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Ukrainians Turn to Social Media for War News, Face Rising Disinformation Threats
Amid Russia’s ongoing invasion, Ukrainians are increasingly relying on social networks for real-time news updates, creating both vital information lifelines and dangerous exposure to sophisticated disinformation campaigns.
A comprehensive study by Internews Ukraine, an organization with nearly three decades of experience researching the country’s media landscape, reveals that 86% of Ukrainians now get their news from social networks, with 37% relying on them exclusively. This shift reflects a global trend, but in Ukraine, it has taken on distinctive wartime characteristics.
“Disinformation is also changing, and it is not standing still,” explains Dzvenyslava Shcherba, a Russian disinformation analyst at Internews Ukraine, in an interview with the Kyiv Independent.
The research, surveying over 1,600 respondents, highlights how Ukrainians’ urgent need for immediate updates on Russian attacks and troop movements has driven them toward platforms delivering real-time information to their smartphones. However, this shift comes with significant national security concerns.
Telegram remains Ukraine’s most popular messaging app for both communication and news consumption. The platform, founded by Russian entrepreneur Pavel Durov, has faced persistent controversy over security vulnerabilities and alleged cooperation with Russian intelligence services. Unlike more regulated platforms, Telegram does not use end-to-end encryption by default and has been criticized for privacy violations.
Security concerns led Ukraine’s National Cybersecurity Coordination Center to ban Telegram use on official devices by government employees, military personnel, and critical infrastructure workers in September 2024. Military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov emphasized that the issue “is not about freedom of speech — it is about national security.”
Despite these restrictions, many Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, continue maintaining Telegram channels to communicate with the public.
Russian special services have exploited Telegram’s minimal content moderation to spread propaganda and even recruit Ukrainian citizens for intelligence operations. Shcherba notes that disinformation now comes not only from overtly pro-Russian channels but also from accounts masquerading as “patriotic” or locally focused, designed to build trust with readers.
“Questionable channels with false, manipulative, and violent content are simply not blocked, and if they are, new ones appear very quickly in place of the deleted ones,” Shcherba warned.
TikTok has also gained significant traction among Ukrainian users. The Chinese-owned platform raises similar privacy concerns, with Western governments worried about potential exploitation for espionage or influence operations. Shcherba points out that TikTok is particularly effective at reaching younger audiences through visually engaging content that often features AI-generated material or visual fakes.
These concerns intensify following TikTok’s documented role in disseminating Eurosceptic and anti-Ukraine aid messaging during recent presidential elections in neighboring Poland and Romania.
The study reveals a troubling gap in media literacy. While 75% of respondents believe they can identify false information, only 6% could correctly identify all examples of disinformation presented during the survey. Shcherba attributes this disconnect to the increasingly sophisticated nature of Russian propaganda.
“Many disinformation narratives are no longer so primitive and obvious,” she explained, noting that modern tactics often blend accurate facts with subtle manipulations.
Trust dynamics further complicate the information landscape. While social media users now more frequently seek news from official media accounts compared to last year, they continue expressing slightly higher levels of trust in social networks than traditional media, and even greater trust in their immediate social circles. Information from Ukraine’s General Staff and Defense Ministry continues to receive high trust ratings.
The media ecosystem faces additional financial challenges. Following the suspension of U.S. funding through USAID grant programs, Internews Ukraine launched a fund to support journalists. However, sustainable funding remains elusive as only 22% of Ukrainians surveyed expressed willingness to pay for media content, with most willing to spend less than 60 hryvnias ($1.50) monthly.
Kostiantyn Kvurt, head of the Internews Ukraine board, emphasized the importance of continued research and support for Ukrainian journalism during wartime. “Studies like ours are useful for everyone,” he noted. “For the public and the media sector — to better understand the situation, and for government representatives — to develop a sharper and more effective response to Russian information influence, both within Ukraine and abroad.”
As the war continues, Ukrainian media outlets struggle to balance the public’s desire for immediate, free content with the need for sustainable, verified journalism that can counteract sophisticated disinformation campaigns targeting a nation under siege.
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9 Comments
The shift towards social media for war news is understandable given the urgency, but it’s worrying to see the proliferation of disinformation. Ukrainians need access to reliable, fact-based reporting to stay informed and make sound decisions.
Agreed. Trusted media outlets and fact-checking organizations will be key in this environment to cut through the noise and provide credible information.
This highlights the double-edged sword of social media during conflicts. While it allows for rapid dissemination of updates, the lack of editorial oversight creates fertile ground for manipulation and deception. Ukrainians must be vigilant in verifying information sources.
It’s concerning to see Ukrainians increasingly relying on social media for news during this conflict. While these platforms provide real-time updates, they also expose users to disinformation risks. Responsible information-sharing is crucial to combat propaganda.
The rise of social media as a primary news source for Ukrainians is understandable given the urgency of the situation, but it also exposes them to significant risks of manipulation and deception. Robust media literacy efforts will be crucial to help citizens navigate this landscape.
While social media platforms provide Ukrainians with real-time updates, the lack of editorial oversight creates an environment ripe for the spread of propaganda and misinformation. Ukrainians must be vigilant in verifying information and seeking out reputable news sources.
This trend reflects the power and reach of social media, but also its vulnerabilities when it comes to the spread of propaganda and disinformation. Ukrainians must be discerning consumers of information and seek out credible, objective news sources.
The heavy reliance on social platforms like TikTok and Telegram for news is concerning. These channels are ripe for the spread of propaganda and misinformation, which can have serious consequences during a war. Ukrainians need to be equipped with media literacy skills to navigate this landscape.
Absolutely. Fact-checking and source verification will be crucial for Ukrainians to cut through the noise and find reliable information about the conflict.