The main objectives of the ancient Soviet countries and the Balkan countries Kremlin Bravda Incorrect Information NetworkAccording to a new study. Information of the US University, Democracy and Citizenship Center BulgariaExamined over 640,000 outputs December 2024 to March 2025 on the network.
Discovered that old Soviet and Palconic countries Although the proportion of the population of the countries that studied, they represented 52% of all publications.
In particular, three countries that have been affected by Pravda’s misinformation Moltevia, Latvia and EstoniaCon Serbia and Armenia In the top five. Lithuania, Georgia, Slovakia, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic are completing the top ten posts.
The proximity and statistics of these countries show that there is a sophisticated effort to spread false information Areas of strategic value To Kremlin, according to the study.
“Important Energy Infrastructure that connects European markets with Russian distributions in six countries in the target countries refers to potential strategic interest in important regions For energy safety“The study indicates.
“Pravda selection method is compatible with documentary strategies for using information as a tool for expanding influence in the regions in consideration Strategic“, The study continues.” The systematic nature of the distribution recommends an independent activity or an integrated campaign than the organic interest of the audience. “
Pravda Network is a set of websites created The difference of propaganda. Also known as The Faiting Portal, the Functions of the Pravda Network carry 17 years to spread wrong messages In different European languages, and its first domains and environmental system publications were found in 2013.
French Agency Vijinum, responsible Protection against digital surveillance and international interventionWho first discovered the network. Most recently, in February 2024, published a report that will identify a vast campaign Incorrect information in Europe.
Why is Maldova in the front row of Russian false information?
A reason is geography: it Located between Ukraine and RomaniaIt refers to the border between East and Western Europe, and two different spheres are influenced.
The other is its political environment: EU candidate status in June 2022 and is currently facing tensions Between the pro -West and the pro -truschery sections. It is associated with its history: like the ancient Soviet Republic, Maldova is Economic, cultural and historical relations with MoscowWhen trying to access the EU.
Why does Russia, in particular, point to Eastern Europe?
Russia focuses on its false information on the most closely close countries Old foreign and interior policy practices.
“The Russian Empire, the Soviet Union and the Russian Federation have practiced regional expansion as a means Is said to be a plan of power and survival“He said Eurovarorifie.” What we see in the digital place is not different; It is not a coincidence that Ukraine was mainly The objectives of Russian false information Before the subsequent war began in Euromidan and Tanbus. “
Pointed it up Balkan is a “interesting case” This is because Moscow does not historically regard those countries as Russians. “On the other hand, the balcan refers to both ‘The sphere of historical influence of Russia -It is often based on the philosophy of offensive realism to justify this- and more materially, come to the balkns The rear door to Europe“Freighten said.
“Since many Balkan countries are members of the European Union and/or NATO, or aspirations to Serbia, they are now a special way Put Russian false information Into the increasingly closed and hostile information space Russian digital interference. This is the only fact that the European Union is taking steps to prevent it Companies such as AT are operating in Europe“He said more.
What kind of misinformation descriptions are shared in these countries?
Like many parts of the world, Incorrect information details Shared by pro -Russian actors focuses on the war in Ukraine, the United States and NATO.
Advertisement“The main purpose Russian misinformation activities Since the beginning of the war, Ukraine has become the puppet of the United States and NATO so that Russia has been forced to invade Ukraine, ”said Frenden. They are trying to sell these stories worldwide, inside and out of the West, As a means of justifying your war“.
In addition, Russian false information has been addressed to balconies Anti -conspiracy principles And false information, which is especially true during the peak of the infection COVID-19When Russia tried to promote its own vaccine and represent Western efforts to control the virus.
Russia also tends to multiply Separatist descriptions Or racism of extreme rights in the east and southeast of Europe. “The main reason is to divide the European population and to resurrect the organism and Antirobio sensation“Says Freightn.” Divided Europe is much easier to win than a united Europe. “
What can Eastern Europe do to face Russian false information?
Countries must follow an attitude that includes the entire community Fight false informationAccording to Freudon. “Information literacy Media, digital and artificial intelligence– This is important, “he explained. People will be free from Russian misinformation only if they are taught to identify and avoid it. “
AdvertisementGovernments must fund their own agencies and civil society organizations to monitor and fight foreign misinformation. “With USAIT slumpWe see how many projects and agencies are closed Fight against false information Worldwide, “Freighten Eurovarobi said.” This only helps Anti -democratic actors like Russia and China To impose its dictatorship of foreign policy on vulnerable people. “
