Key facts
- Russia is using AI-generated images to spread disinformation about a mandatory draft of women in Ukraine.
- AI verification tools have confirmed that the images used in the campaign are AI-generated.
- There is no mandatory draft for women in Ukraine; women serve as volunteers.
- Tens of thousands of Ukrainian women are serving in the Armed Forces.
- Disinformation campaigns have appeared on Telegram and X.
- Russia uses AI to amplify existing tactics and spread content at scale.
Russia is employing artificial intelligence to create and disseminate fabricated content alleging that Ukraine is implementing a mandatory draft for women, a sensitive topic amplified by pro-Kremlin social media accounts and Russian media. These campaigns aim to spread falsehoods about women being lured or outright called up for military service.
Analysis by tech company LetsData and AI verification tools like Hive Moderation have confirmed that images used in these disinformation efforts are AI-generated. For instance, a fake poster purportedly appearing in Odesa and Lutsk, with a message suggesting domestic chores are similar to operating drones, was identified as synthetic. Another AI-generated image depicted a woman with a baby and a gun, accompanied by a caption implying women can manage both military and domestic duties.
While tens of thousands of Ukrainian women have voluntarily enlisted and serve in the Armed Forces, including in military roles, there is no mandatory draft for women in place, nor are there legislative initiatives or internal discussions concerning such a measure, according to Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation. Women are only required to be on the military register if they have specific medical or pharmaceutical education, and this registration does not equate to mobilization against their will.
This latest disinformation push coincides with discussions about Ukraine's manpower needs. Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov suggested that requiring women to serve could double the mobilization pool, a sentiment echoed by former U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg. However, the Ukrainian parliament has stated these comments do not reflect actual legislative work, emphasizing that the mobilization of women remains confined to AI-generated content.