In Ukraine, a large-scale enemy operation aimed at spreading disinformation and psychological sabotage has been uncovered, conducted with direct involvement of Russian special services
Law enforcement agencies and security services identified a network of fake news and propaganda materials during extensive investigative actions, after establishing the participation of three citizens from Kyiv, Dnipro, and Khmelnytskyi in these activities. They assisted the occupiers in disseminating pro-Russian narratives intended to discredit Ukrainian leadership and disrupt mobilization efforts within the country. According to the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Prosecutor's Office, in cooperation with the Security Service of Ukraine, investigation revealed that the suspects engaged in a special information operation called "Ukraine Disappears Without a Trace." They created and distributed videos on social media where Ukrainian prisoners of war from the Kursk region voiced calls prepared by Russian special services. These recordings included appeals to Ukrainian soldiers to lay down arms, incite rebellions within military units, and refuse to obey orders related to defending Ukraine's independence. All of this aimed to destabilize the internal situation and undermine the morale of Ukrainian defenders. Based on investigative data, the occupiers forced eight Ukrainian prisoners of war to participate in the creation of these fake videos. They filmed for propaganda clips in a specially equipped studio located in a detention facility of the Kursk region in Russia. In these messages, they urged those on the frontlines to reject the war, refuse combat orders, and oppose their own state. It is known that those who refused to participate in such provocations or attempted cooperation with Ukrainian security authorities faced harsh torture, and detainees were held under inhumane conditions. A notable aspect of this operation was the Russian security services’ attempt to expand influence through the families of prisoners: via controlled agents, they sought to involve relatives of Ukrainian military personnel in spreading disinformation. As a result, there were incidents such as car arson attacks against Ukrainian defenders and guidance of airstrikes on Ukrainian infrastructure targets, which caused further destruction and civilian casualties. During searches of the detainees, law enforcement confiscated computer equipment, USB drives, phones, SIM cards, and rough notes that served as evidence in the criminal case. They are charged with obstructing the activities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and other military formations under articles that entail criminal liability. The court has chosen a preventive measure — detention without bail. Currently, this operation demonstrates the scale of the information warfare waged by Russia to destabilize Ukraine and undermine the morale of Ukrainian troops and citizens. Operational services note that combating disinformation and provocative activities remains a key priority in the fight against Russian aggression. All detainees are presently in investigative detention, and the case remains under the control of law enforcement agencies, who continue to work diligently to identify all individuals involved in this toxic propaganda and subversive activity.