Undeniably, disinformation is one of the key threats to the modern global order, especially in the context of hybrid warfare. This type of conflict combines traditional military actions with information attacks, cyber threats, and other non-conventional methods of influence. Hybrid warfare affects not only physical security but also people’s consciousness, their values, trust in state institutions, and the media.
For Ukraine, which has been engaged in an existential war against Russian aggression for over a decade, the information front is no less important than the battlefield. Kremlin propaganda seeks to undermine internal unity, sow doubt, discredit the Ukrainian government, erode trust in allies, and reduce international support for Ukraine. However, this struggle extends far beyond Ukrainian territory—information attacks are actively directed at the Ukrainian diaspora, particularly in the United States. This is because Ukrainians there have access to influential information platforms and are capable of shaping public opinion on an international level.
That is why we must gain a deeper understanding of how disinformation works and how it can be effectively countered. This article places particular emphasis on Ukrainians in the U.S.—including those born and raised in the country, integrated citizens, and newly arrived migrants in recent years. They are not only consumers of information but also active transmitters of it. It is critically important for Ukrainians in the U.S. to understand how to protect themselves from manipulation, how to develop information resilience, and how to act to reduce the risks associated with fake news and hostile narratives.
In times of information warfare, mental hygiene becomes just as important as physical safety. It is the ability to think critically, verify sources, recognize manipulations, and resist psychological pressure. In this article, we will analyze key tools for countering disinformation and outline ways to strengthen information security—both for individuals and for Ukrainian communities abroad.
1. What Is Hybrid Warfare and Its Information Components?
1.1. Definition of Hybrid Warfare
Hybrid warfare is a modern type of conflict in which a state uses a combination of traditional and non-traditional methods to achieve its geopolitical goals. This type of warfare includes not only military operations but also economic pressure, cyberattacks, the use of proxy forces, and various tools for manipulating information. Hybrid warfare differs from conventional armed conflicts in that its primary goal is to destabilize the enemy through specific methods of influence, allowing the aggressor to avoid open military confrontation.
In this context, information serves not only as a means of transmitting knowledge but also as a powerful tool (essentially a weapon) for manipulating public consciousness. This can include propaganda, fake news, psychological operations, cyberattacks, and disinformation actively spread through social media.
1.2. How Does Information Become a Part of Hybrid Warfare?
Information is a key instrument for influencing social, political, and economic processes in the context of hybrid warfare. It is used to:
- Spread doubt and distrust within societies or between states, undermining unity and stability.
- Manipulate public opinion to force people to act in the aggressor’s interest through fear, outrage, or distortion of facts.
- Discredit opponents by creating false narratives that destroy trust in state institutions or international partners.
- Divide societies and states by fueling tensions between political groups or ethnic and cultural communities, weakening a state's internal potential.
The informational component of hybrid warfare is actively utilized not only through traditional media but also on social media platforms, where fake news can spread rapidly, causing significant political and social consequences.
1.3. How Does Russia Use Information Operations to Undermine Security?
Russia’s information operations in the context of its war against Ukraine are a classic example of the effective use of hybrid warfare. Russia actively engages in information campaigns to manipulate public opinion both within Ukraine and abroad. The main directions of these operations include:
- Dividing Ukrainian society:Russia targets propaganda campaigns at undermining Ukraine’s national identity, casting doubt on its territorial integrity, and eroding trust in state institutions.
- Discrediting Ukrainian authorities: Russian media actively spread false information aimed at undermining the government’s ability to act effectively on behalf of the state and its citizens, creating a negative image of national institutions.
- Sowing international doubt:Russia seeks to convince other countries, especially in the West, that Ukraine is an unstable and weak state unworthy of international support.
- Using “hybrid” methods of influence: These include not only traditional propaganda but also modern technologies—“troll factories,” cyberattacks, fake news widely disseminated through social media.
Modern information operations are not limited to classical media. Among the most commonly used tools are fake news, creation of fraudulent social media accounts, and the active use of bots and trolls to destabilize situations.
As we can see, hybrid warfare has become one of the main forms of modern conflict, where information plays a critical role as a tool of manipulation and societal influence. It allows aggressors to alter narratives, divide societies, and erode trust in national institutions. Disinformation has become a powerful weapon capable of changing the course of events without direct use of force.
The only way to counter such aggression is through improving media literacy, developing critical thinking, and raising awareness of manipulation techniques. A crucial step toward protecting against disinformation is national and international cooperation aimed at neutralizing the aggressor’s influence and strengthening the resilience of the information space through the active work of media, civil society organizations, and responsible citizens.
