Russia is using AI for a disinformation campaign against the Ukrainian Armed Forces
Russian propaganda has circulated a video purportedly showing marines "fleeing" their positions in the Donetsk region, using artificial intelligence technology.
This was reported by the Center for Countering Disinformation.
In the video, a man in the uniform of the 36th Separate Marine Brigade named after Rear Admiral Mykhailo Bilinsky claims that he is leaving the positions due to a lack of personnel. However, analysis confirmed that the video is a fabrication:
- Artificial Intelligence: The character’s facial expressions and voice contain artifacts characteristic of deepfakes.
- Source of dissemination: The video appeared on a newly created TikTok account with no connection to real military units.
- Coordination: The video quickly spread across pro-Russian Telegram channels, indicating a coordinated disinformation campaign.
The Center for Countering Disinformation notes that such fakes are aimed at creating panic, undermining trust in the command, and manipulating public opinion. Russia systematically uses the themes of “desertion” and “lack of resources” to distort the real situation on the front lines.
Earlier, Russian propaganda launched a disinformation campaign regarding the reconstruction of the destroyed city of Mariupol.
Russian propaganda has also revived the narrative of “full control” over Kupiansk, claiming that Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance groups (SRGs) have allegedly suffered significant losses.
