Russian misinformation in east Europe – from 18 to 24 July 2022. Report

Russian disinformation constantly spreads false information and fights for a government of souls of social media users. The subject of this study is the individual narratives spread in the Baltic countries (in Russian), Bulgaria, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Poland, Slovakia and Ukraine.The study summarises the work of a twelve organisations associated with Open Information Partnership (including our website) between 18 and 24 July 2022.

Just like in previous report respective axes around which false pro-Russian communicative is conducted can be distinguished. These are:

• events related to the war,
• the situation of a Russian national number in different countries,
• Ukrainian refugees and their position in different countries,
• the consequences of economical sanctions on Russia,
• military threat to Central Europe,
• consequences of widely understood military support granted to Ukraine.

The key false narratives were accompanied by hyperlinks directing the reader to the respective pages. The key means specified articles and entries, which generated a crucial number of interactions understood as comments, likes and makes available.

Russian disinformation in the Baltic States: The Russian economy continues to grow and Europeans have problems with access to basic goods

Pro-Russian narratives discussed the economical consequences of anti-Russian sanctions. They focused on:

• the difficulties of Europeans in acquiring essential goods specified as sugar,
• increased interest rates that will too much burden for average citizens.

The Russian economy, according to pro-Russian propaganda channels, is intact by sanctions and is doing great. Rubel, on the another hand, continues to strengthen. The Belarusians have allegedly received wage increases for which they are to be liable for intra-trading trade agreements with Russia.

Russian disinformation pushes narratives about militarization of the West and Ukrainian Nazis

Russian disinformation underlines that in connection with the militarization of the West, there will be an attack on Russia. The Ukrainians, on the another hand, accuse of attacking civilian objects. Pro-Russian communicative in 1 article accuses the Ukrainians of unwillingness to defend their homeland and indicates that young men are inactive seeking opportunities to leave the country. Another article depicts Ukrainians as Nazis, citing Ukrainian anti-Semitism and crimes committed on Jews in 1941. You can besides see typical narratives about:

• the upcoming failure of Ukraine,
• the usage of Ukraine by the West to fight Russia,
• forcing Russia by the West to attack Ukraine.

The article stresses that Ukrainians proceed to evade military service. Source: Obzor.lt

Ungrateful and unworked refugees

Pro-Russian narratives are trying to slander Ukrainian refugees. During this period, they stressed that: Estonian farmer He accused a exile of killing a pig.; Moldovan companies announced that they have 2197 vacancies for Ukrainian citizens, but only 370 refugees registered as unemployed.

Russian statues are like zombies.

The Pro-Russian narratives, in relation to alleged attacks on Russian culture, highlighted the intention to ban Russian media, Belarus beating in Krakow and comparing russian monuments to zombies, which was committed by the Latvian President.

An article in which Latvians are accused of attacking Russian cultural heritage. Source: Rubaltic.ru

In connection with the transportation of arms to Ukraine by the West, Russian propaganda underlines the anticipation of carrying out an attack utilizing this weapon in Russia and alleged folk republics. It besides highlights the alleged theft and smuggling of weapons delivered from the West to the European Union.

In addition, respective articles stressed that Russian diplomats surpass their Western European colleagues. The ineptness and rudeness of British and German members of the diplomatic corps were noted. The Government of Moldova is besides to be controlled by the West, and Ukrainian political leadership is accused of incompetence.

Russian misinformation in Bulgaria: Russia becomes stronger thanks to sanctions!

During this period, the pro-Russian communicative focused on sanctions and the inevitable defeat of Ukraine in the war. Bulgarian media space was besides the place where pro-Russian narrators quoted the words of Russian dignitaries. It is worth noting that since the start of monitoring of the Bulgarian media space, there have been no noteworthy attempts to discredit Ukrainian refugees.

Russian expert noted that if Ukraine decides not to fight until the last soldier, peace will be concluded between the countries in question on Russian terms. The West states are allegedly aware of this and know that Russia is able to accomplish its goals.

