Key facts
- Russia is using disinformation tactics to exploit internal divisions in Ukraine, particularly following the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
- Propaganda efforts aim to portray Ukraine as divided and its government as illegitimate, undermining trust in democratic processes.
- Fake articles and manipulated videos have circulated, including false claims about election dates and assassination plots.
- Russian state and pro-Kremlin media are amplifying and reframing narratives around potential wartime elections in Ukraine.
- The Kremlin seeks to delegitimize President Zelensky and any potential candidates, portraying domestic political competition as foreign-orchestrated.
Russia is employing a sophisticated disinformation strategy to exploit internal political divisions in Ukraine, particularly in the context of potential wartime elections. Following President Volodymyr Zelensky's dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, which triggered protests and a subsequent call for elections by Fedorov himself, Russian propaganda has intensified its efforts.
Russian state and pro-Kremlin media have disseminated fake articles, fabricated claims, and manipulated videos to portray Ukraine as a divided nation with an illegitimate government. These tactics aim to undermine trust in political actors, institutions, and the democratic process itself. For instance, a fabricated video suggested a plot to assassinate Fedorov, and several sources falsely claimed that elections were already scheduled for December 1.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov commented on the situation, reiterating Moscow's long-standing claim that Ukraine's wartime suspension of elections renders Zelensky illegitimate. Pro-Kremlin media outlets have accused Zelensky of prolonging the war to maintain power, and some have propagated conspiracy theories suggesting U.S. orchestration behind recent events.
The overarching goal of Russia's disinformation campaign is to delegitimize not only Zelensky but also any potential candidates in future elections, thereby undermining the idea of Ukrainian political agency. Russian media are reportedly preparing to claim that any elections held in Ukraine will be falsified and controlled by the existing regime.
While Ukraine faces significant obstacles to holding elections, including legal prohibitions under martial law and security concerns, Russia's strategy for potential future votes includes a multi-layered approach involving disinformation, AI-generated media, and social media amplification to challenge the legitimacy of the process and its outcomes.