Photo: Glavkom
ISW: Moscow uses fake news to destroy trust in Kyiv and undermine dialogue with Washington
On 21 March, the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) released a new report that shows an increase in information and psychological operations by Russia. The Kremlin, according to analysts, has intensified its disinformation campaign to antagonise Ukraine and the United States, undermine the prospects for peace talks, and justify continuing the war against Ukraine.
One example was the accusation by the Russian Ministry of Defence that Ukrainian troops allegedly blew up the Sudzha gas distribution station in the Kursk region during a nighttime retreat on 20-21 March. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine immediately denied this information, noting that it was Russian forces that shelled the facility, causing a large-scale fire. A video of the fire was posted online, but ISW cannot independently confirm its cause.
“Russian officials used the incident to baselessly claim an alleged violation of a proposed ceasefire that has not even entered into force yet,” the ISW report said.
Kremlin feigns restraint while striking back
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has tried to convince the world that Russian troops are following Putin’s order to refrain from striking Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. However, even pro-Kremlin military bloggers acknowledge that Russian shelling continues, particularly at ports in Odesa region.
ISW also notes the statement by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, who hinted at the US “managing” Ukraine. Such comments, analysts say, are intended to impose a narrative of Ukraine as a vassal state of the West.
“These statements are an attempt to portray Ukraine as an aggressor acting under US control and to present the war as an existential threat to Russia,” the report says.
Manipulations around the nuclear issue: from ZNPP to fakes about attacks on Russian NPPs
Another area of the Kremlin’s information attack is the spread of unfounded accusations of alleged attacks by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on Russian nuclear power plants and crimes against Russian civilians. Against this backdrop, the Kremlin is trying to create an image of Ukraine as an irresponsible and dangerous operator of energy facilities, including the Zaporizhzhya NPP.
ISW reminds that it is Russia that has militarised the ZNPP, repeatedly endangering its safe operation. In particular, on 14 February 2024, a Russian Shahed drone struck the containment of Chornobyl NPP reactor 4.
“The Kremlin may use these narratives to discredit potential agreements between Ukraine and the United States on the future control of ZNPP and other energy facilities,” experts warn.
ISW’s conclusion: Russia does not stop its information warfare
Analysts emphasise: Moscow systematically uses disinformation as a tool of hybrid warfare. In the context of military confrontation, each false statement has the potential to undermine diplomatic efforts, create a split in the international coalition supporting Ukraine, and legitimise further Russian aggression.
The Ukrainian authorities call on the international community not to fall for provocations and to carefully check information sources.