Pro-Russian narrators quote Dmitri Pieskov's words, in which he claims that sanctions contribute to strengthening Russia. In addition, they are the price that Russia must pay for strengthening not only the economy, but besides its global position. 1 politician stated that Bulgaria has now become dependent on Russia More than before the war. Pro-Russian propaganda continues to emphasize the fact that anti-Russian sanctions hit the West alternatively than Russia.

In Bulgarian media there are besides threats directed towards Western countries – reportedly thanks to the assistance of Chechen soldiers, Putin will be able to subdue NATO. However, due to the counteroffensive of Ukrainian troops in the south of the country, threats arose Russian usage of atomic weapons.

Russian disinformation underlines that Russia has the support of the 2 most populous countries in the world. In their opinion, the Bulgarian army appoints reservists and prepares to fight Russia. It is besides worth noting that researchers have noted an effort to accuse Ukraine of hiding American biological laboratories.

An article in which the author threatens Russia's usage of atomic weapons. Source: Bradva. bg

Russian disinformation in the Czech Republic: attempts to item Russian successes

The Czech researchers observed 2 trends. The first is to push the propaganda channels to believe that the war in Ukraine is just a local substance that should not concern anyone in Europe.

The second 1 emphasizes the successes of Russians, but on a micro scale alternatively than a macro scale, as has been the case so far. Pro-Russian channels spreading disinformation were pleased to study the demolition of individual pieces of Ukrainian equipment.

Propagandists dared to distribute imaginary information on. damage to HIMARS multi-guided rocket launchers. Czech disinformation researchers presume that this may be due to the deficiency of Russian successes on the operational scale recently.

There was besides a possibly dangerous communicative depicting Ukraine as an experimental ground for arms companies. According to experts in the future, this message can evolve towards a war in Ukraine as a "spirit of arms dealers".

Russian disinformation about the successful demolition of equipment provided by the US. Source: Hiddenapravda.cz

Russian disinformation speaks of NATO conquest and Western work for atomic apocalypse

Pro-Russian propaganda channels in relation to the war advance narratives designed to convince audiences of Ukraine's impending loss. They say Ukrainian Army shoots civilian objects. They besides advance statements by Ramzan Kadyrov, in which he states that Russia does not full fight its capabilities, and if it wishes, it will conquer not only Kiev, but the full NATO.

Russian narratives depict the West as Russia's provocative website and leading her to the ultimate, which is the usage of atomic weapons. The irresponsible actions of Western states are intended to lead to the apocalypse.

Providing military aid to Ukraine prolongs the war, and the country is Test ground for the weapons of Western states. It was this subnarration about Ukraine being a test ground for defence companies that was mentioned in the introduction to the part devoted to Russian misinformation in the Czech Republic.

Providing assistance to Ukraine is intended to weaken and endanger the countries giving it. It is both military and social aid. The erstwhile causes The Czech Republic is vulnerableAnd the another is to be at the expense of Czech citizens.

Russian disinformation narratives urge states indirectly active in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict to stay neutral. The war was presented as a local substance in which another countries should not interfere. According to disinformation channels Hungary is simply a good example of this attitude.

The communicative discussed above aims to advance and encourage isolationism and protectionism. It is worth noting that Hungarian politicians are being utilized to push this thesis.

An article quoting Kadyrov's threats directed towards the West. Source: Pokec24.cz

Russian disinformation in Estonia: pro-Russian message matches the voice of the far right

Russian disinformation narratives co-play with the voices of far-right Estonian politicians. The Kremlin's propaganda focused on undermining Ukraine's military achievements, highlighted the damaging impact of sanctions on Estonians and pointed to them as allegedly the main origin of the global food crisis. Attempts to slander Ukrainian refugees were besides noted.

Mass recruitment in Ukraine and attempts to accuse refugees of destabilising Estonia

Ukrainian citizens are to be dragged into the army by force, and the Ukrainian administration allegedly began to lead mass consumption. 1 article published a video showing a man being dragged into a car. The origin and circumstances of the recording stay unclear.

Russian disinformation accuses the Estonian government of bringing war into the country's borders by reception of Ukrainian refugees. Ukrainians in Estonia are to verbally attack Russians, leading to tensions. Another communicative published on the pro-Russian channel emphasizes that the Estonian government is helping Russians who claim to be Ukrainian refugees.

