Russia’s Information War Against Ukraine: Propaganda, Cyberwarfare, and Control of the News Cycle
The concept of information warfare is not a new one. Countries have been using it for centuries to influence public opinion, gain intelligence, and achieve strategic goals. However, in recent years, the use of information warfare has become increasingly prevalent, and Russia has been at the forefront of this trend. The Russian concept of information war against Ukraine, first enunciated by Valery Gerasimov in 2013, has been the subject of much discussion and debate.
Gerasimov’s definition of information warfare reflected his assessment of Western involvement in the events of the Arab Spring and the 2011–2013 Russian protests. He believed that Western governments had instigated these events and posed a threat to the Russian Federation. He argued that Russia needed to counter this threat by engaging in an information war of its own.
The term “Informatsionnaya voyna” or “Informational war” encompasses a wide range of activities, including cyberwarfare, the control of the news cycle, and the use of propaganda. It is a tool that Russia has been using to gain strategic victory and reflexive control in various ways. These tools are as diverse as undersea communications cables, national origin stories, and the use of Russian bots and trolls to pollute an information space.
One of the most significant elements of Russia’s information war against Ukraine has been the use of propaganda. Russia has been using state-controlled media outlets to disseminate false information and misinformation to the public. The aim is to shape public opinion and influence the way people think about certain events or issues. For example, during the conflict in Ukraine, Russia used its media outlets to portray the Ukrainian government as corrupt and illegitimate.
Russia has also been using cyberwarfare as a tool in its information war against Ukraine. In 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea, it launched a massive cyberattack on Ukrainian government and military infrastructure. The attack was so severe that it resulted in power outages across the country. This was a clear demonstration of Russia’s ability to use cyberattacks as a weapon in its information war.
Another tool that Russia has been using in its information war against Ukraine is the control of the news cycle. Russia has been using its state-controlled media outlets to ensure that certain stories get more coverage than others. For example, during the conflict in Ukraine, Russia’s media outlets focused on stories that portrayed the Ukrainian government and military in a negative light. They also downplayed stories that highlighted Russian involvement in the conflict.
Russia has also been using social media to spread propaganda and disinformation. Russian bots and trolls have been used to flood social media platforms with false information and misinformation. This has the effect of polluting the information space and making it difficult for people to distinguish fact from fiction.
In conclusion, the Russian concept of information war against Ukraine, as enunciated by Valery Gerasimov, is a multifaceted and complex phenomenon. It encompasses a wide range of activities, including cyberwarfare, propaganda, and the control of the news cycle. Russia has been using these tools to gain strategic victory and reflexive control in various ways. The use of information warfare is not unique to Russia, but the scale and scope of its operations have been significant. As the world becomes more connected and dependent on information technology, the use of information warfare is likely to become even more prevalent in the future.
