Ukrainian Military

Foreign Malign Influencers

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3 days

Summary

sources
17
Narrative Items
63
Bottom Line Up Front

17 sources in Foreign Malign Influencers are amplifying 63 narrative items relating to the narrative of escalating military conflict between Ukraine and Russia. These narratives highlight strategic withdrawals, territorial gains, retaliatory strikes, and the impact of foreign military support, illustrating the ongoing cycle of aggression and counteraction in the region.

Reviewing a number of the most relevant narrative items indicates that different media sources are framing the ongoing conflict in contrasting ways, highlighting the complexity of the situation. The Straits Times reports on Ukraine's withdrawal as a tactical necessity, using neutral language that emphasizes strategic military decisions amidst pressure from Russian advances. In contrast, Sputnik employs emotionally charged terms to portray Russian victories, such as “eliminating hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers,” suggesting a more propagandistic approach aimed at bolstering national morale and justifying military actions. TASS delivers a detailed account of drone attacks on Belgorod, framing them as aggressive while minimizing mentions of any significant impact from Ukrainian strikes, revealing a potential bias in favor of Russian state narratives. Meanwhile, SouthFront highlights Russian gains robustly but approaches the stories of Ukrainian retreats with a hint of inevitability, which may invoke a sense of hopelessness about Ukraine’s position. The Australian National Review, while characterizing Ukraine's missile strikes as defensive measures, remains independent in tone, providing a contrasting perspective to state-sponsored outlets. This divergence in coverage not only reflects the political leanings of each source but also shapes public perception, making it essential for readers to critically assess the motivations behind these narratives.

About This Module

The Foreign Malign Influencers module tracks thousands of media organizations and individuals known to advance narratives that favor Russian, Chinese, Iranian, and similar interests.

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Sources

Sources by Type
Sources of these types represent most of the amplification activity around this narrative
sources by Volume
These sources are amplifying the most items involved in this narrative. Click to see details of each source's narrative activity.
Top sources
Day-by-day volumetric activity of sources amplifying the most items around this narrative
RT English
16% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Australian National Review
14% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
TASS
11% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
UkrInform
11% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
SouthFront
10% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Kyiv Post
8% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
EurAsia Daily
5% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Ukraine Today
5% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Sputnik
3% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Weekly Blitz
3% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
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Top Items

