Recent findings from a joint report by the European External Action Service (EEAS) and Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation reveal that Russia is significantly amplifying its disinformation strategies aimed at undermining support for Ukraine’s European Union membership among EU citizens. The report highlights the increasing use of artificial intelligence, fake media, and networks of inauthentic accounts in these efforts.
Between January 2025 and May 2026, the Center for Countering Disinformation monitored the information landscape surrounding Ukraine’s EU accession, identifying 244,000 publications that collectively garnered 1.39 billion views. The report indicates a shift in Russian disinformation targets, moving from primarily focusing on Ukrainian audiences to increasingly directing resources toward citizens of EU member states.
While support for Ukraine’s EU membership remains consistently high among Ukrainians, the report emphasizes that public and political sentiments within EU member states are crucial for advancing the enlargement process. The authors note that Russia has adapted its messaging to cater to the specific contexts of different countries within the EU.
For instance, narratives targeting German audiences emphasize purported negative economic consequences of supporting Ukraine, while French narratives focus on corruption and criminal schemes. In Poland, messages depict Ukrainian refugees as a security threat.
The report also highlights the use of generative artificial intelligence by Russian operations to produce low-quality content en masse, which is then disseminated across various platforms and translated into the languages of EU countries.
Three main narrative groups have been identified as prevalent in communications aimed at European audiences:
- The first involves discrediting Ukrainians and Ukrainian refugees through fabricated statistics and claims of criminal behavior or security threats to Europeans.
- The second focuses on undermining the Ukrainian government by consistently promoting themes of corruption and allegations of misappropriation of European aid.
- The third aims to convince EU citizens that supporting Ukraine is detrimental to their own countries, draining budgets and increasing the risk of European involvement in the conflict.
Researchers noted that Russian disinformation campaigns often capitalize on significant events to amplify their messages. Increased activity has been observed ahead of parliamentary elections in Hungary, presidential elections in Poland, and federal elections in Germany.
Additionally, Russia exploits security incidents—such as drone crashes, sabotage, or accidents—to assign blame to Ukraine before investigations are complete, thereby shaping the narrative environment.
The report outlines a multi-tiered strategy employed by Russian information operations. Initial claims are disseminated through official state channels and Kremlin-controlled media, such as TASS, RIA Novosti, and RT. These messages are then picked up by less prominent state-affiliated resources and networks, translated into various languages, and adapted to local contexts. Finally, content is spread through anonymous accounts, fake media, and influencers.
The authors argue that the goal of these campaigns is not merely to convince individuals of a specific falsehood but to gradually instill doubts about the viability of Ukraine’s EU membership. As highlighted in the report’s foreword by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, Russia recognizes the implications of Ukraine joining the EU. A democratic, sovereign, and successful Ukraine within the European family poses a strategic defeat for Kremlin ambitions in Europe.
Furthermore, the report asserts that Russian information operations are increasingly moving away from blatant falsehoods. Instead, they combine factual information with manipulative interpretations and emotionally charged messages designed to amplify fears, war fatigue, and distrust in institutions.
In the foreword, Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Ukrainian President’s Office, draws parallels to historical propaganda strategies, noting that effective propaganda often leverages a mix of real facts and emotional narratives to resonate with public sentiment.
The report concludes with a call for enhanced coordination between Ukraine and the EU to combat information manipulation, increased sanctions against involved entities, collaboration with digital platforms, and the promotion of media literacy.
The report by the EEAS and Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation reveals a significant increase in Russian disinformation efforts aimed at EU citizens regarding Ukraine's EU membership. These campaigns utilize advanced technology and adapt messaging to local contexts, posing challenges to public support within the EU.