Despite Russia’s senior economic negotiator claiming that a diplomatic settlement between Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. is near, Moscow’s stance continues to reject compromise and demand maximalist terms. This assertion contradicts Russia’s actions, as evidenced by intensified attacks on Ukraine, including targeting civilian infrastructure. Furthermore, key Kremlin officials, including the Foreign Minister, have stated that they will not end hostilities without a comprehensive peace agreement, suggesting that they are far from a peaceful resolution.
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A recent poll by Steel Swallow, Zagoriy Foundation, and Rating sociological group reveals widespread trust in Ukraine’s military, with 97% of respondents expressing confidence in frontline soldiers and 82% trusting those in the rear. High levels of personal connection to the military were also reported, with 90% knowing soldiers personally. Conversely, trust in military recruitment offices stands at only 37%, a disparity highlighted by Gwara Media’s research linking this low confidence to Russian disinformation campaigns. This research aims to understand civilian-military cooperation and obstacles hindering its growth.
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Despite recent Russian claims of entering Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Ukrainian military officials have firmly denied the presence of Russian troops in the region, citing these claims as disinformation. Fighting continues in Donetsk Oblast, near the convergence of several regions including Dnipropetrovsk, where the 31st Brigade maintains a tense defensive position. This denial follows previous similar assertions by Russia, all of which have been refuted by Ukraine. While Dnipropetrovsk Oblast has not experienced a ground invasion, it continues to face regular Russian missile and drone attacks.
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A surge in pro-Russian content on platforms like Substack exhibits striking uniformity in messaging, mirroring Kremlin narratives and often blaming NATO or portraying Ukraine negatively. The high frequency of near-identical posts across numerous blogs suggests coordination, potentially aided by AI-generated text. Strategic language switching to Russian further amplifies the reach and perceived authenticity of this disinformation campaign. This coordinated effort creates a distorted online landscape, masking its origins and giving a veneer of legitimacy to pro-Kremlin viewpoints.
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Russian disinformation outlets falsely claimed a napkin visible in footage of European leaders’ Kyiv visit depicted drug paraphernalia. This claim, originating with Maria Zakharova, was amplified by Russian propagandists, alleging drug use by the leaders during their trip. The French Presidential Office swiftly debunked the story, identifying the item as a tissue and highlighting the manipulation tactic. This incident underscores the use of disinformation to undermine European unity and support for Ukraine.
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A video showing a small bag of white powder and a spoon on a table during a meeting between French President Macron, British Prime Minister Starmer, and German Chancellor Merz aboard a train to Kyiv has sparked controversy. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, referencing this video, indirectly accused the three leaders of drug use, further alleging that Ukrainian President Zelensky is a cocaine addict. These accusations have not been substantiated, and the leaders involved have not yet responded to the allegations. The incident occurred during a high-profile visit to show continued support for Ukraine.
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Russia declared full recapture of Kursk Oblast on April 26th, but President Putin later acknowledged remaining Ukrainian forces seeking evacuation. Ukraine denies a complete Russian victory, asserting continued fighting and defensive operations in the region. The conflict involves a major Russian counteroffensive launched in March following a Ukrainian incursion in August 2024, the first such action into Russia since World War II. Russia recently acknowledged the participation of North Korean troops in the fighting.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused US special envoy Steve Witkoff of promoting Russian narratives by suggesting a peace deal hinges on ceding five Ukrainian territories, including Crimea. Zelensky asserted that these territories are integral to Ukraine and that Witkoff’s statements are unacceptable. This criticism follows Witkoff’s comments on Fox News about a potential peace deal and its relation to these territories. Zelensky also revealed intelligence indicating China’s provision of weapons to Russia. These accusations come amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts and previously expressed concerns regarding Witkoff’s qualifications.
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In a recent interview, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy criticized Vice President JD Vance for seemingly justifying Russia’s actions in Ukraine, alleging that Russian narratives have gained traction in Washington. He urged President Trump to visit Ukraine before engaging in peace negotiations, emphasizing the need for firsthand observation of the war’s devastation. Zelenskyy expressed concern about the influence of Russian disinformation on American politics, highlighting the stakes of the conflict and warning of the potential escalation to a world war if Putin’s imperial ambitions are unchecked. Zelenskyy’s plea comes amidst Trump’s envoy’s meeting with Putin and Trump’s subsequent calls for an end to the conflict.
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Putin’s chaos agents are actively invading Poland’s infosphere, mirroring similar campaigns in other nations. This isn’t a new tactic; Russia’s disinformation machine has proven effective in undermining democracies worldwide, and Poland is now squarely in its sights. The scale and sophistication of this operation demand a robust response.
The methods employed are subtle and insidious. Pro-Russian accounts on platforms like TikTok are spreading narratives that paint the EU as an oppressive force, trying to fracture the alliance and sow discord within member states. These campaigns often target upcoming elections, as seen in Romania, where pro-Putin messaging is attempting to influence the presidential race, even exploiting the banning of certain candidates to push alternative narratives.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood