Disinformation and Propaganda Target Europe – Russia’s Disinformation Activities against Ukraine

Abstract

Disinformation and propaganda or information warfare have been employed by the Russian Federation (RF) to obtain a strategic advantage in Ukraine as well as in other geopolitically important countries. The impact of information warfare has been amplified with the COVID-19 pandemic. Disinformation targets Western countries, particularly through the Internet and social media. Russian war doctrines recognize information warfare as a key element of modern military action, and the RF develops capabilities in this area. This paper aims to identify, analyze, and assess the Russian actions against Ukraine in the Crimea and Donbas regions, and particularly the conduct of information warfare by the RF. The fusion of disinformation, propaganda, and other covert powers can be a coercive tool to be used in conflicts. The main hypothesis stipulates that hybrid threats, particularly information warfare, have been tested by the RF in Ukraine to evaluate its concepts, methods, and effectiveness in preparation to conduct aggressive actions in other countries. Coordinated responses to disinformation and propaganda, particularly informational resilience, should be bolstered.