2. How Does Disinformation Work?
2.1. Methods of Creating and Spreading Disinformation
Disinformation is deliberately false or distorted information spread to manipulate public opinion and achieve political goals. It can be overt (blatantly false) or covert (e.g., through manipulation of context or selective presentation of facts).
Here are some of the main methods used to create and disseminate disinformation:
- Fake news: One of the most common forms of disinformation. Fake news often resembles real journalism but includes manipulated facts, false or decontextualized quotes, misleading headlines, or a complete lack of fact-checking.
- Selective presentation of facts: Sometimes key facts are omitted or distorted to craft a desired narrative. For example, highlighting only negative events while ignoring positive developments creates a skewed perception of reality.
- Aggressive propaganda:Propagandists often use emotionally charged narratives to provoke fear or anger, mobilizing people to support a particular idea or inciting protest or panic.
- Bot networks and fake social media accounts:Bots and fake profiles are widely used on social media to create the illusion of popularity for certain ideas. This enables manipulation of public opinion and amplification of false narratives.
- Trolling and personal attacks:Trolls exploit anonymity to attack those who attempt to debunk fake news. They post offensive comments or aim to discredit their opponents.
2.2. Examples of Fake News and Manipulations
Disinformation affects critical spheres such as politics, war, health, and the economy. Here are some notable examples:
- War in Ukraine: Russian propaganda actively spreads fake news to justify its military actions. For instance, manipulations about “staged bombings” or “preparations for nuclear war” create fear among civilians. Disinformation campaigns also include false claims about the humanitarian situation in Ukraine in order to discredit the state.
- COVID-19 pandemic:During the pandemic, numerous manipulations emerged, including claims about the virus's origin, fake “cures,” and conspiracy theories regarding the dangers of vaccination. These led to public panic and eroded trust in medical guidelines.
- Fake social media posts:Social networks are fertile ground for fake news, such as unverified claims about political leadership changes or territorial annexations. Even without confirmation, such posts influence public perception and create a distorted sense of reality.
2.3. How to Tell Truth from Falsehood?
In an oversaturated information environment, it's crucial to recognize disinformation. Here are some practical tips:
- Check the source:Pay attention to who published the content. If the source is obscure or suspicious, it’s wise to verify its credibility.
- Look for facts and corroboration: Legitimate news is typically confirmed by multiple independent sources. If a story lacks verification or is based on a single unconfirmed source, it’s a red flag.
- Use fact-checking platforms:Websites like Snopes, FactCheck.org, or Media Bias/Fact Check can help assess the accuracy of information.
- Think critically:Ask yourself: Why is this news appearing now? What emotions does it provoke? Are there signs of manipulation? It’s important to recognize that manipulators often exploit emotions to influence our decisions.
Disinformation is a powerful tool that can significantly affect political, social, and economic dynamics. It can lead people to make decisions based on false or distorted information. But we can resist this threat by developing media literacy and critical thinking. Get into the habit of verifying your information sources, relying on trustworthy platforms, and staying alert to emotional triggers—these are often the basis of manipulation. Only by doing so can we protect ourselves from the influence of disinformation.
3. The Psychology of Influence: Why Do We Believe Fake News?
3.1. How Does the Human Brain Work Under Information Overload?
The modern world is oversaturated with information—news, social media, advertisements, videos, messaging apps, and much more. The human brain is not equipped to process such massive volumes of data, so it automatically simplifies perception and filters information. These very “filters” are exploited by manipulators to influence our perception of reality.
One of these mechanisms is cognitive economy — the brain’s desire to process information quickly by relying on patterns or automatic reactions. This means that when we see an emotional headline or an image that provokes fear or anger, our brain tends to accept it as truth without further verification.
Another important mechanism is the confirmation biasWe are inclined to believe statements that align with our existing beliefs, and we reject those that contradict them. This makes us particularly vulnerable to fake news that plays on our preconceptions.
3.2. Emotions as a Tool of Manipulation
Emotions are one of the most powerful tools of manipulation. When we experience strong emotions like fear or anger, we tend to make impulsive decisions and often fail to apply critical thinking to the situation.
Here are some examples of emotional manipulation:
- Fearmongering: “If we don’t act now, Ukraine will be occupied tomorrow!”
- Anger:“Those who support this view are traitors!”
- Shame:“If you didn’t share this news, you’re indifferent to our fate!”
- Empathy: Manipulating feelings through fabricated stories designed to provoke sympathy—even when there’s no factual basis.
Emotionally charged content is more likely to spread, as people often share emotionally intense news without checking its truthfulness.
3.3. The Social Proof Effect
As social beings, we often form beliefs under the influence of our surroundings. When we see that “everyone is talking about” or “everyone is sharing” a piece of news, we tend to assume it must be true. This is known as the social proof effect.
