Russian authorities are utilizing fake social media accounts to impersonate Ukrainians and spread pro-occupation messages on VKontakte, a social network with a significant user base within Russia. These fake accounts are designed to seed favorable narratives and influence public perception regarding Russia’s stance on Ukraine. The Kremlin-backed authorities managing these VKontakte pages are employing this strategy as part of a broader effort to manipulate online discourse and bolster support for their actions in Ukraine.
This tactics involves the creation of bot networks and automated posts that mimic genuine Ukrainian users, creating the illusion of widespread support for Russia’s occupation. By doing so, the Russian government aims to shape the information environment in a way that aligns with its geopolitical goals. The use of such tactics raises concerns about the integrity of online discourse and the potential for misinformation to sway public opinion in favor of Russia’s position on Ukraine.