Russia

Wed, Mar 1, 2023

Networks of pro-Kremlin Telegram channels spread disinformation at a global scale

Three networks comprising fifty-six channels targeted Telegram users in twenty countries and ten languages

by Nika Aleksejeva, Sayyara Mammadova

API Asia

Mon, Feb 27, 2023

A Parallel Terrain: Public-Private Defense of the Ukrainian Information Environment

The information environment is a key domain through which the war in Ukraine is being contested. By better understanding the key role that private tech companies play in this domain, the USs and Ukraine can better prepare for future threats.

by Emma Schroeder* and Sean Dack

Sat, Feb 25, 2023

Russian War Report: DFRLab releases investigations on Russian info ops before and after the invasion

On the week of the one year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the DFRLab released two new reports on narratives tracked used to justify the war both pre- and post invasion.

by Digital Forensic Research Lab

Bohdan, 'Fritz', the unit commander's deputy in the 79th Air Assault Brigade, fires a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) towards Russian positions on a front line near the town of Marinka, in the middle of the Russia attack on Ukraine, Donetsk region, Ukraine, February 14, 2023. REUTERS/Marko Djurica

Sat, Feb 18, 2023

Russian War Report: Failed Russian push on Vuhledar results in losses as Moscow increases troops

Vuhledar, a town connecting the northern and southern flanks, has been under an unsuccessful attack from Russian forces for two weeks.

by Digital Forensic Research Lab

Map of Bakhmut and surrounding area as of February 10, 2023.

Sat, Feb 11, 2023

Russian War Report: DFRLab confirms Russia’s push to encircle Bakhmut

Wagner Group soldiers are attempting to encircle Bakhmut, Ukraine. Meanwhile on the southern flank, Russian armed forces are trying to consolidate their progression towards Ivaniske.

by Digital Forensic Research Lab

Participants walk past a screen displaying the RUTUBE logo at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in Saint Petersburg, Russia ,June 17, 2022. (Source: Reuters/Anton Vaganov)

Mon, Jan 30, 2023

How Russian YouTube copycat RUTUBE promotes pro-Kremlin narratives

RUTUBE’s mix of Kremlin narratives and entertainment has seen a surge of referral traffic since Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

by Digital Forensic Research Lab

Business Disinformation
Satellite image captures military transport aircraft at Russia’s Tsentralny military air base. (Source: Planet.com/DFRLab)

Fri, Jan 27, 2023

Russian War Report: Pro-Kremlin sources amplify forged diplomatic letters targeting Ukrainian refugees

As Russian shelling of Ukranian forces and civilian infrastructure continues, Ukraine receives the first of many tanks promised by NATO allies.

by Digital Forensic Research Lab

Data visualization of incoming and outgoing mentions between Latvian channels and a broader network of pro-Kremlin Telegram channels. (Source: @nikaaleksejeva/DFRLab via Flourish)

Fri, Jan 20, 2023

Pro-Kremlin Telegram channels try to convince Latvians their government is ‘fascist’

Newly created pro-Kremlin Telegram channels target Russian speakers in Latvia

by Nika Aleksejeva

Baltics Disinformation
Screenshot of an animated video produced by the Wagner Group showing soldiers fighting French 'zombies' in West Africa.

Fri, Jan 20, 2023

Russian War Report: Wagner Group fights French ‘zombies’ in cartoon propaganda

Plus, more on Wagner's power struggles with the Russian defense ministry and Russia's apparent use of incendiary munitions in Kherson.

by Digital Forensic Research Lab

Congregants attend an Orthodox Christmas Eve service in a chapel located in a former residential building in the town of Volnovakha, Russian-controlled Donetsk, January 6, 2023. (SOURCE: Reuters/Alexander Ermochenko/TPX)

Fri, Jan 6, 2023

Russian War Report: Russian military bloggers criticize Putin’s Orthodox Christmas ceasefire announcement

In the first days of 2023, Russia shelled civilian infrastructure in Ukraine before Russian President Putin called for a 36 hour ceasefire to observe Orthodox Christmas.

by Digital Forensic Research Lab

Ukrainian soldier with his weapon in a wooden cottage near the Donbas frontlines, Donetsk. (Source: Celestino Arce/NurPhoto via Reuters Connect)

Fri, Dec 16, 2022

Russian War Report: Fierce fighting in Donetsk despite the onset of winter

While many had hoped Winter would slow the fighting in Ukraine, the conflict has continued and, in some cases including in Donetsk, intensified.

by Digital Forensic Research Lab

Fri, Dec 9, 2022

Russian War Report: Pro-Kremlin Telegram channels promote news of TV Rain losing broadcasting license in Latvia

The Latvian National Electronic Media Council revoked the broadcasting license of TV Rain, an independent Russian television channel, citing threats to Latvian national security.

by Digital Forensic Research Lab