Russia has significantly increased its use of AI-generated content in information warfare against Ukraine, with nearly 200 operations recorded this year circulating on social media and reaching over 84 million views, according to the Center for Countering Disinformation.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) by Russia in its information warfare campaign against Ukraine has seen a marked increase this year, with 191 recorded operations involving AI-generated content circulating on social media platforms, according to the Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD). This escalation in AI-driven information activities has reportedly garnered at least 84.5 million views.
The CCD, in a statement shared via Telegram and reported by Ukrinform, outlined various forms of AI-utilised manipulations. These include deepfakes—highly realistic yet fabricated video recordings where a person's face or voice is swapped—and partial deepfakes, which involve real video content altered by AI-generated voiceovers or digitally inserted scenes not present in the original footage. Further techniques involve fake captioned videos, which are AI-created and presented as if published by reputable media outlets or organisations.
Additionally, AI-generated images depicting soldiers or their families have been released, designed to evoke emotional responses such as heroism or tragedy. Such visuals aim to manipulate viewer emotions, increase social media engagement, or even collect personal data. Emotion-enhancing AI content is particularly prevalent on the social media platform X, where it is used to propagate narratives favourable to Russia.
The CCD has also noted that Russian propaganda efforts have found ways to infiltrate popular AI chatbots, manipulating them into reiterating disinformation narratives that are then polished and repackaged by Russian media sources. The Centre commented on the evolving nature of information warfare, stating, “The information front of the war is constantly evolving – the enemy is looking for new, more effective ways to influence public opinion. That’s why the role of artificial intelligence in Russia’s information operations is steadily increasing.”
Ukrinform's report highlights a significant rise in the circulation of AI-generated fake content on social media, with images constituting the most common format. These developments underscore a sophisticated use of AI technology in the dissemination of disinformation linked to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative describes events marked as occurring 'this year' with up-to-date data from the Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) and a recent report by Ukrinform. No references to outdated persons or events are present. It reflects ongoing conflict dynamics in 2024, indicating high currency.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
The only direct quote is from the CCD: “The information front of the war is constantly evolving – the enemy is looking for new, more effective ways to influence public opinion. That’s why the role of artificial intelligence in Russia’s information operations is steadily increasing.” This appears as an original statement from CCD shared via Telegram and rebroadcast by Ukrinform. No earlier source or prior use was found, suggesting originality and increasing credibility.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates primarily from the CCD and Ukrinform. CCD is a Ukrainian government-affiliated body monitoring disinformation, likely reliable within its domain but with potential bias given the conflict context. Ukrinform is a Ukrainian state news agency, generally credible though possibly influenced by national perspectives. The absence of a large international independent outlet reference suggests moderate but not highest reliability.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The information about Russia employing AI techniques such as deepfakes, AI-generated images and manipulation of chatbots aligns with ongoing documented trends in hybrid and information warfare. The reported volume of AI operations and their emotional manipulation goals align well with known conflict tactics. There is no contradictory evidence found, and the claims are plausible and consistent with recent technological and geopolitical advancements.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is current, with original quotes traced to a primary monitoring body actively engaged in the ongoing conflict. Although sources have an inherent bias potential, their specialised role provides strong domain credibility. The claims about AI usage in information warfare are consistent with technological trends and conflict developments, making the narrative plausible and reliable at this time.
