This article examines the link between Russia’s strategic culture and conspiracy theories in the context of the war in Ukraine. A key element of Russia’s strategic culture is a sense of encirclement by foreign adversaries, particularly from the West, perceived as aiming to destabilize Russia. These narratives of external threats are integral to Russian identity and are mirrored in Kremlin-driven conspiracy theories. The “enemies” in these narratives vary—spanning nations, ideologies, and ethnicities—but share common themes and imagery. Using the concept of affective semiosis from cultural psychology and code-text from cultural semiotics, the article outlines how conspiracy theories create associative connections between different actors across time and space. It shows how these theories intensify perceptions of external threats, fostering an immediate “us versus them” mentality. Such narratives help to mobilize audiences and reinforce Russia’s strategic objectives, including justifying the war in Ukraine.