Russia expands global disinformation network in Africa and Latin America
Russia expands global disinformation network in Africa and Latin America (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Russia is launching a large-scale disinformation campaign in Africa, Latin America, and even in some European countries, according to Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service.
According to intelligence reports, this media expansion not only undermines Ukraine's international reputation but also poses potential threats to the country's security and foreign policy standing.
Specifically, in Bamako, the capital of Mali, a project was launched under the guise of an "independent agency" called the African Initiative, aimed at training local journalists.
Officially, the program included both online and in-person courses followed by employment opportunities. In reality, however, it was part of a Russian intelligence operation aimed at building an infrastructure for future influence campaigns.
Kremlin-controlled media outlets — RT (formerly Russia Today) and Sputnik — play a central role in this propaganda effort. They not only broadcast narratives favorable to Russia but also maintain partnerships with local media, training centers, offices, and shared technical resources.
In Latin America, for instance, RT and Sputnik collaborate with broadcasters such as Telesur (Venezuela) and HispanTV (Iran), spreading anti-Western messages in multiple languages simultaneously.
In Africa, Russian entities have signed agreements with more than 30 local TV stations, allowing them to shape a media environment sympathetic to the Kremlin.
There is also evidence of covert promotion of Russian content through local media and influencers. For example, partnerships with media groups in Kenya provide Russia with access to an audience of millions across several markets.
What this means for Ukraine
Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service states that Russia's information presence in Africa and Latin America has direct consequences for Ukraine.
It creates a global backdrop in which Moscow's position appears balanced or even truthful, undermining Ukraine's narrative on the international stage.
Moreover, Ukrainian diplomacy faces growing resistance to its messaging about Russia's war and aggression, especially in regions where Russian influence dominates.
"Massive information campaigns lay the groundwork for military-technical cooperation between Russia and authoritarian regimes in Africa, turning these territories into logistical and operational bases for indirect attacks on the interests of Ukraine's partner states," the intelligence agency added.
Recently, Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation warned of increased Russian information and psychological operations in the second half of June. According to the center, Kremlin propaganda will focus on several fronts: discrediting the Ukrainian delegation at talks in Istanbul, attempting to demonize the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and manipulating narratives around NATO.
