Russia launches an information attack imitating Ukrainian government agencies on the evacuation of Kharkiv
The Russian Federation has launched a new front in its information warfare, this time targeting Kharkiv. Using disinformation techniques, propagandists spread a fake message about the “possible encirclement of Kharkiv”, urging residents to evacuate by April 15, 2024. The Center for Countering Disinformation immediately responded, emphasizing that this information is false and that the enemy does not have the resources to implement such a plan.
To make their lies more convincing, the perpetrators stylized their message as official statements of the Ukrainian authorities, trying to cause panic and chaos among the population. The head of the Center for Countering Disinformation, Lieutenant Andriy Kovalenko, called the fake news part of a broader Russian strategy aimed at provoking fear and uncertainty among Ukrainians. He emphasized that the purpose of these actions is to encourage as many people as possible to leave, destabilize the situation in the country and undermine the morale of citizens.
Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov reassured the public, stating that there was no reason to evacuate and calling Russian speculation about a possible attack on the city nothing more than an enemy information operation. The Center for Countering Disinformation urged citizens not to fall for provocations and to trust only verified official sources of information.
This event was yet another indication of how information wars are being waged at the current stage of the war in Ukraine, and how important it is to maintain information hygiene and critical thinking in the face of a continuous flow of disinformation.
Reference. The Center for Countering Disinformation is a working body of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, established in accordance with the NSDC decision of March 11, 2021 “On the Establishment of the Center for Countering Disinformation”, enacted by Presidential Decree No. 106 of March 19, 2021.
The Center counteracts current and projected threats to national security and national interests of Ukraine in the information sphere, ensures information security of Ukraine, detects disinformation, counteracts propaganda, destructive information influences and campaigns, and prevents attempts to manipulate public opinion.
