Russia Runs Major Influence Campaigns Through Telegram, TikTok, and Viber, Expert Says

Tech Platforms Emerge as Primary Vectors for Russian Disinformation in Ukraine

Telegram, TikTok, and Viber have become the main platforms for spreading disinformation and conducting harmful influence operations targeting Ukraine, according to strategic communications expert Liubov Tsybulska.

In a recent interview with Ukrinform, Tsybulska, who directs the NGO Join Ukraine, highlighted how Russia’s information warfare tactics have evolved while maintaining the same strategic objectives.

“Russia’s global objectives remain unchanged: the destruction of Ukrainian identity and statehood,” Tsybulska explained. “At the same time, the tools are constantly evolving with technological developments.”

The expert pointed to a clear pattern in how Russian propagandists adapt when their channels are blocked or restricted. “Every time we counter Russian propaganda, they find new ways to spread it,” she said. “For example, in 2014, when we banned their channels, they launched Ukrainian channels that transmitted Russian narratives. These were [Viktor] Medvedchuk’s channels. When we blocked VKontakte, Telegram appeared.”

Of particular concern is Telegram, which has gained enormous popularity in Ukraine despite presenting significant security risks. Tsybulska has called for restrictions on the platform within Ukraine, describing it as “an instrument of the enemy.”

The messaging app’s structure creates a perfect environment for spreading unchecked information, she argues. “Ukrainian society considers it a primary source of information, which is a serious concern because it is not a media outlet. Often, it is unclear who is behind the information. Anonymous channels bear no responsibility for their posts, making it easy to manipulate public perception.”

Security experts have long raised concerns about Telegram’s encryption practices. Tsybulska noted that “Telegram does not use end-to-end encryption by default, so your information is not fully protected.” This technical vulnerability contrasts with other messaging apps like Signal and WhatsApp, which implement end-to-end encryption automatically.

Perhaps most alarming is Telegram’s role in recruitment operations targeting Ukrainians. “Teenagers are being recruited in large numbers. What we see in the news is just the tip of the iceberg,” Tsybulska warned. “This is a massive phenomenon. It also affects adult civilians. Recruitment for assassinations of political figures or civic activists is happening via Telegram.”

The Russian tactics highlight the evolving nature of information warfare in the digital age. Social media platforms that were once seen primarily as communication tools have become battlegrounds where influence operations can directly impact national security.

Ukraine has taken various measures to counter Russian information operations since the conflict began in 2014, including banning Russian social networks like VKontakte and restricting pro-Russian television channels. However, the proliferation of messaging apps and video-sharing platforms has created new challenges for Ukrainian authorities.

TikTok, with its algorithm-driven content delivery and massive young user base, presents its own set of challenges. The short-form video platform has been criticized globally for its content moderation policies and potential to rapidly spread misinformation.

Viber, meanwhile, remains highly popular in Ukraine for both personal and business communications, making it an attractive vector for influence operations.

The situation underscores the complex balance between open communications, national security, and countering hostile information operations. As digital platforms continue to evolve, the methods used to conduct information warfare evolve with them, creating an ongoing challenge for countries like Ukraine that find themselves on the front lines of both conventional and information warfare.