The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) recently detained two individuals in Kyiv suspected of creating fake accounts of Ukrainian security services as part of a Russian disinformation campaign. Russia is known for using disinformation and propaganda to undermine its rivals, and these efforts have intensified since the outbreak of the full-scale war against Ukraine. The suspects were allegedly spreading false claims about the Russian war against Ukraine in order to discredit the Ukrainian defense and security forces. They created fake social media and messenger accounts of SBU chief Vasyl Maliuk and military intelligence (HUR) head Kyrylo Budanov, often reposting actual posts from official accounts to add credibility. They also extorted money from people in exchange for their “assistance.”
The detainees are accused of creating over 1,000 fake Ukrainian accounts daily on various social media platforms, effectively running a pro-Russian bot farm. The SBU reported that the suspects received instructions from members of Russian intelligence services with the goal of destabilizing the socio-political situation in Ukraine and discrediting the country internationally. Search operations conducted on the suspects revealed specialized IT equipment, unregistered firearms, and grenades. If convicted, the suspects could face up to seven years in prison. This incident adds to the ongoing battle against Russian disinformation campaigns targeting Ukraine.
In addition to this recent incident, the SBU also uncovered a suspected pro-Russian disinformation group in March that was allegedly linked to members of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate. The group was found to be posing as former Ukrainian President Poroshenko in a disinformation campaign targeting foreign fighters in Ukraine. The Kyiv Independent obtained and analyzed exclusive video footage that showed the group using doctored footage to impersonate the ex-president on a Zoom call.
The ongoing presence of Russian disinformation campaigns poses a significant threat to Ukraine’s national security and stability. By spreading false information and undermining the credibility of Ukrainian institutions, these campaigns aim to sow discord and confusion among the population. The SBU’s efforts to uncover and dismantle these disinformation networks are crucial in defending Ukraine against external threats and preserving the integrity of its democratic processes. The use of fake social media accounts and bot farms to spread propaganda highlights the sophistication and persistence of these malicious actors in their attempts to manipulate public opinion and influence political outcomes in Ukraine.
The coordination between Russian intelligence services and local actors in Ukraine to carry out these disinformation campaigns underscores the transnational nature of the threat facing the country. This cooperation allows for the pooling of resources, expertise, and networks to effectively propagate false narratives and create division within Ukrainian society. The challenges posed by such disinformation campaigns require a multi-faceted approach that involves increased vigilance, public awareness, and cooperation between government agencies, civil society organizations, and tech companies to combat the spread of false information online. By strengthening its defenses against disinformation, Ukraine can better protect its national interests and counter external efforts to destabilize the country.
