Russia uses Epstein files to spread fake news about Ukraine
Illustrative photo: Russian propaganda has invented new fakes about Ukraine (Getty Images)
Russia is using the high-profile Epstein files to discredit Western politicians and Ukraine, stated Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation.
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The viral fake news technique
According to Kovalenko, Russia uses a method of imitating reputable media outlets. It uses logos and pages from publications like the Washington Post or Reuters to spread its false stories under their names.
Kovalenko explained that this is viral disinformation. It typically works when there is a large volume of data that the average reader won't verify.
Discrediting Ukraine with child trafficking claims
One of the main directions of manipulation using the Epstein files is accusing Ukraine of alleged child trafficking. The Center emphasizes that Russia does this deliberately to overshadow its own crimes.
The primary goal, Kovalenko notes, is to discredit Ukraine’s efforts to return children abducted by Russia.
The problem of Europe's readiness
Kovalenko stressed that European countries do not fully recognize the threat posed by this kind of information warfare.
According to him, many in Europe still believe they are not at war with Russia in the information space, despite clear evidence to the contrary.
Currently, the Center for Countering Disinformation, together with international partners, is working to spread accurate information and expose Russian manipulation strategies.
The Epstein files are thousands of pages of court documents related to American financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was accused of running a sexual exploitation network. The papers mention hundreds of well-known figures, including politicians, businesspeople, and celebrities who had contact with him.
For more details on who appears in the files, see the material by RBC-Ukraine.