One article claims to have accused an irresponsible and inappropriate Western policy. This is precisely about the sanctions imposed, which in effect increased food and energy prices All over the world.

Russian disinformation to discredit refugees seeks to represent them as Russians who destabilize Estonia. Source: Uueduudised.ee

In another article, the West was accused of cessation of arms supply for Ukraine. The text cites another article that was published in the fresh York Times. Trials were besides noted discrediting effectiveness delivered to Ukraine multi-guided HIMARS rocket launchers. According to Tuomas Forsberg, they did not importantly alter the course of war in favour of Ukraine.

Russian disinformation besides tries slander the Ukrainian authorities. In 1 of the articles there are suspicions towards the president of Ukraine. According to the author, he does not control the situation in the country. Nationalists allegedly took over what was to stay from the Ukrainian state.

Russian disinformation in Georgia: government will open second front in war against Russia

Russian disinformation focused on accusing pro-Western politicians of trying to drag Georgia into the war and undermining the effectiveness of military aid provided by the West. You can see attempts to spread disinformation causing fear with the hazard of Russia utilizing atomic weapons. Typical narratives related to the economical consequences of sanctions are linked to those that claim to lose interest in aid Ukraine through Western states that want to return to regular trade with Russia.

Total domination of Russia at the front and threats towards Georgia

Alt-Info has stated that Russia has an advantage over Ukraine and has adequate troops to make it in a short time attack Georgia. It was besides stressed that the front situation of Ukrainian troops is critical. Ukraine allegedly no longer has reserves, and Russia is able to proceed the war and mobilise reserves.

According to another pro-Russian commentators, Russia defeated Ukraine and should save the remains of its statehood, accepting the failure of occupied territories. The government of Ukraine and the political establishment of the West are allegedly besides to spread false information about Ukraine's inevitable victory.

Alt-Info, which talks about Russia's possible attack on Georgia, Source: Facebook

Russian disinformation depicts refugees as ungrateful for their help

On social media there was an entry in which the user stated that Government funds Ukrainian refugees Best hotels, food and wellness care erstwhile Georgians had to deal with bad surviving conditions. According to the author, Ukrainians and the government in Kiev, despite the aid shown, proceed to resent the Georgians due to the fact that they do not want to join the war.

An entry on social media accusing Georgian authorities of financing the lives of Ukrainian refugees. Source: Facebook

Russian disinformation reaches for energy blackmail

On air Alt-Info, a Conservative typical tried to convince the audience that Europe's confrontation with Russia will make a serious energy crisis. The politician drew the future of Europe in black colors. According to him, European factories will halt working and average citizens will realize that it was not worth helping Ukraine. In his opinion, Europe will not be able to find an alternate gas supplier, due to the fact that countries specified as Saudi Arabia refuse to supply.

An example of Russian communicative in Georgia about the energy crisis in Europe caused by Europe's confrontations with Russia. Source: Facebook

Plans to replace Russian Azerbaijani gas have been criticised. According to the pro-Russian expert, Europe will always depend on Russia in terms of energy.

On the pages of the Pro-Russian newspaper, critique article United States. According to the author, the United States is instigating European countries against Russia, and they themselves are slowing down sanctions to make as much money as possible. According to 1 pro-Russian organization leader, the United States and the European Union have developed a fresh strategy to weaken Russia by involving it in armed conflicts. However, the West was to be converted and as a consequence of incorrect assumptions, the Russian currency gained value.

As a result, another countries began to quit their first activities to isolate the Russian economy and allegedly proceed to buy Russian natural materials.

Threatening atomic weapons

Several articles address the threat to Europe to the escalation of the conflict. The European Union has been accused of trials worsening relations between Georgia and Russia. This would lead to an open conflict that would consequence in the "Ukraine" of Georgia. On the air mentioned Alt-Info, 1 of the political activists stated that Georgia is simply a field where there may be a confrontation with Russia.

On 1 of the social media websites, information about training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16 aircraft. According to authors, supplying these machines to Ukraine by America would mean a direct commitment to war and could lead to Russia utilizing a tactical atomic charge in Europe.

