ENG
11983 visitors online
The Center for Counteracting Disinformation (CCD) continues to reveal the intricate nuances of Russia's ongoing strategies in 2026. Among the notable insights are the increased repression measures in Russia even after the war concludes and the adaptation of "wartime laws" to justify continued restrictions. CCD highlights Russia's recruitment of former Wagner mercenaries for its "shadow" fleet to circumvent international sanctions. Furthermore, Moscow's hybrid activities are perceived as a prelude to military escalations, as identified by foreign defense ministries. Disinformation campaigns remain a focus, with Russian propaganda attempting to blame Ukraine for regional hostilities. Finally, CCD acknowledges the Kremlin's economic challenges, reflecting on increased tax demands to alleviate budget deficits. Amid these revelations, the Center remains steadfast in countering propaganda and providing accurate information to the global audience.
What role does the Center for Counteracting Disinformation play in Ukraine?
The Center for Counteracting Disinformation (CCD) plays a critical role in identifying, analyzing, and countering misinformation and disinformation, particularly those propagated by Russian entities. The CCD's insights help shape public understanding and policy responses aimed at safeguarding national security and ensuring the dissemination of accurate information during turbulent times.
How does the CCD expose Russian disinformation tactics?
The CCD employs a multifaceted approach to expose Russian disinformation tactics, including monitoring social media, analyzing intelligence reports, and collaborating with international partners. By identifying false narratives, such as reports of military aggressions or economic conditions manipulated by Russian propaganda, the CCD effectively debunks misinformation and informs the public with factual data.
What are the recent revelations by the CCD regarding Russia's war strategies?
Recent CCD revelations indicate that Russia is actively utilizing hybrid warfare tactics, such as cyberattacks and disinformation, as preludes to military escalations. Russia's economic measures, under autocratic directives, include escalated tax collections to manage war expenditures, while Russian troops attempt infiltrations under civilian guise. CCD's reports insist on vigilance against these strategies.
How is the CCD responding to fake news about Ukrainian figures?
The CCD actively counters fake news about Ukrainian figures by verifying facts, challenging propaganda, and elucidating truths through official channels. The center swiftly dismisses unsubstantiated rumors, like the alleged desertion of Ukrainian officials, ensuring the credibility of information remains intact and public trust is maintained amidst directed misinformation campaigns.
Why are Russian scientists restricted from traveling by their government?
The Russian government has imposed travel restrictions on its scientists, requiring ministry approval for trips to "unfriendly countries." This measure is likely a precaution against intellectual leaks and espionage amidst heightened global tensions, though it reflects a pervasive atmosphere of governmental control that extends beyond wartime exigencies, as outlined by the CCD.
What are Russia's covert tactics in oil transportation as per CCD findings?
According to CCD findings, Russia employs its "shadow" fleet manned by former Wagner mercenaries to covertly transport oil, thereby bypassing international sanctions. This strategy underscores Russia's clandestine operations aimed at sustaining their economic activities despite comprehensive sanction regimes, perpetuating a complex geopolitical narrative.
What is the significance of CCD's report on Russian hybrid threats?
The CCD's report on Russian hybrid threats underscores the multifaceted nature of present-day warfare, where conventional military actions are supplemented by cyber intrusions and strategic disinformation campaigns. Such tactics seek to destabilize societies and create internal divisions within target countries, necessitating coordinated responses to maintain regional security and stability.
