Russian bot networks target Croatian presidential election
The Centre for Information Resilience reported coordinated bot networks using AI-generated profile images conducting a campaign on social media platforms during Croatia's 2024-2025 presidential election. The networks systematically promoted incumbent Zoran Milanović while attacking opponent Dragan Primorac, spreading pro-Russian, anti-EU and anti-NATO messaging across multiple languages.
What happened
The Centre for Information Resilience reported coordinated inauthentic behaviour by bot networks on social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Reddit and TikTok during Croatia's presidential election period from 4 December 2024 to 4 January 2025.
The bot accounts used AI-generated profile images, pro-Russian slogans and unusual posting patterns. Activities intensified after incumbent president Zoran Milanović won 49.1 per cent of votes in the first round and after his statements against potential Croatian involvement in the Ukraine war.
The networks systematically praised Milanović and promoted content supporting his positions while spreading anti-EU and anti-NATO messages targeting his opponent Dragan Primorac. Serbian elements within the networks particularly attacked Primorac while promoting Milanović as the ideal candidate.
Reported impact
The bot networks coordinated across multiple social media platforms with significant activity on Facebook pages linked to Milanović, including those associated with the SDP party, with repetitive comments indicating inauthentic behaviour.
Pro-Russian media outlets associated with the Kremlin such as RT and Sputnik adopted a favourable stance toward Milanović, presenting him positively while criticising his opponent. These media contents were amplified through the bot network.
Index analysis
The coordinated networks spread Milanović's content in multiple languages including Croatian, Serbian, Italian, English and Spanish.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.