Social media significantly amplifies this effect. Posts with many likes, comments, or shares appear more credible, even if their content is false. This creates the illusion that the more people support an idea, the more truthful it must be.
This is dangerous because artificially generated “waves of mass support”—especially through bots or fake accounts—can convince us of the truthfulness of completely fabricated information.
3.4. The False Sense of Being Informed
Often, after seeing just a headline, we believe we understand the entire news story, without checking further. This phenomenon manipulates our susceptibility: emotional or clickbait headlines often contradict the actual content of the article, which we rarely read in full.
There’s also the illusion of knowledge — the belief that we understand a topic well simply because we hear about it frequently, even if we lack deep knowledge. The volume of information we encounter doesn’t always correlate with its quality or reliability.
3.5. Why Even Smart People Believe Fake News
Can intelligent people still fall into the trap of disinformation? Yes, absolutely. That’s because our decisions are often influenced not just by logic but also by deeper psychological mechanisms. Biases, emotions, automatic reactions, and even lack of time all impact how we perceive information.
Interestingly, the more confident a person is, the more likely they are to become a victim of manipulation. People who see themselves as critical thinkers may be less inclined to double-check information because they believe they already know everything. This highlights the importance of constant vigilance, even if you feel immune to manipulation.
As we can see , disinformation operates not only through technology and fake news but also by exploiting deep psychological mechanisms.Understanding how our brain works—how emotions and social environments influence our beliefs—is the first step toward protecting ourselves from fakes. We must train our critical thinking, recognize emotional triggers, and understand how manipulators exploit our vulnerabilities.
4. Disinformation as a Tool of Hybrid Warfare: A Threat to Ukraine, the U.S., and the Diaspora
4.1. Disinformation – A Highly Dangerous Weapon of the 21st Century
In today’s world, information has long ceased to be merely a tool of communication—it has become a powerful weapon. Disinformation is the systematic spread of false or manipulative messages intended to achieve political, strategic, or ideological objectives. In the case of the Russian Federation, disinformation is a key component of hybrid warfare—a prolonged, multifaceted assault not only on Ukraine but also on the entire democratic Western world.
Russia uses disinformation to:
- Undermine trust in democratic institutions;
- Destabilize societies by fueling internal conflicts;
- Discredit Ukraine, the United States, and their allies;
- Demoralize populations and manipulate facts about war, sanctions, history, and international politics.
4.2. How Disinformation Works: Mechanisms and Channels
Systematic disinformation relies on a broad range of channels, including:
- Russian state-run media (RT, Sputnik, etc.);
- “Useful idiots” and influential opinion leaders in the U.S. and Europe;
- Social media platforms, where bots and trolls generate disinformation waves;
- Pseudo-analytical platforms and “independent” experts;
- Distortion of news about Ukraine, NATO, and the U.S. in pro-Kremlin sources.
Particularly dangerous is the hybrid presentation of information—where factual content is interwoven with manipulations, making it harder to identify. Often, the information is not presented as outright lies but as an “alternative point of view,” creating the illusion of “two equally valid truths.”
4.3. Vulnerable Targets: The U.S., Ukraine, and the Diaspora
While Ukraine is the main target, Russian disinformation is also actively and, in some cases, effectively aimed at the United States. Kremlin narratives seek to:
- Mock the American political system;
- Undermine U.S. support for Ukraine;
- Fuel domestic American disputes around war, migration, history, and morality;
- Erode trust in U.S. governmental institutions.
The Ukrainian diaspora in the U.S.—particularly members of earlier waves of immigration—does not always possess sufficient media literacy to recognize contemporary Russian propaganda. This is due in part to the following factors:
- Lack of Russian language proficiency, making it difficult to directly detect the sources of disinformation;
- Inattention to daily propaganda messaging from Russian television (both domestic and international: RT, TNT International, RTVi, Zvezda Plus, NTV Mir, etc.), social media (especially YouTube, TikTok), and messenger apps (notably Telegram);
- A longstanding trust in the high standards of American journalism, which may result in failure to suspect that certain messages are manipulative or ideologically biased;
- Lack of awareness of how deeply Russian narratives have penetrated the Western media space, including in the United States.
As a result, even strongly pro-Ukrainian members of the diaspora may occasionally fall under the influence of disguised disinformation, which circulates through American media—both liberal (typically more aligned with the Democratic Party) and conservative (often aligned with the Republican Party)—as well as through social platforms, religious or community leaders who, whether knowingly or unknowingly, retransmit Kremlin talking points.
