Disinformation Trends Show Surge in Ukraine, Immigration, and EU-Related False Content

European fact-checkers identified Ukraine, immigration, and European Union affairs as the leading targets of disinformation campaigns in September 2025, according to the latest report from the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) fact-checking network.

The monthly analysis, compiled from 1,517 fact-checking articles published by 33 organizations across Europe, revealed that Ukraine-related disinformation rose to 9% of all fact-checked content, showing a two percentage point increase from the previous month. Immigration and EU-related falsehoods each accounted for 7% of fact-checks, both registering one percentage point increases.

Other significant categories included disinformation about the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza (5%), climate change (4%), COVID-19 (3%), and LGBTQ+ and gender issues (1%). Notably, climate change misinformation decreased substantially as summer ended, while other monitored topics remained relatively stable.

The report highlights a concerning pattern of interconnected disinformation narratives targeting Ukraine, the EU, and migrants. Several factors contributed to the spike in Ukraine-related false content, including hybrid warfare events involving drones or jets flying over EU territories. These incidents were manipulated to portray Russia as innocent while framing the EU and Ukraine as warmongers.

Electoral processes in Moldova and the Czech Republic became particular targets for pro-Russian disinformation campaigns. These efforts spread fear about potential war escalation should pro-EU parties win, while also circulating false narratives about Ukrainian refugees. Viral fabricated content depicting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as corrupt further contributed to the disinformation landscape.

The same elections fueled anti-EU propaganda characterizing the Union as an “anti-democratic dictatorship” that supposedly censors free speech and cancels elections. This narrative dovetailed with claims portraying the EU and its member states as supporters of war escalation in Ukraine.

September also witnessed a significant rise in anti-immigrant disinformation, particularly targeting Muslim communities. The anti-immigration march in London on September 13th amplified unfounded “great replacement” conspiracy theories. This triggered numerous false stories, including claims about Sharia law implementation in Austria, alleged conspiracies against white people in the UK (promoted by figures like Elon Musk and former US President Donald Trump), and fabricated reports of church arsons across Europe.

The report notes that the ongoing crisis in Gaza likely contributed to the spread of Islamophobic content, with additional false stories circulating about pro-Palestinian activists and alleged extremism.

EDMO researchers identified a troubling pattern where various extremist forces—including pro-Russian entities, pro-Israeli groups, European far-right organizations, and MAGA supporters—often share common targets: Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees, Muslim communities, migrants, the EU, and specific European countries. These narratives frequently overlap and reinforce one another, creating a complex web of disinformation.

The use of artificial intelligence to generate false content remained consistent with previous months. Approximately 10% of fact-checked articles (145 out of 1,517) addressed AI-generated disinformation. A notable example emerged following the assassination of American far-right activist Charlie Kirk, when manipulated images circulated on social media platforms misrepresenting both the attacker’s identity and Kirk’s reputation. AI-generated content portrayed Kirk as a “martyr of Christianity” widely admired across political divides, despite his known polarizing views—further intensifying political tensions.

The EDMO report serves as a crucial warning about the evolving landscape of disinformation in Europe, highlighting how digital falsehoods increasingly target democratic institutions, vulnerable populations, and international relations.