New Report Documents Russia’s Disinformation Campaign Against Ukraine 

New York – In a new report, Human Rights First examines Russia’s efforts to confuse, demoralize, and frighten Ukrainians as part of its offensive into northeastern Ukraine. Truth Under Siege, Kharkiv’s Battle Against Russian Disinformation shares findings from the organization’s visit to Kharkiv city and region in June 2024, documenting how human rights defenders (HRDs) are confronting Russian disinformation and providing reliable information to vulnerable populations near the front lines. 

Findings of today’s report include:

• While disinformation has been central to Russia’s war effort since before its 2014 invasion, in recent weeks Russian propaganda efforts have escalated with the likely goal of creating panic and undermining Ukraine’s armed forces and leadership as Russia tries to advance on Kharkiv
• Russia has been spreading lies about its recent July 8th attack on a children’s hospital in Kyiv, which killed dozens, including children, and injured even more.
• Local HRDs in Kharkiv have been at the forefront of Ukraine’s fight against disinformation, tracking and debunking Russia-backed lies and conspiracies. Their efforts rely on traditional journalism and fact-checking, as well as newer technology, such as a “bot” able to detect fake news. 

Human Rights First has reported from the city of Kharkiv since 2017. Following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Human Rights First has made over a dozen research trips to the Kharkiv region, producing numerous reports and dozens of articles on the work of local HRDs. 

To speak with the report’s authors, Maya Fernandez-Powell and Brian Dooley, please contact press@humanrightsfirst.org.