Russian Disinformation Campaign Expands in Mexico, Undermining US Support for Ukraine

Russian Media Expands Influence in Mexico, Spreading Anti-American Narratives

Russian state media outlets RT and Sputnik have dramatically expanded their presence in Mexico since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, according to disinformation experts and American diplomatic sources. This surge in activity appears designed to drive a wedge between Mexico and the United States while undermining support for Ukraine.

The Center for Countering Disinformation of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council has characterized the expansion as “sudden and aggressive,” with clear intentions to erode trust between the neighboring North American nations.

American diplomats have expressed concern about the sharp uptick in Russian information operations in the region. These efforts appear strategically targeted to weaken U.S.-Mexico coordination on international matters, particularly regarding support for Ukraine in global forums.

One particularly troubling disinformation narrative being propagated claims that “Ukraine and the United States are recruiting Mexican and Colombian cartels for a war against Russia.” This fabrication has gained traction among some local politicians and media outlets in Mexico, aligning with Moscow’s broader strategy to discredit international support for Ukraine while portraying Western nations as aggressors.

The ongoing “Doppelgänger” disinformation campaign represents another facet of this strategy, specifically targeting U.S.-Mexico relations while attempting to undermine regional solidarity with Ukraine.

Russian media outlets have established strategic relationships with select local platforms to facilitate their messaging. The Mexican Journalists Club has become a notable channel for Russian influence, regularly featuring content produced by state media outlets from both Russia and Cuba. This arrangement allows Russian narratives to be seamlessly integrated into local news ecosystems under the guise of providing “alternative viewpoints.”

The club has hosted training sessions and lectures led by RT representatives, presented as professional development opportunities for local journalists seeking “alternative information sources.” When questioned about these associations, the club has maintained that its publications rely solely on openly available content.

Experts tracking these developments note that Russia’s approach combines informational tactics with political and intelligence operations. This multifaceted strategy aims to amplify anti-American sentiments, diminish support for Ukraine, and strengthen Russia’s presence throughout the region.

“The Russian Federation combines informational, political, and intelligence tools here to strengthen anti-American sentiments, undermine support for Ukraine, and increase its presence in the region,” stated the Center for Countering Disinformation in their assessment.

The pattern is not unique to Mexico. In France, authorities have identified more than 200 new fake media sites, many masquerading as established French publications while subtly altering content to advance pro-Kremlin narratives. This parallel campaign demonstrates the global scale of Russia’s disinformation efforts.

Security experts emphasize the growing need for coordinated international monitoring of media environments to protect regional stability and maintain global support for Ukraine. The situation highlights how information warfare has become a critical front in Russia’s broader geopolitical strategy, targeting not only neighboring countries but also attempting to reshape narratives in distant regions where it sees strategic advantage.

As these influence operations continue to evolve, media literacy and awareness of foreign information manipulation have become increasingly important components of national security strategies across the Western Hemisphere.