AI-generated propaganda videos target Ukrainian institutions
Russian actors used AI video generation technology to create deepfake videos of Ukrainian officials and military personnel, dressed as satire, to spread propaganda and sow division within Ukrainian society. Ukraine's Centre for Countering Disinformation detected the campaign and reported that the videos were designed to undermine trust in state institutions.
What happened
The Centre for Countering Disinformation (CPD) detected a new wave of AI-generated videos being distributed on social media that promote Russian propaganda narratives. The videos feature AI-generated characters depicted as Ukrainian lawmakers, police officers, military personnel, and territorial recruitment centre officials.
The AI-generated characters are intentionally portrayed in caricatured form, made exaggerated fat, and presented as satire or humor. The content uses sensitive topics to cultivate hatred toward military personnel, police, and government representatives, with the goal of promoting societal divisions.
Reported impact
The CPD stated that the enemy is able to mass-produce such content using AI technology and disguise it as Ukrainian satirical or entertainment content. The stated goal is internal destabilization of Ukraine and demoralization of Ukrainian society.
Index analysis
The campaign targets trust in Ukrainian state institutions by using emotionally sensitive subjects to generate internal conflict. The videos exploit AI capabilities to scale propaganda production while masking its origin and intent.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.