Dégagez, agresseurs ! 1970

This visually striking 1970 Soviet poster delivers a direct and uncompromising anti-war message, aimed squarely at perceived Western—particularly American—military aggression. Produced within the Soviet Union, it is notable for being written in Lithuanian, indicating it was specifically intended for the Lithuanian SSR as part of localized propaganda efforts across the Union.

The slogan appears in Lithuanian:
“Prasmekit, agresoriai!”

A precise translation is:
“Begone, aggressors!” or “Go away, aggressors!”

The poster’s central image is both simple and powerful: the United States flag morphs into a twisting column of flame, descending toward a small aircraft below. This transformation suggests destruction, violence, and the consequences of militarism. The flag, normally a symbol of national identity, is here reinterpreted as a source of fire and aggression.

At the bottom of the flame, a small jet silhouette appears engulfed or consumed, reinforcing the idea of warfare and aerial bombardment. The imagery evokes contemporary conflicts of the time, most notably the Vietnam War, which was widely criticized in Soviet propaganda as an example of imperialist aggression.

The dark, nearly black background isolates the image, heightening its dramatic effect. Without distractions, the viewer’s attention is drawn immediately to the swirling motion of the flag-flame hybrid. The use of red, white, and blue—colors associated with the American flag—becomes ironic, as they are transformed into symbols of destruction rather than liberty.

Stylistically, the poster is highly modern and graphic. The flowing lines of the flag create a sense of movement, almost like a vortex pulling downward. This dynamic composition contrasts with the stark stillness of the background, amplifying the tension between motion and void.

Unlike earlier Soviet posters that often relied on detailed narrative scenes, this work uses abstraction and metaphor. The message is conveyed not through explicit storytelling but through symbolic transformation—a hallmark of more sophisticated graphic design in the late Soviet period.

Politically, the poster reflects the broader ideological struggle of the Cold War. The Soviet Union frequently positioned itself as a defender of peace, positioning Western military actions as threats to global stability. The word “aggressors” is deliberately plural, suggesting a broader critique of imperialist systems rather than a single nation alone.

Ultimately, Prasmekit, agresoriai! is a concise yet powerful visual statement. Through its fusion of national symbolism and destructive imagery, it delivers a clear message: war and aggression corrupt even the symbols meant to represent freedom—no matter where they appear.

Original Poster

Politics - USSR - Cold War - Lithuania - Propaganda

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