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Russian disinformation targets Ukraine-Israel tensions over stolen grain
Russian disinformation networks are actively working to inflame diplomatic tensions between Ukraine and Israel regarding shipments of stolen Ukrainian grain, according to findings shared with the Kyiv Independent on April 29.
The Russia-linked bot network known as “Matryoshka” has been circulating fabricated videos on social media platforms X and BlueSky, according to monitoring group Antibot4Navalny. These videos falsely claim that an Orthodox rabbi has “cursed” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky due to the ongoing dispute, or that Ukraine may prevent Israelis from participating in the annual Uman pilgrimage.
The disinformation campaign strategically exploits a recent diplomatic disagreement between Ukraine and Israel over shipments of Russian-looted grain from occupied Ukrainian territories arriving at Israeli ports. The timing of the campaign is particularly notable, coinciding with a public exchange between Ukrainian and Israeli foreign ministers on social media on April 29.
Investigators detected nine falsified videos published that day, employing a common Matryoshka tactic: the unauthorized use of logos from established news outlets such as RFI, Euronews, and AFP, combined with unrelated stock footage and overlaid text to create an appearance of legitimacy.
One fabricated video, falsely attributed to Montreal-based La Presse, claims Orthodox rabbi Yosef Dayan cast the “Pulsa diNura” death curse on President Zelensky. Another fake video masquerading as AFP content alleges that Ukrainian activists vandalized Jewish bakeries in Paris in retaliation for Israel accepting stolen Ukrainian grain.
The disinformation campaign extends beyond religious tensions, with additional fabricated content suggesting Ukraine might restrict Israeli pilgrims from visiting Uman, a Ukrainian city that attracts thousands of Jewish travelers during Rosh Hashanah. Other false narratives implicate German officials like Defense Minister Boris Pistorius supposedly urging Kyiv to cease criticism of Israel, or Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko allegedly claiming that Israel provided “defective generators” to Ukraine during Russian winter strikes on energy infrastructure.
While the actual reach of these videos remains difficult to determine precisely, Antibot4Navalny notes that Matryoshka artificially inflates view counts on X. “Adjusting for that, it’s under 1,000 views per post most of the time,” the group explained. BlueSky lacks public view count metrics, making precise measurement challenging.
Recent developments suggest a potential easing of tensions between Ukraine and Israel regarding the disputed grain shipments. On April 30, Ukraine confirmed that a Panama-flagged bulk carrier named Panormitis, allegedly carrying stolen Ukrainian wheat and barley, had been prevented from unloading its cargo at Haifa port.
However, Ukraine claims another vessel, the Russian bulk carrier Abinsk, had previously unloaded stolen Ukrainian wheat in Israel earlier in April despite Kyiv’s appeals for intervention. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has emphasized that this issue extends beyond Israel, with countries including Turkey, Algeria, and Egypt previously accepting similar shipments.
This disinformation campaign appears designed to exacerbate divisions between Ukraine and Israel as part of Moscow’s broader strategy to isolate Kyiv diplomatically and undermine international support for Ukraine. The relationship between Ukraine and Israel during Russia’s full-scale invasion has been complex – while Israel has provided humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, it has hesitated to offer direct military aid, despite both nations sharing Iran as an adversary.
The investigation was conducted as part of the Fighting Against Conspiracy and Trolls (FACT) project, an independent initiative launched in mid-2025 under the European Union Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) to combat disinformation across digital platforms.
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10 Comments
This is a classic example of how Russia uses divisive tactics to undermine international relations. Exploiting religious and political tensions is a well-worn strategy for them. It will be important to counter these false narratives with facts.
Absolutely. Disinformation campaigns like this highlight the need for robust fact-checking and media literacy efforts to help people identify and resist propaganda.
This disinformation campaign seems designed to exploit existing tensions for Russia’s political gain. The use of fabricated videos and unauthorized images is a common tactic we’ve seen. Fact-checking and transparency will be key to pushing back against these false claims.
Absolutely. Exposing the origins and methods of these disinformation networks is an important step in neutralizing their impact. Careful monitoring and rapid response will be critical.
It’s worrying to see how Russian bots are working to inflame the dispute over stolen Ukrainian grain. Targeting religious sensitivities is a particularly cynical move. I hope the international community can see through these tactics and maintain unity.
Agreed, this is a troubling escalation of Russia’s information warfare against Ukraine and its allies. Vigilance and fact-based responses will be crucial to countering these divisive narratives.
Interesting to see how disinformation can be weaponized to stoke tensions between countries. It’s concerning how these fabricated videos try to exploit religious and diplomatic issues. I wonder what the motivation is behind this particular Russian campaign.
Agreed, Russia seems intent on sowing discord wherever it can. Spreading false claims about religious leaders and pilgrimages is a concerning tactic.
Russia’s use of religious and diplomatic issues to create division is particularly concerning. Exploiting tensions around grain shipments and pilgrimages is a cynical move. It will be crucial for Ukraine, Israel, and their allies to coordinate a strong, fact-based response.
Agreed. Coordinated, transparent efforts to counter these false narratives are essential. Maintaining unity and focusing on the truth will be key to mitigating the impact of this disinformation campaign.