News center for counteracting disinformation
YouTube has blocked channels featuring Russian propaganda cartoon series ’Masha and the Bear’ in Ukraine YouTube has blocked three channels featuring the Russian animated series "Masha and the Bear" within Ukraine. 2 112 62 Previously in trend: Russian propaganda
Volume of anti-Ukrainian content in Polish information space has risen by 250 per cent, - CCD The volume of anti-Ukrainian content in the Polish information space has risen by 250 per cent, according to Polish officials and researchers. 1 939 6 Previously in trend: Anti-Ukrainian statements in Poland
Kremlin recruits students from occupied territories for war against Ukraine by promising "easy money," – CCD Russia is using the story of a student from temporarily occupied Donetsk to recruit young people in the seized territories into its army. Propaganda presents a military contract as an opportunity to earn "easy money," receive social benefits, and continue studying at the same time. 724 2 Previously in trend: Militarization of children in temporarily occupied territories
Russian propaganda is provoking panic in Ukraine, but there will be no food shortages – CCD Enemy propaganda is attempting to provoke panic in Ukraine over alleged food shortages, but there will be no shortages. There is no reason to panic. 1 368 12
Russia’s Defence Ministry reported capture of nonexistent village in Kharkiv region – CCD Russia’s Defence Ministry reported the capture of the nonexistent village of Shcherbakivka in the Kharkiv region. 1 924 14
Fines for petrol cans in Pskov and arrests in Volgograd: CCD explains how Russia is cracking down on ’petrol’ protests The fuel crisis in Russia is rapidly laying bare the worst aspects of a police state. Whilst Russia is artificially creating the illusion of ‘prosperity’ in the capital, ordinary residents of the Russian regions have found themselves in the crosshairs of the security forces’ repressive machinery... 1 983 7 Previously in trend: Fuel shortage in the Russian Federation
"10 kilometres to Sumy – that’s lie": Centre for Countering Disinformation has refuted yet another statement by Putin The claim by the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin that Russian occupation forces are allegedly just 10.5 kilometres from the city of Sumy is completely untrue. 2 422 13
Russia is preparing provocations using Polish symbols and wants to carry them out on Ukrainian territory – Center for Countering Disinformation Russia is preparing provocations using Polish symbols in Ukraine in order to sow tension between Kyiv and Warsaw during the days of the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdansk. 1 635 15 Previously in trend: FSB provocations
NSDC debunks Russian fake about millions of Ukrainian army losses Information claiming that 2.4 million Ukrainian Armed Forces servicemen have allegedly been killed or gone missing is fake. 2 590 59 Previously in trend: Russian fake news
Russian Federation’s main naval parade in St Petersburg is unlikely to take place this year, - CCD. PHOTO Russia’s main naval parade in St Petersburg, which the Kremlin has used for years to demonstrate its "military might", is unlikely to take place this year. The event on the Neva River has been cancelled for the second year running. 1 287 11
Russia is spreading false claims about use of radioactive materials in construction of defensive lines in Kyiv and Sumy regions Russian propaganda is spreading false information about the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ alleged use of radioactive materials during the construction of a defensive line. 804 8 Previously in trend: Russian fake news
NATO is struggling to keep up with threats: National Security and Defence Council has outlined how it will help West protect its airspace from Russian provocations Following Ukraine's example, NATO countries need to urgently consider establishing a so-called "drone umbrella." Current realities show that the North Atlantic Alliance has not been fully prepared for the challenges of the new era of warfare. 590 4
Militarisation of children in Russia: schoolchildren have been made to study comics about ’heroes of Great Patriotic War’. PHOTO The militarisation of school education continues in Russia. Pupils in Years 5 to 9 across the Russian Federation will be required to study 15 comic-style short stories about war criminals – so-called ‘special military operation’ veterans – who are presented as role models. 1 997 14
Kremlin systematically uses hybrid aggression tools against NATO countries – CCD Russia is systematically using hybrid aggression tools against NATO countries. 620 2 Previously in trend: Hybrid Russian war
Belarusians, following Russians, have begun to face internet restrictions – CCD Belarus is showing systemic signs of tighter control over the digital space. This includes restrictions on mobile internet access (of up to 30 GB per month), as well as deliberate throttling of data transmission speeds. 2 435 25
Russia has launched service to attract foreigners due to staff shortage, - CCD. PHOTO Against the backdrop of a severe skills shortage, Russia has launched a digital service to attract foreign specialists. 1 377 18
