Russian Propagandists Use Journalists’ Identities to Spread Disinformation

Pro-Russian Disinformation Campaign Intensifies, Challenges Media Integrity

In a troubling development that continues to plague the media landscape, sophisticated pro-Russian actors have ramped up efforts to disseminate propaganda through an elaborate network of fabricated news sources and journalist impersonation schemes, security experts and media watchdogs report.

The campaign, which has accelerated in recent months, represents a significant evolution in disinformation tactics. Rather than simply spreading false information through social media channels, these actors are creating entire media ecosystems designed to appear legitimate to unwary readers.

“What makes this particularly concerning is the attention to detail,” says Marta Kowalski, disinformation researcher at the European Digital Rights Initiative. “These aren’t crude attempts. They’re sophisticated operations that mimic legitimate journalistic standards, complete with professional-looking websites, detailed ‘about us’ pages, and fabricated staff directories.”

Intelligence agencies across Europe and North America have identified dozens of these counterfeit news outlets over the past year. Many feature content that blends factual reporting with subtle pro-Russian narratives on key geopolitical issues, particularly regarding Ukraine, NATO expansion, and Western political institutions.

The impersonation of real journalists represents an even more insidious threat. Security researchers have documented multiple cases where operators create false social media profiles using the names, professional histories, and even photographs of established Western journalists. These fake profiles then publish content that appears to come from trusted sources but contains information designed to advance Russian strategic interests.

“It’s a form of identity theft that weaponizes a journalist’s credibility,” explains Thomas Becker of the Center for Media Integrity. “When readers see content supposedly authored by someone they recognize from legitimate publications, they’re more likely to accept it without scrutiny.”

The timing of this intensified campaign coincides with several critical international developments, including upcoming elections in multiple European countries and ongoing debates about military and economic support for Ukraine.

Media organizations have been forced to adapt to this evolving threat landscape. Major news outlets have implemented additional verification protocols and regularly issue alerts when their journalists are impersonated. Some have created dedicated teams focused on identifying and reporting fraudulent content that misappropriates their branding or staff identities.

“We now have to actively monitor for imposters claiming to be our reporters,” says Catherine Dempsey, digital security director at a major international news organization. “It’s become a significant drain on resources, but the alternative is allowing bad actors to undermine public trust in legitimate journalism.”

Tech platforms have also faced criticism for not doing enough to combat these sophisticated disinformation operations. While companies like Meta and X (formerly Twitter) have policies against impersonation and coordinated inauthentic behavior, enforcement has been inconsistent, and the operators behind these campaigns frequently adapt to evade detection.

Intelligence officials attribute much of this activity to entities with direct or indirect connections to Russian state interests, though attribution remains challenging due to the use of proxies and sophisticated operational security measures.

The impact extends beyond immediate propaganda goals. Media analysts warn that the cumulative effect of these operations is to erode public confidence in journalism broadly, making it increasingly difficult for citizens to distinguish between reliable information and manipulation.

“That’s the most dangerous outcome,” Kowalski notes. “When people no longer know what to believe, it creates a vulnerability that benefits authoritarian actors. If all information seems potentially suspect, factual reporting loses its power to hold the powerful accountable.”

As this threat continues to evolve, media literacy experts emphasize the importance of teaching citizens to verify sources, cross-check information across multiple outlets, and approach unfamiliar news sources with healthy skepticism.

For now, the battle against sophisticated disinformation remains a significant challenge for democratic societies, requiring cooperation between media organizations, technology platforms, government agencies, and an increasingly vigilant public.