Russian communicative on the possible consequences of training Ukrainian pilots on U.S. F-16 multitasking fighters. Source: Facebook

Russian propaganda discredits military aid

According to Russian misinformation, the West loses interest in helping Ukraine, whose supplies of russian equipment are moving out. The United States and the Union are not full convinced delivery of modern weapons to Ukraine. According to the authors, this is why modern tanks specified as Leopardy and Abramsy were not sent to Ukraine.

Russian disinformation about the deficiency of conviction to send modern weapons to Ukraine. Source: Facebook

Military aid is presented as useless. According to pro-Russian commentators, it will not halt Ukraine's inevitable defeat and will not importantly affect the result of the war.

An entry in social media referencing to a recording in which military aid provided by the West presents itself as useless. Source: Facebook

Pro-Russian narrators accuse Ukraine of wasting Western weapons. Supposedly, it hits black market. At the same time Americans and British reportedly they placed an ultimatum to Volodymyr Zelenski. If Slavic falls, Ukraine will not receive further arms supplies.

Russian disinformation in Hungary: Europe will freeze!

Pro-Russian narratives item the statements of Russian representatives about the destroyed Ukrainian equipment. They are to attest to Russian successes on the front. Ukraine, on the another hand, loses the war and will never take back Crimea and Donbas. According to a pro-Russian expert, public opinion slow but continuously Turns distant from Ukraineand the West loses interest in providing further assistance. Ukrainian soldiers were besides accused of firing on 1 of the atomic plants.

The European Union will freeze

On social media (and not only there) there was a communicative making a black screenplay for Europe. Most of them utilized the message that ‘Europe will freeze’. any of the entries and articles referred to the visit of the Hungarian abroad Minister to Moscow and others considered why Europe expects gas from RussiaIf he supports Ukraine financially and militarily.

An example of a Russian communicative accusing the European Union of waiting for gas supplies from Russia. Source: Facebook

In entries that touched the subject visits The Hungarian Head of the Ministry of abroad Affairs in Moscow, there have been statements suggesting indirectly that Hungary will receive gas supplies and the remainder of Europe will freeze. respective another entries made typical narratives to prove Ineffectiveness of sanctions and their negative impact to the economies of the countries of Europe.

Russian disinformation attempts to discredit military aid and the European Union and the United States

Pro-Russian narrators have stated that the Canadian government does not know what happened to sent to Ukraine with weapons. They suggested that Canadian military aid was irretrievably lost. Leading politicians of the United States and the European Union are presented as corrupt, incompetent and devoted Communist ideology. On Facebook there were entries stating European Union dependency on the United States. Russian disinformation besides blames the West for 10 million Congolese deaths.

An entry on social media accusing the European Union of becoming addicted to the United States and following the way towards federalisation. Source: Facebook

Other narratives

The European Union and NATO are presented as weak and to be broken down. narrations on this subject address a wide scope of topics – from Boris Johnson's resignation after combined military manoeuvres of Russia and China in South America. Ukrainian leaders are portrayed in a bad light. Social Media User mocked Volodymyr Zelenski About getting Crimea back and calling him a clown and a drug addict.

Russian narratives about alleged exercises of Russia and China; Source: Vadhajtasok

Russian disinformation in Latvia: conspiracy theories and refugees threatening Latvian culture

In the Latvian media, researchers detected a tiny number of disinformation content. Pro-Russian narratives focused on: conspiracy theories related to war, the deficiency of impact of sanctions on the Russian economy and the threat posed by refugees to Latvian culture.

Russian disinformation depicts war as a fake

The authors of 2 social media entries stated that War isn't real., a Russia and Ukraine cooperate to any extent.

An example of the Russian communicative stating that the war is not real, and Ukraine and Russia cooperate with each other. Source: Facebook

One Latvian populist accused the Latvian government of favouring refugees. He besides stated that they posed a threat to Latvian culture.

On social media, the message referred to the harm that the West has done to its economy by imposing sanctions targeted at Russia. According to the author, the countries of Western Europe will long-term feel the effects of their "unrethinkable" decisions.

