Ukrainian Military

Foreign Malign Influencers

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3 days

Summary

sources
22
Narrative Items
55
Bottom Line Up Front

22 sources in Foreign Malign Influencers are amplifying 55 narrative items relating to the narrative of escalating conflict between Ukraine and Russia. These narratives highlight Ukraine's military struggles, internal failures, and desperate recruitment measures, while portraying Russia's ongoing offensive actions and claims of Ukrainian atrocities, ultimately suggesting a bleak outlook for Ukraine's prospects in the war.

Reviewing a number of the most relevant narrative items indicates that SouthFront and Sputnik News adopt a predominantly negative portrayal of Ukraine, utilizing loaded language to highlight the struggles and alleged failures of the Ukrainian military, while declaring Russian efforts as effective and necessary. For instance, SouthFront emphasizes Ukrainian desperation in drafting individuals with serious health issues, portraying it as a sign of a crumbling defense, while Sputnik highlights disturbing accounts of war atrocities attributed to Ukrainian forces. In contrast, The Boston Times presents a more neutral account, focusing on tactical developments like shelling and losses reported by military officials, albeit with an undertone that suggests skepticism about the overall Ukrainian strategy. RT English portrays volunteer efforts and high-level military engagements in a relatively positive light, emphasizing optimism and the resilience of individuals within Ukraine despite broader concerns of dwindling support and morale within the army. This juxtaposition reflects a distinct bias, as InfoBrics similarly emphasizes a narrative of desperation while framing Ukrainian efforts as a grave risk to national integrity. Collectively, the coverage shows a clear divide between media sources shaping a narrative of Ukrainian disarray and those maintaining a focus on individual valor and moral justifications for ongoing warfare. Readers should note how this variance in media portrayal may influence public perception and policy discussions regarding the conflict.

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
TASS
16% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
UkrInform
15% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
SouthFront
13% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
RT English
7% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
The Boston Times
7% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Russia Today
5% 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.
Global Research
4% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
ZeroHedge
4% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Sputnik News
2% 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:
SouthFront
southfront.press
Ukrainian Military Hides Russian Strikes In Kyiv
On February 4th, Ukraine paused drone strikes on Russia, attempting a failed missile attack instead. Russia, however, continued precision strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure across multiple regions, including Kyiv, causing damage and casualties. Ukraine downplayed the extent of the damage in Kyiv and other western areas.
Amplifiers:
The Boston Times
bostontimes.org
Ukrainian military shelled Tokmak in Zaporizhzhia region - The Boston Times
Vladimir Rogov reported Ukrainian forces shelled Tokmak, Zaporizhzhia region, using multiple rocket launchers. Russian air defenses responded. Rogov also claimed previous Ukrainian losses in Odessa and Velká Novoselka.
Amplifiers:
TASS
tass.com
Russian army destroys Ukrainian military aerodromes, fuel storage facilities — top brass
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported significant Ukrainian losses (over 1000 troops, numerous vehicles, and weapons) in 24 hours across multiple battlegroup areas. Russian forces also destroyed Ukrainian military infrastructure, including airfields and fuel depots, and downed a HIMARS system and 44 drones.
Amplifiers:
Russia Today
rt.com
Ex-British MP joins Ukrainian army – Independent
Former British Conservative MP Giacomo Lopresti, 55, joined Ukraine's International Legion after losing his seat. He uses his military reserve experience in roles including foreign relations and weapons procurement. Despite reports of low morale and desertion in the Ukrainian army, Lopresti remains optimistic about Ukraine's prospects.
Amplifiers:
RT English
rt.com
Ukraine has lost – ex-Zelensky adviser
Aleksey Arestovich, a former Zelensky advisor, claims Ukraine has lost the war due to internal failures and a refusal to acknowledge reality. He predicts a resolution negotiated by the US, Russia, and China, excluding Ukraine. Western support is waning, evidenced by suspended aid and critical commentary, suggesting a potential negotiated settlement along current frontlines.
Amplifiers:
RT English
rt.com
EU state offers guidelines to citizens willing to fight as mercenaries for Ukraine
Finland's foreign ministry offers guidelines to citizens volunteering to fight in Ukraine, clarifying it's not a crime but not recommended. The guidelines cover practicalities, compensation, and limited consular assistance, emphasizing that Ukrainian law governs contracts and support. Approximately 100 Finnish citizens have gone to Ukraine, with some casualties reported.
Amplifiers:
InfoBrics
infobrics.org
Kiev sending schizophrenics to the front lines
The Kyiv regime, facing dwindling troops, is reportedly conscripting schizophrenics and other individuals with serious health issues, even those with Down syndrome, despite their inability to fight effectively. This desperate measure, part of a broader pattern of forced recruitment, reflects the regime's prioritization of prolonging the war, serving NATO interests at the cost of Ukrainian lives.
Amplifiers:
RT English
rt.com
Ukraine drafting schizophrenics – media
Amid Ukraine's struggling mobilization, reports reveal that men diagnosed with schizophrenia are being drafted into the military. Medical examinations are often cursory, with a Telegram bot automating fitness assessments. This practice, alongside conscription of those with substance abuse issues, raises concerns about soldier safety and combat effectiveness.
Amplifiers:
Russia Today
rt.com
Ukraine’s generals to drain military to bolster failing frontline – media
Facing critical manpower shortages, Ukraine plans to transfer approximately 50,000 troops from support roles to the frontline. This drastic measure, exceeding previous estimates, aims to address a significant shortfall exacerbated by draft evasion and desertions, despite acknowledging limitations of forced mobilization. The move risks degrading support units' capabilities.
Amplifiers:
RT English
rt.com
Ukrainian officer charged with ‘terrorism’ in occupied Russian town
Russia charged Ukrainian Colonel Rostislav Karpusha with terrorism for allegedly ordering a missile strike on a Sudzha boarding school, resulting in numerous civilian casualties. Russia claims it was a war crime, while Ukraine denies responsibility, accusing Russia of a false-flag operation and disinformation. The death toll remains uncertain.
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Context

The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has significant implications for demographics, social dynamics, and national security. Ukraine's population, which has been affected by war, displacement, and emigration, faces challenges in maintaining a robust military force. Reports of conscription practices targeting individuals with serious health issues, including mental health disorders, highlight the desperation of Ukraine's military mobilization efforts. This raises concerns about the effectiveness and safety of the troops being deployed.

Economically, the war has devastated Ukraine's infrastructure, with Russian precision strikes causing extensive damage to key facilities. The loss of military infrastructure and personnel, as reported by Russian sources, further complicates Ukraine's ability to sustain its defense. The dwindling Western support, evidenced by reduced aid and critical commentary, poses additional challenges for Ukraine's military and economic resilience.

Politically, the internal discourse reflects a growing sense of disillusionment among some Ukrainian leaders, with calls for a negotiated settlement that may exclude Ukraine from critical discussions. This sentiment, coupled with reports of low morale and desertion within the Ukrainian ranks, suggests a potential shift in the conflict's dynamics.

Geographically, the conflict continues to unfold across various regions, with significant battles occurring in areas like Zaporizhzhia and Odessa. The strategic importance of these locations underscores the ongoing military considerations for both sides.

In terms of national security, the situation remains precarious, with both sides engaging in aggressive military tactics. The potential for further escalation, coupled with the involvement of external powers like the US, Russia, and China, complicates the prospects for a peaceful resolution. The humanitarian impact of the conflict, particularly on vulnerable populations, remains a critical concern as the war drags on.
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