The Evolution of Russian Disinformation Strategies in the Context of the Russian-Ukrainian War (2022–2025)

Abstract

This paper analyzes the evolution of Russian disinformation strategies during the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war from 2022 to 2025, highlighting key phases, operational methods, and the adaptive nature of propaganda in the context of hybrid warfare. It demonstrates how the Russian Federation systematically transformed its disinformation campaigns from traditional Soviet-style narratives into complex, technology-driven operations capable of targeting both domestic and international audiences. The paper also examines the impact of major geopolitical developments, such as the return of D. Trump to the U.S. presidency in 2025, which Russian actors exploit to amplify doubts about Western unity and continued support for Ukraine. The study traces the intensification of false narratives, the use of deepfakes and AI-generated content, and the coordination with cyberattacks and psychological operations to destabilize Ukrainian society and weaken Western support. Special attention is given to Ukraine’s proactive countermeasures, including rapid fact-checking, strategic communication, pre-emptive exposure of planned manipulations, and efforts to strengthen public resilience through digital literacy and community engagement. The paper also examines the role of social media platforms, troll farms, and bot networks in amplifying fake news and the necessity for stronger collaboration between governments, civil society, and technology companies to mitigate the spread of falsehoods. Moreover, it explores the significance of international cooperation in exposing and sanctioning state-sponsored propaganda, emphasizing the importance of a unified response at the EU and UN levels. The findings underline that the Russian-Ukrainian war has become a testing ground for modern information warfare, where adaptive tactics and resilient societies are equally decisive as military strength. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of how contemporary disinformation evolves and what measures are essential for democratic states to safeguard information integrity and national security in the face of persistent hybrid threats.