Other narratives

Latvian politician stated that in the Russian-Ukrainian War the most crucial is the economical factor. In his opinion, all active parties benefit from the conflict. In another entry on social media NATO has been accused of weakness. The North Atlantic Alliance is to be weak and any of the associate States can ally with the Russian Federation.

Pro-Russian entry stating that in war the most crucial origin is the economy and business. Source: Facebook

Russian disinformation in Lithuania: conspiracy theories and escalation of conflict due to blockade of Kaliningrad

Russian disinformation narratives have been taking up the 4th week in a row about the blockade of Kaliningrad. Researchers believe that the issue of blocking the Russian exclave will continue, even though the problem has been resolved through diplomatic agreements and with the European Commission's involvement. Researchers monitoring Russian propaganda and disinformation have noted large activity to discredit Ukrainian troops and all efforts to aid refugees.

During this period, pro-Russian activists spreading disinformation besides utilized conspiracy theories.

The aid provided by the West is evidence of Ukraine being utilized for the war against Russia

According to 1 author, military aid provided Ukraine through the United States proves conclusively that the state is utilizing Ukraine to wage war with Russia. another material indicates Provoking Russia by the West.

A social media user quoted Russian sources and stated that the Ukrainian army She shot up a dam atomic power plant..

An entry on social media accusing the Ukrainian army of firing on the Zaporosia atomic power plant. Source: Facebook

Russian disinformation uses the SS Galizien division to Accusing Ukrainians of Nazism. Evidence of the popularity of utmost right-wing ideology among Ukrainians is to usage the symbolism of the aforementioned division by Ukrainian soldier.

Lithuanians are forced to receive refugees

Russian disinformation highlights the alleged Force Lithuania to receive refugees, donating and so on.

Russian disinformation presents “the real goal” of aggression

In pro-Russian articles you can read that The real goal Russia's war is weakening the West, which will waste resources and weapons in the framework of Ukraine's assistance. The next text reads that Europe cannot be economically without Russia, and that the real nonsubjective of the war is to extend the US's influence in Europe.

Russian disinformation pushes a communicative about the real intent of Russia's war. Source: Bukimevieningi

Lithuania escalates tension and seeks war

Russian propaganda officials accuse Lithuania of Escalating tension and pursuing open confrontation Russia. In their view, they believe that this action is being taken to block the Kaliningrad region, which could even lead to a atomic disaster.

The Lithuanian State is presented as a hooliganWho strives to fight, but hopes to aid his older brother. Further accusations focused on the alleged desire of Lithuania gains from the escalation of conflicts or transit lock to Kaliningrad.

An example of a pro-Russian communicative accusing Lithuania of trying to benefit financially from the ongoing conflict. Source: YouTube

Military aid provided by the West prolongs the war

Pro-Russian narrators quoted a journalistic message from the United States to prove that arms transportation prolongs the war. besides translated by RussiaToday article, which tried proveThat American weapon goes to the black market. According to the authors, this proves conclusively that the United States supports terrorism.

Other narratives

Published Article undertaking a pro-Russian communicative that claims of fraud by any activists are true. In addition, the proof of their unclean intentions is to be the fact entering a court of law against those accusing them.

One of the leading disinformationists stated Lithuania's dependency on the United States. The government in Vilnius allegedly took orders from the United States and interfered in the affairs of its neighbors. Instead, Lithuania should stay neutral and be peaceful.

An entry appeared in which the author stated that the war was called to Start the energy crisis. The situation started with fuel films. Lithuanian government was besides accused of utilizing war as a smokescreen for The intention to introduce dictatorship in the country.

An entry on social media indicating that the war was triggered to origin an energy crisis. Source: Facebook

Russian Disinformation in North Macedonia: The war will spill outside Ukraine

Of all the articles spreading Russian disinformation, the most popular subject they took was the escalation of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict outside Ukraine. In addition, Macedonian media space served to supply statements by representatives of the Russian authorities and Viktor Orban.

Russia was forced to attack Ukraine

Sergei Lavrow published a note in which the United States was charged liable for creating a war. He besides stated that the Russian Federation has been eliminating the threat that the US and the satellites have been creating in Ukraine for years.

