Tools of russia’s information warfare against ukraine during the full-scale invasion 2022-2024

Abstract

The article attempts to study the most common tools used by russia in the information war against Ukraine during a full-scale invasion. Such tools of information war as narrative, disinformation, PSYOPS, and fakes are analyzed. Definitions of these concepts and examples of the manifestation of narratives, disinformation campaigns, PSYOPS and fakes are provided. It is indicated for what purpose the russian federation uses them. The main features, results, success of each of the specified tools are outlined. It has been proven that the most widespread narratives are the myth about Ukraine as a project of Lenin, about the Kyiv Nazi regime, the threat of NATO expansion, the need for denazification and demilitarization in Ukraine. Manifestations of disinformation campaigns are considered, in particular, using the example of blowing up Kakhov HPP, distortion of historical facts, etc.
Manifestations of informational and psychological operations actively used by the aggressor country are analyzed. These include PSYOPS about markings on roads and houses, warnings about massive shelling on specific days, the so-called “symbolism” in dates, and promoting propaganda in cyberspace. It has been demonstrated that russian propaganda is trying to gain an advantage in cyberspace with the help of cyberattacks, hacking campaigns, bots, phishing, and deep fakes. It is emphasized that the use of such means by russia implies deterioration of the image of Ukraine, its leadership, disruption of aid, mistrust among partners, extortion of data, spreading of panic, etc. The use of fakes, aimed at manipulating the consciousness and emotional state of people and most often manifested in false reports about the release of V. Zaluzhnyi, the appointment of O. Syrskyi, and failures at the front, is indicated.
It has been proven that russia uses a wide variety of tools, frequently resorting to their combination, to impose narratives not only on the territory of Ukraine but also for its population and in partner countries. Examples of the use of information warfare tools by russia for the citizens of the russian federation are given. In particular through reports about the permanent hostility of Western countries towards the russian federation, about the invincibility of their army, and about the strength and greatness of their state. The successes of the SVO, the amount of losses of personnel and military equipment, etc. It was established that the activity of russian propaganda is quite active within the Ukrainian information space.