Russians are being prepared for idea that repression and restrictions are here to stay, – CCD. PHOTO The Federation Council of the Russian Federation has warned Russians that "wartime laws" will remain in place even after the war ends. According to the senators, the restrictions will only be lifted if they cease to be "relevant". 2 971 22 Previously in trend: Ban on social networks
Russia uses "Wagner" soldiers on tankers of "shadow" fleet, - CCD Russia has begun recruiting former Wagner PMC mercenaries to crew its "shadow" fleet, which is used to transport oil in circumvention of international sanctions. 2 098 8 Previously in trend: Russia’s shadow fleet
Sweden warns of increased hybrid activity by Russia The Swedish Military Intelligence and Security Service stated in its annual report that Russia remains the greatest threat to the national security of the state and the Alliance. 419 0 Previously in trend: Hybrid Russian war
Russian scientists are being banned from travelling abroad, - Center for Countering Disinformation Russian scientists have been required to obtain approval from the relevant ministry for business trips to so-called "unfriendly countries." 1 649 19
Russia actively uses infiltration of assault groups on eastern front - CCD Russian troops on the eastern front are actively attempting to infiltrate with assault groups, including under the guise of civilians, while the Ukrainian Defense Forces are systematically thwarting these attempts and conducting countermeasures. 1 291 8 Previously in trend: Russian army
Putin demands higher taxes from Russians to finance war, CCD says Amid Russia’s economic slowdown and a growing budget deficit, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has demanded that the government "significantly increase" tax collection in 2026. 2 131 16 Previously in trend: Economic disaster
Russia intensifies sabotage: Kremlin uses hybrid attacks as prelude to military escalation, - CCD The German Ministry of Defense identifies Russia as the greatest and most immediate threat to the country's security. Berlin believes that Russia is stepping up cyberattacks, sabotage, and disinformation campaigns against critical infrastructure as part of a hybrid war, primarily targeting the... 846 1 Previously in trend: Russian subversions in EU
Umierov on business trip to US - CCD calls reports that NSDC secretary refused to return to Ukraine fake news Over the past few days, claims have been circulating online that Rustem Umierov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, has allegedly left the country and refuses to return to Ukraine. This information is not true. 4 076 38 Previously in trend: Mindichgate
Putin called war "genetic trait" of Russians. VIDEO During a visit to a Moscow military hospital, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin claimed that "the ability to fight is in the genes of Russians." He made this statement in response to one of the participants in the armed aggression against Ukraine, who mentioned his grandfather, a World War II veteran. 10 473 96 Previously in trend: Putin’s regime
Russia intensifies censorship on Internet - more than 1.2 million blocked Internet resources, - CCD In 2025, Roskomnadzor blocked more than 1.2 million Internet resources, 50% more than last year. 1 043 4
Russia has actually admitted that it has no plan to rebuild destroyed Avdiivka - CCD Russia has effectively acknowledged that the reconstruction of occupied Avdiivka has been suspended. One representative of the occupation administration stated that the main works have been "suspended until the issue of restoring the coke plant is resolved." 3 777 6 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
Russia uses artificial intelligence for disinformation attacks against US - CCD Russia has intensified information attacks against the United States, using artificial intelligence and a large-scale disinformation ecosystem. 958 5
Russian propagandists trying to shift blame for deaths of 25 people in Yarova onto Ukraine, - CCD. PHOTO Russian propagandists are trying to absolve themselves of responsibility for the attack on the village of Yarova in Donetsk region. Kremlin-controlled media outlets are spreading a staged video with a woman who claims that the attack on the village was a "provocation by Kyiv" - she was allegedly... 5 406 12
Russian reconnaissance vessels and UAVs are actively collecting data on submarine cables and pipelines in Europe British media and analysts report that Russian reconnaissance vessels and drones are actively collecting data on underwater cables and pipelines in Europe. British Defense Minister John Healey confirmed that Russian intelligence is using the ship "Yantar" to collect information about underwater... 1 204 6
Putin acknowledged problems with Russia’s economy and publicly reprimanded officials in economic bloc Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin acknowledged problems with Russia's economy and publicly reprimanded officials in the economic bloc. 6 575 15
Information about 1.7 million dead and missing Ukrainian servicemen in war against Russia is fake, - CCD Pro-Kremlin propaganda outlets are spreading claims that Russian hackers have hacked into the Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff database and obtained information about "1.7 million Ukrainian military personnel killed or missing" during Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. 5 255 82 Previously in trend: Russian fake news
