Russia has launched a wide ranging propaganda campaign aimed at undermining Ukraine’s international image and portraying Kyiv as unwilling to negotiate peace, according to the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine. The Kremlin’s new information operation, identified in the first five days of April, involves spreading disinformation across global and domestic media networks in an effort to shift blame for continued fighting onto Ukraine.
Ukrainian intelligence has reported that Russia is working to present itself as a so-called peace seeker, while accusing Kyiv of refusing to end the war. This tactic is being deployed in both international and Ukrainian information spaces. The campaign involves major Russian state controlled outlets such as Gazeta.ru, Sputnik, Vedomosti and Military Review, all of which have been broadcasting coordinated narratives accusing Ukraine of prolonging hostilities.
These messages have been echoed abroad using proxy media sources. These include Réseau International in France, Magyar Hírlap in Hungary, L’AntiDiplomatico in Italy, and Ereport in Slovakia. While these outlets present themselves as independent, Ukrainian intelligence states they are part of a coordinated Kremlin effort to distort public perception and erode global support for Ukraine.
| Propaganda Channels Used | Countries Involved |
|---|---|
| Gazeta.ru, Sputnik, Vedomosti | Russia |
| Military Review | Russia |
| Réseau International | France |
| Magyar Hírlap | Hungary |
| L’AntiDiplomatico | Italy |
| Ereport | Slovakia |
Domestically, the Kremlin has also targeted the Ukrainian population with manipulated media. Anonymous Telegram channels, fake patriotic TikTok accounts, and YouTube content posing as commentary from Ukrainian military personnel or independent experts are being used. These sources spread similar messages under different guises, including false interviews, blog posts, and seemingly analytical content designed to appear credible.
This strategy of creating a loud and diverse seeming debate is carefully orchestrated from within the Kremlin, Ukrainian intelligence says. The purpose is not only to weaken Western support but also to sow doubt and confusion among Ukrainians themselves.
Moscow hopes to reduce international aid and pressure the Ukrainian government into making concessions by pushing a narrative that the world is growing tired of Ukraine and that Kyiv is obstructing peace. However, Ukraine continues to affirm its commitment to a just peace that respects sovereignty and territorial integrity.
