AI Soldiers: How Deepfakes Are Manipulating Ukraine’s Mobilization Narrative
Published under the Fighting Against Conspiracy and Trolls (FACT) project, part of the EU Digital Media Observatory (EDMO), this article explores a new wave of disinformation exploiting artificial intelligence to target Ukraine’s mobilization efforts.
Emergence of AI-Fueled Disinformation
Videos showing distressed young Ukrainian soldiers pleading for help have been circulating across social media. These clips are not authentic but generated using artificial intelligence to imitate real footage. They depict supposed “forced mobilization” of men aged 22 and 23 being sent to the front with no choice.
Spread Through Social Media
Fake accounts on major platforms including TikTok and X have distributed these videos, often subtitled in several languages to reach global audiences. The fabricated clips have gathered millions of views, rapidly amplifying emotional and political tension online.
Experts Warn of Kremlin’s Strategy
According to analysts, this campaign signals a new stage in Russia’s information warfare against Ukraine. It aims to undermine public confidence in Kyiv’s leadership, generate panic, and weaken international solidarity with the country.
“The information space is a battlefield, and that's why (Russia) works tirelessly to push its narratives,” said Anton Kuchukhidze, an international political scientist and co-founder of the United Ukraine think tank.
Author’s Summary
This article examines how AI-generated fake videos are weaponized to manipulate narratives about Ukraine’s mobilization, eroding trust and fueling disinformation across social platforms.