YouTube blocked pro-Russian channels of journalist Latynina and former MP Balashov in Ukraine YouTube has blocked channels on Ukrainian territory belonging to individuals sanctioned by the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC), including Russian journalist Yulia Latynina, known as an "friend" of Oleksii Arestovych. 3 276 30 Previously in trend: Pro-Russian agitators
War&Sanctions portal has added 16 more names to its list of Russian propagandists, - DIU. PHOTO The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, together with the Centre for Countering Disinformation under the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine, has updated the section "Kremlin's Mouthpieces" on the War&Sanctions portal. 4 083 3 Previously in trend: Russian propagandists and Z-volunteers
Russia is experiencing deepest demographic crisis in more than two centuries - CCD Last year, only 1.22 million children were born in the Russian Federation, the fewest since 1999. Compared to 2023, the birth rate decreased by 3.4%, and compared to 2014, it fell by more than a third. In the first quarter of 2025, the birth rate fell by another 4%, which was a historic low. 6 087 74 Previously in trend: Classification of demographic data in Russian Federation
After ZN.UA’s support for Shabunin, anonymous OP Telegram channels began attacking media journalist Inna Vedernikova – AntAC After the editorial office of ZN.UA issued a statement regarding government pressure on Vitalii Shabunin, head of the Anti-Corruption Action Center (AntAC), anonymous Telegram channels linked to the Office of the President (OP) began attacking media journalist Inna Vedernikova. 14 597 88 Previously in trend: Suspicion against Shabunin Pressure on the media
YouTube blocks newly created channel of sanctioned Arestovych YouTube has blocked the newly created channel of Oleksii Arestovych, who is under sanctions imposed by Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council (NSDC). 6 777 64 Previously in trend: YouTube blocks Arestovych’s channel
Russia conducts propaganda campaigns for May 9 in ten countries, including China and India - CCD By May 9, the Russian Federation is holding propaganda campaigns in 10 countries, including Indonesia, South Africa, India, China, Tanzania, and others. 1 314 19 Previously in trend: 9th May in Russia
Drones reach military unit of Russian space intelligence in Stavropol Krai - CCD Unidentified drones have reached the "Zvezda" facility in the Stavropol Krai. This is one of the main stations of the Russian space electronic intelligence, a centre for the analysis of space information. 5 032 16 Previously in trend: Drone attack on Russian regions
Currently, there is no talk of Russian offensive on Sumy and Kharkiv - CCD The Russian occupation forces have intensified their activities in the direction of Sumy and Kharkiv regions. It is too early to talk about an offensive on Sumy and Kharkiv. 2 207 11
There was no massive breakthrough of border between Novenke and Zhuravka in Sumy region. Enemy is trying to act in single groups, - CCD On March 8, 2025, information about a massive breakthrough of the Russian Armed Forces on the border of Sumy region was spread on the Internet. 3 160 28 Previously in trend: Russian assault on the Sumy region border
Ruscists are not advancing from Kursk region; there was only attempt by Russian sabotage and reconnaissance group (SRG) to infiltrate – CCD Kremlin dictator Putin's statement about Russian troops crossing the border into Ukraine in the Kursk region and launching a large-scale offensive is not true. 3 612 14 Previously in trend: War
At night in Rostov, drones attacked important military facilities - CCD. VIDEO The explosions during the nighttime attack in Rostov region occurred in an area with important military facilities, including airfields and the headquarters of the Southern Military District of the Russian Federation. 6 126 8
"Order" of National Police to strengthen mobilization and search for 18-year-olds in Odesa is fake of Russian propaganda – CCD Russian propaganda has created and spread a fake document, allegedly issued by the Main Department of the National Police in Odesa region, which allegedly orders law enforcement officers to "intensify the search for persons subject to mobilization" in Odesa, including 18-year-olds. 21 816 19 Previously in trend: mobilization
Novoshakhtinsk refinery in Russia suspended operations after drone attack, Russians report equipment damage - CCD The oil refinery in Novoshakhtynsk, located in the Rostov region of the Russian Federation, has temporarily stopped working. 3 091 8
Drones attacked Smolensk Aviation Plant at night - CCD On the night of 21 January, the Smolensk Aviation Plant was attacked. 7 139 14
Camouflaged military facilities attacked in Rostov and Leningrad regions of Russia, - CCD On the night of Friday, 10 January, the Rostov and Leningrad regions of the Russian Federation were attacked by drones. The strikes were aimed at camouflaged Russian military facilities. 5 910 8
AFU did not receive any orders to hold Kursk until Trump’s inauguration – Head of CCD Kovalenko The Armed Forces of Ukraine did not receive any orders to hold Kursk until after Donald Trump's inauguration in order to "exchange it later." This information, which is being circulated in the media, is not true. 2 313 8
Page 1 of 2
more news