An entry in social media utilizing the words of the Russian abroad Minister to spread disinformation; Source: Facebook

Pro-Russian narrators use, as regards sanctions, words of the Hungarian Prime Minister. Orban stated that the European Union had "shot itself in the chest" by imposing sanctions on Russia. It is worth noting that the head of the Hungarian government uses the same rhetoric as Dmitri Medvedev.

The channels spreading Russian misinformation utilized the words of the Chechen leader. Ramzan Kadyrov threatened that Russia would not halt in Ukraine, and after the liberation of Kiev The time will come for Poland and another NATO countries.

Disciptors besides utilized Jurov's statement. The Russian minister stated that the strength of Russian activities depends on the size of the aid granted to Ukraine. This communicative seems to justify firing civilian infrastructure through the Russian army.

It is worth noting that researchers are inactive observing narratives related to alleged laboratories that the United States was to make in Ukraine. In addition, Russian propaganda uses the subject to justify defeat. Russian soldiers allegedly gotta fight mutants bred in American laboratories.

An article on the website spreading Russian disinformation about the fight of Russian soldiers against mutants bred in laboratories; Source: off.net.mk

Russian disinformation in Poland: privileged refugees and reminder of Volyn massacre

The Russian disinformation continues to be the most likely to address issues that exacerbate historical wounds. This is the subject of the Volyn massacre. Pro-Russian politicians proceed to effort to discredit Ukrainian refugees and present them as a threat.

Downloading Ukrainian flags and allegedly ignoring people with pro-Russian views

Grzegorz Braun organised 1 of his “messel interventions”. Within the framework of his actions took the Ukrainian flag from Goleniów Town Hall. According to 1 right-wing portal, this inspired the collection of "Ukrainian rags" in another Polish cities.

One of the vloggers statedthat people with another than "politically correct" views on the conflict being fought are ignored in public debate. In his opinion, the European Union has become a pawn in a powerful US game against Russia.

Attempts to discredit refugees

On 1 page was published Article under a loud title that states that 1 of the aid points for refugees in Gdańsk is not supported. The article is manipulation. The text comes from another average and the words “refugee” have been replaced by “replaced”. This is to support the thesis about the alleged resettlement action which is to destruct Poland.

On the same page, a text was published in which the author stated that an expanding number of Poles suspected the real causes behind Ukrainian arrival to Poland. A real motivation for mass entry There is no war but an alleged privilege that waiting for Ukrainians entering Poland. The text is accompanied by a comment from an unknown source. The Ukrainians are referred to as “replacers”.

In the next text Ukrainians were divided into 2 groups. The first is peaceful and pro-Russian. The second is the fanatic followers of Stepan Bandera, who want to impose their imagination of past and values on the others. The Banders were to start this conflict by dropping the democratically elected government. This resulted in the separation of Crimea and Donbas following a democratic vote. According to author Vladimir Putin, he did not want this war, but was forced to do so by alleged repression of the Russian-speaking population that the Banderers organized.

An article in which Ukrainians are divided into 2 groups – banners and pro-Russian and peaceful. Source: prasko.pl

The next right-wing page was published textin which the author accuses Polish and Ukrainian politicians of rusophobia. In her opinion, the erasure of Russian cultural heritage is at an advanced phase in Poland and Ukraine. According to her, the repression of the Russian-speaking population by the Ukrainians is the real origin of the war. In Poland, the Russian-speaking population is to be treated as in Ukraine. According to the author, Poland can become Putin's next target.

Poles bear the costs of military aid provided to Ukraine

Grzegorz Braun stated that Poles bear the costs of war in UkraineBut they don't benefit from it. He besides described the words of Andrzej Duda about abolishing the Polish-Ukrainian border as a crime. In his opinion, this would lead to the abolition of the Polish statehood.

Grzegorz Braun and Marta Czech at a press conference They referred to the activities of the Wrocław authorities. The president of this town donated a million gold to the infirmary in Lviv. According to these Members of the Confederation of the Polish Crown, the sum transferred would be useful for Polish hospitals. They besides stated that Polish self-government authorities helped financially Ukrainians who worship Bandera do not service Poles.