4.4. Disinformation as a Threat to Western Civilization
Russia’s information war is not limited to Ukraine or even the United States. It is a global strategy aimed at devaluing core Western values—democracy, freedom of speech, and the rule of law. Attacks on the U.S. are attacks on the leader of the free world. That is why the Kremlin aims to:
- Undermine international solidarity with Ukraine;
- Erode trust in decisions made by the U.S. Congress, administration, and judicial system;
- Promote the false equivalence that “everything is equally bad,” thereby blurring the line between authoritarianism and democracy.
In this context, Ukraine is not just a victim but also a litmus test: Ukraine’s effective resistance on the information front is also a defense of the strategic security of the U.S. and the entire free world.
Therefore, we can state that disinformation today is not merely an issue for Ukrainian media or social networks. It is a deep and systemic threat with geopolitical implications. It targets not only Ukraine but also the U.S. as a cornerstone of the global democratic order. Understanding this threat is the first step toward building effective defenses. For this reason, the Ukrainian diaspora in the U.S. must play an active role in recognizing, debunking, and countering disinformation—not only for Ukraine’s sake but also to protect American democracy and the unity of the Western world.
5. The Role of the Ukrainian Diaspora in the U.S. in Supporting Information Hygiene and Combating Disinformation
The Ukrainian diaspora in the United States possesses significant potential to influence public opinion, particularly in the context of hybrid warfare, where information is used as a tool of political, economic, and ideological pressure. That is why its involvement in strengthening the information resilience of American society is critically important. Effective communication with different segments of Ukrainians in the U.S. requires a differentiated approach that takes into account variations in experience, level of integration, and media literacy.
5.1. How Can Ukrainians Support Information Hygiene Among Newcomers?
Newly arrived Ukrainians often find themselves unfamiliar with the complex American media landscape and political system, making them vulnerable to disinformation. It is therefore essential to support their adaptation not only socially but also informationally.
Key areas of support include:
- Improving media literacy:Teaching basic principles of source verification, recognizing fakes, and identifying manipulation.
- Explaining the risks of information influence: Clarifying how Russian disinformation can erode public trust, sow division, and create security risks for the U.S.
- Navigating the media environment: Introducing reliable sources of information—both Ukrainian and American—for accessing verified news.
5.2. Communicating with Ukrainian-Americans
For Ukrainians who have become U.S. citizens or are well integrated into American society, it is important to emphasize that fighting disinformation is part of safeguarding the national interests of the United States itself.
Main areas of engagement:
- Explaining the consequences of disinformation:Demonstrating how false narratives (e.g., related to Black Lives Matter, COVID-19, or elections) have impacted American politics and trust in institutions.
- Emphasizing the shared interests of Ukraine and the U.S.:Ukraine’s stability is essential to Euro-Atlantic security, which directly affects America’s strategic interests.
- Supporting English-language content:Contributing to the creation of English-language content accessible to American audiences—from explainer videos to long-form articles.
5.3. The Role of Ukrainians Integrated into U.S. Political Life
Members of the diaspora involved in political, media, or civic life in the U.S. can serve as truth-bearers in the public sphere.
Priority actions include:
- Advocating truth at the official level:Formulating clear messages in support of Ukraine within American political discourse.
- Countering Russian influence:Exposing manipulations, debunking narratives, and maintaining an active presence in public debates.
- Information activities in parties and NGOs: Organizing awareness campaigns, roundtables, and bringing in experts to counter Kremlin influence.
5.4. Strategies for Protecting Ukrainians in the U.S. from Disinformation
Maintaining information hygiene in the diaspora requires continually updated approaches, especially considering the evolving nature of information warfare.
Recommended strategies:
- Adapting content for Western audiences:Creating blogs, videos, and infographics that align with the perception logic of American information consumers.
- Spreading verified sources:Actively informing friends, communities, and followers about trustworthy news platforms and fact-checking resources.
- Educational initiatives for youth:Hosting training sessions, seminars, and discussions on media literacy for younger generations of the diaspora—the digital-native citizens of the future.
The Ukrainian diaspora in the U.S. is not only a powerful resource for supporting Ukraine but also a key component of American information security. Its active efforts in countering disinformation help defend democratic values, strengthen transatlantic unity, and deepen the strategic partnership between Ukraine and the United States.
In conclusion, in the context of today’s information warfare—where disinformation has become a powerful tool of hybrid aggression—it is especially important to understand how to navigate the overwhelming flood of daily news, posts, and messages.
This challenge is particularly relevant for Ukrainians in the United States, who live at the intersection of two information spaces—American and Ukrainian. This unique position gives them the opportunity to play an active role in shaping a truthful image of Ukraine and counteracting Kremlin propaganda and manipulation.
In a world where information is a major instrument of influence, each of us bears responsibility for the place we assign to truth. Information hygiene must become not only a personal responsibility but also a collective contribution to the defense of global information security.
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