These narrative items are the most relevant and/or the most amplified. Click to see details and suggested messages.
Amplifiers:
The Straits Times
straitstimes.com
Ukrainian military pulls back from areas in the east
Facing encirclement by advancing Russian troops, the Ukrainian military strategically withdrew forces from Uspenivka and Trudove in Donetsk. This follows intense fighting and comes as Russia claims further territorial gains in the region. Ukrainian units regrouped to continue operations elsewhere.
Amplifiers:
Australian National Review
australiannationalreview.com
Australian National Review - Kiev comes under missile strike – Ukrainian military — RT World News
Ukrainian forces, using US and French-supplied missiles, reportedly struck a Russian chemical plant. Russia claims its air defenses intercepted the missiles, causing some damage. The Australian National Review, describing itself as independent, reported this event.
Amplifiers:
Sputnik
sputnikglobe.com
Russian Forces Liberate Two Settlements in Donetsk People's Republic
The Russian Defense Ministry announced its forces seized Trudovoye and Starye Terny in the Donetsk People's Republic. Additionally, Russian battle groups reported eliminating hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers over 24 hours.
Amplifiers:
Sputnik
sputnikglobe.com
Russia Hits Ukraine’s ‘Strategic’ Weapons Manufacturer in Retaliatory Strike – Why is it Important?
Russia retaliated for a Ukrainian ATACMS missile strike on a Russian airfield by targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure and the Luch, a key Kyiv-based weapons manufacturer. Luch designs various missiles and weapons systems, making it a strategic target for Russia.
Amplifiers:
SouthFront
southfront.press
Russia Continues Strikes, While Kiev Saves NATO Missiles
Russia continues nightly precision strikes on Ukrainian rear areas using drones, while Ukraine, after recent retaliatory strikes, has temporarily ceased using NATO missiles against Russia, likely saving them for a future offensive. Both sides report drone activity near their borders.
Amplifiers:
TASS
tass.com
Ukraine’s military attacks over 30 communities in Russia’s borderline Belgorod Region
Ukrainian forces launched over 80 attacks on Russia's Belgorod region, using drones and munitions. These attacks damaged homes, buildings, cars, and a communications facility. Russian air defenses intercepted some drones.
Amplifiers:
TASS
tass.com
Ukraine’s army attacks Russia’s borderline Belgorod Region with 34 UAVs in past day
Ukrainian forces launched 34 UAVs and 19 munitions at Russia's Belgorod region, injuring one civilian and damaging homes, cars, and infrastructure across eight districts. Russian air defenses intercepted some drones.
Amplifiers:
SouthFront
southfront.press
Ukrainian Strongholds Falling Like Dominoes Around Kurakhovo (18+)
Russian forces are making significant gains around Kurakhovo, capturing key Ukrainian strongholds including Uspenovka and pushing towards Velyka Novosilka. Ukrainian forces are retreating, losing control of residential areas and industrial zones, facing imminent encirclement.
Amplifiers:
SouthFront
southfront.press
Military Overview On December 18, 2024: Russian Army Advances Ready For Ukraine's Counterattack
The Russian army is advancing in eastern Ukraine, making gains in the Donbas and near Zaporizhzhia. They've reportedly taken several villages, including Stary Terny, Trudovoe, Konstantinopolskoe, and Uspenovka, and are pushing towards Kurakhovo and Pokrovsk. Ukrainian forces are preparing a counteroffensive, possibly in response to losses in the Kursk region.
Amplifiers:
RT English
rt.com
Kiev’s Western backers wary about training soldiers close to front – media
Western officials are hesitant about training Ukrainian soldiers closer to the front lines due to fears of Russian targeting of foreign instructors. While closer training is deemed more efficient, the risk outweighs the benefit, especially considering Russia's claims of Western involvement in the conflict. The UK's previous experience with training in Ukraine, which ended with a missile strike on a base, further fuels these concerns.
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Themes

Tap or click for details
These adjacent themes are currently being amplified along with the main narrative. Click to see details of narrative activity related to each one.
Imprisonment for Posting Poetry Lines
Russia descends into repressive past as Darya Kozyreva faces imprisonment and grotesque charges for sharing poetry lines.
Advancement in Ukraine
Russian forces take control of three villages as Ukrainian military retreats near Avdeevka, destroying the defense line.
Response to Western weaponry use
In retaliation for the use of American and British weapons, Russia launched a strike on Ukraine's defense facilities, showcasing its new hypersonic missile technology.
Russian Defense Ministry statement
Russian Defense Ministry reports thwarting Ukrainian drone attacks near border with Russia
Russian air defence forces shoot down ATACMS missiles over Crimea
Russian air defence forces intercept and destroy US-made ATACMS missiles over Crimea, with a total of 15 missiles downed in the past week.
Heavy casualties inflicted on Ukrainian forces
In recent military engagements, Russian forces have caused substantial casualties and equipment losses to various Ukrainian brigades in the Kharkov region.
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Entities