Braun besides mentioned a bill that allegedly gave power to Ukrainian services to operate in Poland. It besides mentioned the action "Stop of the Ukrainianization of Poland", which is to defend Poland from changes in the national structure and defend the nation from falling.

The material from the press conference Marty Czech and Grzegorz Braun, in which the task “Stop the Ukrainianization of Poland” is promoted. Source: Facebook

Foundation “We remember” in multiple entries recalls the crimes committed by Ukrainian nationalists. At the same time, it straight urges the Ukrainians not to supply assistance.

Russian misinformation in Slovakia: sanctions affect the West

For weeks now, the most desirable issue of Russian misinformation has been economical sanctions and their negative impact on Western economies. Pro-Russian opposition politicians usage these narratives to carry out attacks on the European Union's policy or to competition Slovakia's membership.

Disinformationists in Istanbul negotiations actively accused Ukraine of causing a global food crisis. narrations to discredit Ukraine's aid and keep anti-Western sentiment continue. It is worth noting the close absence of anti-refugee narratives.

Sanctions caused the food crisis, and Ukraine is controlled by the United States

On 1 of the social media sites, Putin was quoted as claiming abolition of export limits for Russian grain. In the second entry on social media, the user stated that The global food crisis has resulted in sanctions.

On social media quoted besides the words of the Russian Ministry of abroad Affairs. According to her, Ukraine did not engage in talks with Russia due to the fact that specified instructions were received from the United States.

Ukrainian army accused of attack of civilian objects and committing war crimes. Ukrainians allegedly They refuse military service and pay bribesTo get out of the country.

Disinformation on sanctions and the energy crisis is utilized to attack the European Union

In many places there were entries relating to sanctions. They discuss advanced prices or the energy crisis in Germany. These narratives were distributed by pro-Russian politicians and utilized to attack the European Union.

Russian army destroys western equipment

Military aid provided by the West is expected to be destroyed. On 1 of the social media sites, General Shojgu was mentioned, issuing order to destruct equipment delivered to Ukraine. In the next entry, the user declared that the Slovak army, due to the prioritization of Ukraine, The weaponry will be delivered with a two-year delay. At the same time, the supply of arms is at the expense of the safety of Slovakia.

Other narratives

Many Facebook entries tried to build a image of the weak and decaying West. They tried to prove that The West is losing weight, and power is increasing up in Russia and China..

There is besides a communicative that the European Union is simply a puppet in the hands of the US. It was besides found that EU environmental policy is simply a lie. It was expected to become little crucial for the Union as shortly as "small complications" arose.

Russian disinformation in Ukraine: government-controlled media, data leak from the staff and conflicting authorities

Pro-Russian narratives focused on discrediting Ukraine's military effort and assistance provided by the West. Propagandists strengthened the message calling for the surrender of Ukraine and the acceptance of Russian conditions. They besides foresee a multi-dimensional crisis that will consist of:

• the exhaustion of war,
• the energy crisis,
• Social unrest.

The subject of Ukrainian refugees was not addressed by propagandaists. Issues related to the energy crisis caused by the imposition of anti-Russian sanctions by the West are popular in pro-Russian channels.

The Ukrainian government controls the media, the army shoots civilian objects, and the West uses Ukraine for its purposes

Russian disinformation highlights the fact control of the information space in Ukraine by state services. In many entries she tries to prove that Ukraine loses the warand the West loses interest in aid and He doesn't believe in Kiev's victory. Photos of children of Ukrainian politicians were utilized to make the the thesis about possible Western pressures on Ukraine. The children of politicians are to pose by costly cars and are allegedly in Poland. According to propaganda, the children of politicians can be utilized to exert force on Kiev.

An entry on the Telegram about alleged control of media and communication channels by the Ukrainian state. Source: Telegram

Ukrainian soldiers were accused of carrying out attacks on civilian objects. Russia is trying to whitewash itself, stating that Kiev's preparations for the attack on Russia have provoked her to aggression. Many of the entries stressed that the Russians greeted themselves as liberators. Propaganda is trying to make a image of a average and peaceful life under Russian occupation.

