Overview of the Major Russian Information Influence Operations in Ukraine for the First Half of 2021

Analytical report of the Hybrid Warfare Analytical Group at Ukraine Crisis Media Center systematizes major operations of Russian information influence in Ukraine for the first half of 2021, identifies key actors involved in such operations, considers internal vulnerabilities enabling these actors to act, assesses the adaptation of the Kremlin influence in the information sphere, and models potential threats based on the study.

The report is based on the analysis of open sources and expert interviews with information security specialists. Its main goal is to systematize current challenges in this area and promote relevant findings in order to raise awareness of the Ukrainian and Western expert community and the general public, and thus provide for a more comprehensive and sound approach to building information security of society, which should be one of the key national defense strategies in hybrid warfare.

In particular, the report gives an overview of the Kremlin’s information operations related to:

  • COVID-19 vaccination;
  • frontline escalation;
  • Remembrance and Reconciliation Day and historical disinformation;
  • relations with Western partners.