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Russia’s Extremist Disinformation: Targeting Europe Through Local Proxies
Russian information warfare against the West has evolved significantly over the past decade, employing increasingly sophisticated tactics beyond conventional propaganda. A recent webinar hosted by the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT) revealed how Moscow is now weaponizing extremist narratives and cultivating local extremist groups to spread disinformation across Europe.
Experts have identified a concerning pattern of foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) – defined as manipulative, intentional and coordinated activities designed to undermine democratic values and political processes. These operations target not just broad audiences, but increasingly focus on specific individuals and electoral processes.
“What we’re seeing is a multi-layered approach where the Kremlin both creates extremist content and recruits existing extremist organizations as proxies,” explained Kacper Rekawek, Senior Research Fellow at ICCT, who moderated the discussion. “This creates plausible deniability while amplifying Russia’s preferred narratives.”
The webinar, organized in partnership with FRONTSTORY.PL as part of the ANTIDOX project, highlighted two significant case studies that demonstrate Russia’s evolving tactics.
The first case examined Russia’s interference in Poland’s upcoming presidential election scheduled for May/June 2025. Dr. Andrzej Kozlowski from Warsaw’s NASK (Research and Academic Computer Network) detailed how Russian operatives are already laying groundwork by engaging Polish extremist groups and developing narratives designed to polarize voters and undermine confidence in electoral systems.
“We’re witnessing preparation for what could be unprecedented interference in Poland’s democratic process,” noted Kozlowski. “The tactics blend traditional disinformation with extremist messaging targeted specifically to Polish audiences.”
The second case study focused on Slovakia, where the extremist organization “Brat za Brata” (Brother for Brother) has effectively functioned as a Russian proxy. Domicjan Zahorjan from Slovakia’s NEST Institute explained how this group amplifies pro-Russian narratives while maintaining a veneer of independence.
“These organizations position themselves as patriotic Slovak entities, but their messaging perfectly aligns with Kremlin objectives,” Zahorjan said. “They create a domestic echo chamber for Russian disinformation that resonates more authentically with local audiences.”
Perhaps most disturbing was the discussion of Russia’s systematic “doxing” operations against Western volunteers fighting for Ukraine. Julian Lanchès and Maria Zotova from ICCT’s ANTIDOX project described how Russian operatives identify foreign fighters, publish their personal information online, and potentially use this information for blackmail or to orchestrate attacks against them when they return home.
“This isn’t just about embarrassing these individuals,” warned Lanchès. “There have been cases where doxed fighters have been pressured to conduct diversionary attacks or sabotage operations in their home countries.”
The experts emphasized that Russian disinformation has evolved beyond simple fake news to become a sophisticated ecosystem of influence operations. These operations leverage existing social divisions, employ local proxies, and specifically target individuals who might be vulnerable to manipulation or coercion.
The panelists highlighted the inadequate preparedness of European countries to counter these threats. Most existing countermeasures focus on traditional disinformation but fail to address extremist content or the recruitment of local proxies.
“Slovakia, like many European countries, lacks coordinated strategies to identify and counter these operations,” noted Zahorjan. “When extremist groups are presenting themselves as patriotic organizations, it becomes increasingly difficult to expose their connections to foreign influence.”
The ANTIDOX project, supported by the European Media and Information Fund and Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, aims to improve detection and response to these evolving threats. The webinar represented part of ongoing efforts to build awareness among policymakers, security professionals, and the public about the changing nature of Russian information warfare.
As Russia’s tactics continue to evolve, experts warn that European democracies must develop more sophisticated countermeasures that address both the content of disinformation and the networks through which it spreads.
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12 Comments
Disturbing to see Russia exploiting extremist groups as proxies to spread disinformation. This devious strategy demonstrates their willingness to undermine European stability and security.
Weaponizing extremist groups to spread disinformation is a disturbing escalation. It demonstrates the Kremlin’s ruthlessness in exploiting vulnerable elements to achieve their strategic goals.
Effective counter-measures will require a comprehensive, coordinated response from European governments and civil society. Exposing these tactics and shutting down the information channels is critical.
The Kremlin’s relentless efforts to sow discord and erode trust in democratic institutions are deeply troubling. Countering this multifaceted threat requires a robust, multilateral response.
Weaponizing extremist narratives to undermine democratic values is a particularly pernicious tactic. I hope the authorities can effectively disrupt these coordinated disinformation campaigns.
Plausible deniability seems to be a key part of Russia’s disinformation playbook these days. Cultivating local proxies to do their dirty work is a cynical tactic that deserves strong pushback.
I hope this study leads to concrete actions to disrupt these networks and hold the Kremlin accountable for these undermining activities across Europe.
This is concerning news about Russia’s disinformation tactics targeting Europe. Using extremist proxies to amplify their narratives is a worrying development that undermines democratic institutions.
It’s crucial that democratic countries stay vigilant against foreign influence operations and work together to counter these threats to our political processes.
Fascinating insights into the evolving nature of Russian information warfare. Leveraging extremist narratives and groups as amplifiers is an especially insidious approach.
This underscores the importance of media literacy, fact-checking, and public awareness campaigns to inoculate citizens against such sophisticated disinformation tactics.
The ICCT webinar provides valuable insights into the Kremlin’s evolving playbook. Cultivating local extremist groups as amplifiers is a concerning development that requires urgent attention.