AI-Generated Fake Video Spreads Disinformation About Ukrainian Gas Stations
Russian state actors reportedly used an AI-generated deepfake video to spread disinformation about attacks on Ukrainian gas stations. The fake video, which first appeared on an anonymous TikTok account and was amplified by Russian Telegram channels, falsely depicted a Ukrainian military officer discussing the attacks and blaming the Ukrainian government.
What happened
A video purporting to show a destroyed gas station in Kremenchuk, Poltava region circulated online, featuring what appeared to be a Ukrainian military officer stating that the station was attacked by small drones rather than Russian missiles, accusing the Ukrainian government of inaction, and predicting similar attacks on Kyiv.
The Centre for Countering Disinformation confirmed the video was entirely generated using artificial intelligence. The video first appeared on an anonymous TikTok account, then was amplified by Russian Telegram channels.
Reported impact
The Centre noted that the video was part of a Russian disinformation campaign aimed at exaggerating the consequences of attacks on Ukrainian fuel infrastructure, creating an illusion of a major crisis, sowing fear among Ukrainians, and demoralizing society.
Index analysis
Signs of AI technology use indicated the recording was not genuine and could not be considered evidence of the events described in it.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.