Tap or click for details
These entities are mentioned most frequently in the narratives highlighted in this brief. Click to see details of narrative activity related to each one.
Events
Uspenivka and Trudove withdrawal
Ukrainian military's strategic withdrawal from these locations.
Missile strike on Russian chemical plant
Ukrainian forces reportedly struck a chemical facility in Russia.
Russian territorial gains
Russia's claims of capturing additional territory in Donetsk.
Drone attacks on Belgorod
Ukrainian forces launched multiple drone attacks on Russia's Belgorod region.
Counteroffensive preparations
Ukrainian forces preparing for a counteroffensive in response to losses.
Training concerns for Ukrainian soldiers
Western officials' hesitance to train Ukrainian soldiers near the front lines.
People
Ukrainian military
The armed forces of Ukraine involved in the conflict.
Russian troops
Military forces of Russia engaged in operations in Ukraine.
Western officials
Government representatives from Western countries involved in the conflict.
Australian National Review
An independent news outlet reporting on the conflict.
Luch
A Kyiv-based weapons manufacturer targeted by Russian strikes.
Ukrainian forces
Military units of Ukraine conducting operations against Russian forces.
Technologies
ATACMS missiles
A type of missile supplied to Ukraine for use against Russian targets.
Drones
Unmanned aerial vehicles used by both sides for attacks and reconnaissance.
Air defense systems
Technologies used by Russia to intercept incoming missiles and drones.
Organizations
Russian Defense Ministry
The governmental body responsible for the Russian military.
Ukrainian military
The armed forces of Ukraine.
Companies
Luch
A manufacturer of missiles and weapons systems based in Kyiv.
Events
Uspenivka and Trudove withdrawal
Ukrainian military's strategic withdrawal from these locations.
Missile strike on Russian chemical plant
Ukrainian forces reportedly struck a chemical facility in Russia.
Russian territorial gains
Russia's claims of capturing additional territory in Donetsk.
Drone attacks on Belgorod
Ukrainian forces launched multiple drone attacks on Russia's Belgorod region.
Counteroffensive preparations
Ukrainian forces preparing for a counteroffensive in response to losses.
Training concerns for Ukrainian soldiers
Western officials' hesitance to train Ukrainian soldiers near the front lines.
People
Ukrainian military
The armed forces of Ukraine involved in the conflict.
Russian troops
Military forces of Russia engaged in operations in Ukraine.
Western officials
Government representatives from Western countries involved in the conflict.
Australian National Review
An independent news outlet reporting on the conflict.
Luch
A Kyiv-based weapons manufacturer targeted by Russian strikes.
Ukrainian forces
Military units of Ukraine conducting operations against Russian forces.
Technologies
ATACMS missiles
A type of missile supplied to Ukraine for use against Russian targets.
Drones
Unmanned aerial vehicles used by both sides for attacks and reconnaissance.
Air defense systems
Technologies used by Russia to intercept incoming missiles and drones.
Organizations
Russian Defense Ministry
The governmental body responsible for the Russian military.
Ukrainian military
The armed forces of Ukraine.
Companies
Luch
A manufacturer of missiles and weapons systems based in Kyiv.

Context

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, particularly in the Donetsk region, highlights significant demographic, social, economic, political, and military issues. Ukraine's population, which has been affected by the war, includes a mix of ethnic Ukrainians and Russians, leading to complex social dynamics. The conflict has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and a significant portion of the population facing economic hardship due to infrastructure damage and disrupted livelihoods.

Geographically, the Donetsk region is strategically important, serving as a key industrial area with rich resources. Control over this region is vital for both Ukraine and Russia, as it impacts military logistics and economic stability. The recent territorial gains by Russian forces indicate a shift in military dynamics, with Ukraine's military forced to regroup and reassess its strategies.

Politically, the conflict has drawn in international actors, with Ukraine receiving military support from Western nations, including the US and France. This support is crucial for Ukraine's defense but also raises concerns about escalating tensions with Russia, which views Western involvement as a direct threat. The training of Ukrainian soldiers by Western nations is complicated by fears of Russian retaliation against foreign instructors.

National security remains a pressing issue, as both sides engage in drone warfare and missile strikes targeting critical infrastructure. Ukraine's recent attacks on Russian territory demonstrate its intent to disrupt Russian operations, while Russia's retaliatory strikes aim to weaken Ukraine's military capabilities. The situation remains fluid, with both nations preparing for potential counteroffensives, underscoring the ongoing volatility and complexity of the conflict.
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