Russia spreading deepfakes about alleged Ukrainian forces' encirclement in Kursk region
Photo: Russia is once again spreading fake news about the Ukrainian Armed Forces (Getty Images)
Russia is spreading fake videos about the alleged encirclement of Ukrainian soldiers in the Kursk region. This time, Russian forces used deepfake technology to create fake materials, reports the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine.
"Russian Telegram channels are distributing videos with 'Ukrainian soldiers' who claim to be surrounded in Russian territory. In reality, these videos were created using deepfake technology," the center stated.
The Center for Counteracting Disinformation explained that this can be easily detected by unnatural lip movements and facial expressions, artificial facial features, distorted speech, slight image flickering, and occlusion (clenching of teeth).
"There is no encirclement of Ukrainian soldiers in the Kursk region. Both the President of Ukraine and the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as well as the General Staff, have repeatedly stated this," the center added.
Military officials explained that the goal of such lies is to undermine trust in the Ukrainian army and its command, create panic among the public, and demoralize the troops.
Situation in the Kursk region
Last summer, the Ukrainian Armed Forces launched an operation in the Kursk region. During the fighting, Ukrainian troops took control of about a hundred settlements in the area.
The operation's goal was to prevent the Russian military from advancing on Ukraine's eastern and northern regions.
Recently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Ukrainian intelligence had detected Russia's preparations for new offensives.
Following this, Ivan Tymochko, the head of the Ground Forces Reserve Council, shared his assessment of Russian military strength and potential threats regarding a possible new offensive in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.
At the same time, Zelenskyy mentioned that the Ukrainian Armed Forces continue active operations on Russian territory. This complicates the enemy's advancement toward the Sumy region.
For more on Russia's potential new offensive, read RBC-Ukraine's article "Russia plans major offensive? What to expect on the frontline."
