Ukraine Exposes New Network of Kremlin Propaganda Supporters

Russian propagandists identified in new Ukrainian intelligence report

Ukraine’s military intelligence agency and the Center for Countering Disinformation have released a new batch of names added to their “Kremlin Mouthpieces” database, identifying individuals who actively support Russia’s war against Ukraine and the occupation of Ukrainian territories.

The Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense announced the update via Facebook, detailing how these individuals have been documented on the War&Sanctions portal as part of ongoing efforts to expose Russia’s network of influence agents.

According to Ukrainian intelligence, Russian propaganda serves multiple strategic functions: justifying military aggression and war crimes, fostering hatred toward Ukrainians, attempting to legitimize territorial seizures, and undermining international support for Ukraine’s defense efforts.

Among the newly listed individuals is Kyrylo Fedorov, a Latvian pro-Russian blogger who hosts a program on the “Solovyov LIVE” channel, a prominent Russian state propaganda outlet. Latvian authorities arrested Fedorov in 2022 on charges of inciting ethnic hatred for his public support of Russia’s invasion. After being released on bail, he reportedly fled to Russia, where he continues his propaganda activities.

Another figure identified is Yuriy Kot, a Russian television host who gained prominence during Ukraine’s 2013-2014 Maidan revolution as a presenter for the “anti-Maidan” movement that opposed Ukraine’s pro-European direction. Following the revolution, Kot relocated to Russia, where he has actively supported Russian-backed militants in Ukraine’s Donbas region since 2014 and has been a vocal advocate for the full-scale invasion launched in February 2022.

Perhaps most notable among the newly identified propagandists is Taisia Povaliy, formerly designated as a People’s Artist of Ukraine, who acquired Russian citizenship in 2023. According to the report, Povaliy has participated in multiple Russian propaganda events in territories temporarily occupied by Russian forces, effectively lending her cultural credibility to legitimize the occupation regime.

The identification of cultural figures like Povaliy highlights Russia’s strategy of employing celebrities and recognizable personalities to normalize its occupation and lend legitimacy to its territorial claims in Ukraine. This approach targets both domestic Russian audiences and residents of occupied territories, attempting to create an appearance of normalcy and cultural continuity under occupation.

Ukraine’s intelligence agencies emphasized that those who amplify Russian propaganda narratives should face concrete consequences in the international community, including travel bans, asset freezes, and other restrictive measures. The statement reflects Ukraine’s broader strategy to isolate Russia diplomatically and economically while exposing its information warfare tactics.

This initiative comes as Ukraine continues to battle Russian disinformation campaigns across multiple fronts. Media analysts note that Russian propaganda has evolved since the full-scale invasion began, adapting its messaging for different audiences while maintaining consistent themes of historical revisionism and denial of Ukrainian sovereignty.

The War&Sanctions portal represents part of Ukraine’s counteroffensive in the information space, providing documented evidence of individuals who facilitate Russian aggression through propaganda. By naming these individuals publicly, Ukrainian authorities aim to reduce their international influence and create accountability for those who participate in information operations supporting the war.

International media freedom organizations have noted the challenge of balancing counterpropaganda efforts with press freedom principles, though many have acknowledged the particular threat posed by state-directed propaganda that explicitly supports military aggression and territorial conquest.