Russian propaganda evolves: AI‑driven disinformation targets West

Kremlin propaganda has been manipulating Russian minds for years, creating a world entirely in line with the vision of "One Russia." Putin's media have crafted the image of a powerful superpower that stands alone against the decadent, corrupt West. This is reminiscent of the Soviet Union era when the country was portrayed as a bastion of "normalcy" and a land of happiness.

Today, the nature of the internal message has changed little. The new element is that Russians are trying to wage a similar information war in Western countries.

New profiles keep appearing on social media, and groups are being taken over. Suddenly, instead of being forums for discussions about aesthetic cosmetology, Ukrainians are starting to post about Europeans taking jobs. From others, one can learn that Ukrainians are illegally selling weapons received from allies and that Russians are on the verge of capturing Kryvyi Rih, even though since November 2022, there hasn't been a single Russian soldier on the right bank of the Dnieper River.

By spreading this type of information, Russians hope to create divisions in societies and an increase in the importance of anti-war movements that would prevent the West from providing material and military aid to Ukraine.

The Kremlin constantly tries to instill fear in Western societies with the spectre of war and massive losses. In the current situation, Russian propaganda should be seen mainly as sowing fear and anxiety rather than a substitute for real capabilities.

The Russian intimidation tactic was quite effective only at the beginning of the war. By threatening to escalate the war, the Kremlin could slow down the delivery of certain categories of weapons. Initially, only defensive weapons were sent, limiting Kyiv's ability to counterattack. Only over time did the West start providing tanks, long-range artillery systems, and airplanes.

Western societies also became immune to coarse propaganda. The Kremlin then began using more sophisticated methods.

Danish television DR reported that the Pravfond foundation, made up of Russian state-owned companies, is behind the media spreading Russian propaganda. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs established the fund to support Russians living abroad.

The foundation runs the EuroMore portal, which already has several language modulations. From it, one can learn that Americans want to send their soldiers to fight in Ukraine, Russia wants peace, and the West may face fuel price issues in the fall due to sanctions imposed on Russia. Additionally, traditional themes that have long appeared in Russian propaganda include 5G masts causing various diseases and the coronavirus being the work of large corporations.

Meanwhile, Margarita Waldman, the service's editor-in-chief, claims, "We have our own editorial office and do not cooperate with any Russian organizations, foundations or authorities. We publish only reliable information and do not support any political force! Our content allows us to earn money from advertising."

For years, Polish authorities have warned that the goal of the Russian disinformation operation is to sow panic and create informational chaos, build negative emotions around nuclear energy, build a foundation for further manipulation of Poles, undermine trust in state institutions, weaken the credibility of information, and Poland's position on the international stage.