Speaker: Todd Helmus and Khrystyna Holynska (RAND)
Date: 19 September 2024
Speaker Session Summary
A key element of Ukrainian resistance to the Russian invasion has been its ability to counter Russian disinformation. In their recent report for RAND, Dr. Helmus and Dr. Holynska discuss Ukraine’s approach to combating disinformation and the lessons that the United States and NATO can draw from this effort. Russia prioritizes narrative-based information warfare alongside its operational goals to destroy Ukrainian military units and undermine critical electrical infrastructure. This information campaign is also directed internally, as Russia has blocked numerous media outlets and criminalized criticism of its war in Ukraine. In Ukraine, Russian disinformation seeks to undermine President Zelensky and incite divisions among Ukrainian communities and ethnic groups using media. Dr. Holynska pointed out that, while much of the world views Ukraine as winning the information war, several key factors of its success are often overlooked. For example, Ukraine had been conducting media literacy training well before the Russian invasion. In 2021, President Zelensky shut down several media channels tied to the Kremlin. The Center for Countering Disinformation in Ukraine has worked closely with media platforms to reach civilians and bolster media literacy to combat Russian disinformation. Other organizations, such as Vox Ukraine, have actively debunked Russian disinformation. Additionally, Ukraine launched the “Come Back Alive” program, which connects captured Russian soldiers with their families to inform Russians about the realities on the front lines. International media has also played a crucial role in exposing the violence and destruction in Ukraine, turning anyone with a laptop or phone into a potential information warrior.
Speaker Session Recording
Also forthcoming!
Briefing Materials
Report: Ukrainian Resistance to Russian Disinformation: Lessons for Future Conflict | RAND
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