complex interplay between politics and public perception.