The West – according to propagandaists – is Guilty of creating a war and uses Ukraine for its purposes. Supposedly, the United States has charged Kiev with maintaining Donbass at all costs by mid-October and the upcoming elections. Pro-Russian narrators are actively accusing Ukraine of causing a global food crisis. Poland is accused of annexation of Ukrainian territory.

In connection with the death of a British volunteer from the global Legion of Territorial Defence of Ukraine, narrations are visible defining the soldiers fighting in it as mercenaries. The Pro-Russian channels emphasize port fire activity in Odessa. According to the Pro-Russian channels, the fire was carried out by Ukrainian troops to blame Russia for the attack. According to the author of the entry, Russia always admits to its attacks, so 1 can believe in the Russian demented information about the attack on the port.

Attempts to slander refugees

Attempts to discredit refugees are not clear. It should be mentioned, however, that any of the narratives that take this subject are aimed at causing concern by drastic descriptions of the situation. As an example, a communicative like this can be utilized here Ukrainian kid was to become a victim of pedophiles. The Pro-Russian message continues to stress that Ukrainian refugees are ungrateful and selective.

A fragment of an entry on the Telegram on pedophile attacks on exile children in Poland. Source: Telegram

The West will leave Ukraine to itself and Europe will endure from sanctions imposed

Pro-Russian disinformation channels are besides trying to make the impression that The West leaves Ukraine to itself despite the financial dependence of the second on him. Russia continues promoting trade in national currencieswhich will weaken the dollar and the euro. At the same time, he stresses that a major crisis is beginning in Europe, so Ukraine's problems are falling behind.

Russian misinformation describes Europe as an unbelievable buyer and states that Russia will not endure the failure of the marketbecause it will find fresh buyers for its gas. At the same time, it indicates that this European countries will endure from sanctions imposed on Russia.

Discrediting military aid and alleged information leak in the General Staff

Western aid is presented as waste and even on the black market. The Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff was expected to leak data. At the same time, the Ukrainian safety Service is blamed for the leak. president Volodymyr Zelenski allegedly expresses concerns about the first terrorist attack to be carried out utilizing the weapons supplied to Ukraine.

Russian narrators present Western countries as tired of war. Theirs. War equipment magazines are supposedly empty.and Ukraine will be staying shortly lonely in conflict with Russia.

Other narratives

Pro-Russian votes put the Ukrainian authorities as corrupt and quarreled. An emphasising communicative was noted Dissatisfaction of the President's Office with the abroad Minister Dmytra Kuleby. It is worth noting that at the same time the deficiency of discrediting narratives of Secretary of the National safety Council of Alex Danilov was highlighted.

An entry on the Telegram on the alleged discontent of the Office of the president of Ukraine with the abroad Minister. Source: Telegram

Summary

The Russian Federation is active in disinformation activities in Central and east Europe. In keeping with subsequent targets, it calibrates a stream of misinformation against the specificity of the country. It takes into account the cultural code, the current social, political and economical situation.

The first example of matching the communicative line with the specificity of the country being attacked is:to teach in Lithuania disinformation on the blockade of Kaliningrad, despite diplomatic resolution of the dispute.

The second example is to fuel hatred against the historical background between Poles and Ukrainians. Pro-Russian voices item the cruelty of the Volyn massacre, which was done by Ukrainian nationalists.

An effort to adapt the message to the political situation can be observed in Georgia, where Russian propaganda discredits the government. There are besides attempts at blackmail in this country by threatening the imagination of war with Russia.

Russian communicative continues to keep its typical rhetoric of a besieged fortress, accusing Ukraine and the West of provoking an armed conflict.

In Bulgaria and Macedonia, the information space was utilized to convey the words of Russian officials by disinformationists.

The media space of many countries has dominated narratives based on:

• energy blackmail,
• nuclear blackmail,
• discrediting aid provided by the West,
• discrediting Ukraine's war effort,
• showing sanctions as ineffective and striking Western economies.

The attempts at energy blackmail are connected with the coming winter. atomic weapon blackmail is calculated to make fear by painting the apocalyptic future in the event of “bringing Russia to its last resort”. In the last case, we are dealing with a typical reversal. Russia shows its economy as indestructible, just as it portrays itself as a victim of NATO or global Western aggression.