AFP fact-checkers have debunked false content that seeks to support or promote claims that there is growing public fatigue over the war in Ukraine in Europe and the United States.
Such disinformation campaigns focus on already sensitive topics such as migration or political affiliation. It is believed that this might have a major impact ahead of the European Parliament elections in June.
Valentin Chatelet from the Atlantic Council Digital Expertise Laboratory (DFRLab) of the Center for Strategic Studies pointed out that disinformation is trying to create the impression that the aid sent by Europe and the USA to Ukraine is unnecessary.
“There is always a desire to disrupt negotiations, especially with Western players, as they are the main financial backers and arms suppliers,” said V. Chatelet.
In early February, European Union leaders overcame months of opposition from Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán and agreed on a 50 billion euro package. euro aid to Ukraine. Community leaders call this step a clear message to Russia.
But for months now, US aid to Ukraine has stalled as congressional Republicans block a bill to ensure US aid to Kyiv continues.
US-based political researcher Elina Treyger pointed out that disinformation is aimed at “weakening European support for Ukraine […] maliciously accusing Ukrainian refugees”.
She added that this disinformation campaign also often emphasizes the economic and energy consequences of military sanctions once morest Russia for Europeans.
Based on issues that divide society
According to experts, pro-Russian disinformation is most effective when it is based on existing and divisive issues such as immigration and the purchasing power of the population.
“The most successful stories are those that relate to an existing problem; it is much more difficult to create it from scratch”, said E. Treyger.
“When you multiply the content in this way, you will inevitably hit the target,” agreed Jakub Kalensky, representative of the European Center of Competence once morest Hybrid Threats (Hybrid CoE).
Christine Dugoin-Clement, an associate professor at IAE Paris Business School, explained that following the war in Ukraine, the Middle East and Africa, narratives based on anti-American, anti-Western and colonial sentiments were specially created.
Another tactic is to divert the attention of journalists with an abundance of information.
One campaign, called “Operation Matryoshka”, aims to put journalists to work by spreading anti-Ukraine fake news and calling on Western media to verify it.
Another major operation, Doppelganger, which French intelligence attributes to Russia, uses images that mimic Western media.
Upcoming elections to the European Parliament
Widespread pro-Russian disinformation is also influencing elections in Europe, and there are fears that it will intensify in the run-up to the EP elections in June.
“Disinformation operations will be carried out regarding Ukraine (and) many pressing European issues in order to promote a conservative or nationalist agenda,” V. Chatelet said.
According to the German daily “Der Spiegel”, since December 2023, a huge pro-Russian disinformation campaign in Germany has created more than 50 thousand. fake social network “X” accounts to incite anger over the country’s support for Kyiv.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, it “liquidated” around 60 fighters, mostly “French mercenaries”, in a January strike in Kharkiv, in northeastern Ukraine.
Following the allegations, Telegram channels and pro-Kremlin activists circulated several lists, one of which allegedly revealed the identities of around 30 “dead French mercenaries”. French volunteers in Ukraine denied these allegations; three of these volunteers contacted the AFP directly.
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2024-05-13 10:14:28
