AI-Generated Videos Falsely Show Hollywood Actors Urging Pressure on Ukraine

Russian operatives have launched a sophisticated disinformation campaign using AI-generated videos of Hollywood celebrities to undermine support for Ukraine, according to Ukrainian officials.

The Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) revealed Wednesday that fake videos circulating on social media under the hashtag #HollywoodagainstZelenskyy show fabricated clips of well-known actors calling for pressure on Ukraine to accept “peace on Russia’s terms.”

The deepfake videos feature purported statements from actors including Nikki Blonsky, Jon Seda, and Gabriella Pizzolo. However, investigation by the CCD found no evidence these celebrities made such statements. The videos appear exclusively on anonymous social media accounts with no followers or biographical information.

“These videos are not found on verified celebrity accounts,” the CCD stated in a Telegram post. Technical analysis using deepfake detection tools confirmed the videos were artificially generated, not authentic recordings.

Intelligence specialists believe this operation represents just one component of a broader Kremlin-linked influence network. The methodology mirrors tactics previously observed in the “Matryoshka” bot farm operations, where fabricated content is disguised as legitimate information from trusted sources such as media outlets, government agencies, or public figures.

The operation follows a predictable pattern: anonymous accounts initially distribute the fabricated content, which is then amplified by coordinated bot networks to create an illusion of organic spread and widespread acceptance.

This campaign appears strategically timed to coincide with diplomatic discussions about resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict. “The campaign is synchronized with diplomatic processes and discussions about ways to end the war,” the CCD noted. “Its strategic goal is to weaken international support for Ukraine.”

The use of deepfake technology to impersonate celebrities represents an evolution in Russia’s information warfare tactics. By exploiting the perceived credibility of Hollywood figures, the campaign attempts to legitimize narratives about “war fatigue” and Ukraine’s supposed unwillingness to negotiate.

This incident highlights the growing sophistication of AI-generated disinformation in geopolitical conflicts. As deepfake technology becomes more accessible and convincing, distinguishing authentic content from fabrications grows increasingly challenging for social media users and traditional media alike.

The #HollywoodagainstZelenskyy campaign specifically targets Western audiences, where entertainment celebrities often wield significant influence on public opinion. By falsely suggesting that prominent cultural figures oppose continued support for Ukraine, the operation aims to erode the international consensus backing Kyiv.

Russia has consistently deployed information operations alongside conventional military tactics throughout its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. These operations often focus on amplifying war fatigue in Western nations, highlighting the economic costs of supporting Ukraine, and portraying Ukrainian leadership as obstacles to peace.

Security experts warn that such campaigns may intensify as the conflict continues, with Russian operatives likely to employ increasingly sophisticated AI tools to generate convincing fake content attributed to influential figures across politics, entertainment, and business sectors.

The CCD continues to monitor and expose these disinformation efforts, urging both media organizations and the public to verify information through official channels and be wary of unsubstantiated claims circulating on social media, particularly those coming from unverified accounts.