Russian Propaganda Activity Peaks on Electricity Supply Issues, CCD Reports

Russian Bot Farms Intensify Disinformation Campaign Targeting Ukraine’s Energy Crisis

A significant surge in Russian-backed disinformation campaigns targeting Ukraine’s electricity supply situation has been detected, according to a recent report from the Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) under Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council.

Intelligence experts have identified what they describe as “anomalous activity” from automated networks focused specifically on power outages across the country. The digital fingerprints of these operations reveal sophisticated bot networks deploying coordinated messaging at unnatural speeds, with synchronized commenting across multiple platforms and suspicious patterns in engagement metrics.

“Our systematic monitoring confirms that a significant share of negative content is being generated by algorithmic bots rather than genuine users,” a CCD spokesperson explained. “The technical indicators clearly show orchestrated information warfare rather than organic public discussion.”

Russian propagandists have refined their approach by adopting a “hyperlocalization” strategy, creating networks of fake local news channels and community groups that masquerade as regional information sources. These fabricated outlets—some operating under the “ZOV” banner, a symbol associated with Russia’s military campaign—specifically target communities already struggling with war-related hardships.

The campaigns deliberately exploit socially sensitive issues and prey on the everyday concerns of Ukrainian citizens coping with infrastructure damage from Russian missile strikes. Analysis shows this is part of a broader “Black Winter” psychological operation designed to undermine Ukrainian morale during the difficult winter months when energy resources are most strained.

A central narrative in these disinformation efforts attempts to redirect blame for power outages away from Russian attacks on critical infrastructure and toward Ukrainian authorities. The campaign spreads fabricated stories about government mismanagement, claiming authorities have “lost control” of the situation or are distributing electricity resources unfairly.

Another concerning tactic involves the spread of false narratives about shortages of essential goods, aiming to trigger panic buying and social instability. These messages are strategically amplified during periods of scheduled outages to maximize their psychological impact.

The CCD has also identified targeted disinformation aimed at undermining public trust in Ukraine’s “Points of Invincibility”—humanitarian stations established throughout the country to provide heat, electricity, internet access, and other essential services during blackouts. False claims about safety risks at these locations and fabricated stories about military recruitment activities nearby are being circulated to discourage citizens from using these vital community resources.

Digital security experts note that this represents an evolution in Russia’s information warfare playbook, demonstrating how propaganda efforts have adapted in response to Ukraine’s resilience. The psychological component of these operations appears designed to wear down civilian morale as Ukraine enters its third winter of full-scale war.

“These information attacks represent a significant component of Russia’s hybrid warfare strategy,” explained a cybersecurity analyst familiar with the region. “By targeting basic services like electricity, they’re attempting to create internal pressure on Ukrainian leadership and erode public confidence.”

The CCD emphasized that countering these threats requires a combination of technical solutions and proactive information campaigns. The Center has developed systems to detect bot networks and regularly publishes analyses revealing the mechanisms behind these disinformation operations.

This intensification of disinformation activities comes amid continued Russian missile and drone strikes targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, creating genuine challenges for power supply as winter approaches. Ukrainian authorities have implemented scheduled outages to stabilize the grid while repair teams work to restore damaged facilities.

Officials urge citizens to verify information through official channels and remain vigilant against manipulation attempts on social media platforms, where such disinformation typically proliferates most rapidly.