Russian propaganda spreads AI-generated fakes about encirclement of Kupiansk
Photo: Ukrainian soldiers in Kupiansk (Getty Images)
Russian propaganda has circulated a TikTok video falsely claiming that Kupiansk is completely encircled by Russian forces. The video has been identified as fake, according to the Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council.
"These videos are fake, created using artificial intelligence," the CCD stated.
In the clips, AI-generated "Ukrainian soldiers" speak about a so-called "critical situation" in Kupiansk.
Analysts note that the use of generative technologies can be easily detected by unnatural facial movements and uniform, synthetic voices.
Another telling sign, according to the CCD, is that the fake "soldiers" mispronounce Kupiansk, placing the stress on the wrong syllable - "KupyAnsk" instead of the correct "KUpyansk."
"In reality, claims about the supposed complete encirclement of Kupiansk by Russian forces are false. Intense fighting continues in the area, and Ukrainian troops are holding their positions," the CCD stated.
The Center emphasized that such publications are part of Russia’s ongoing information warfare aimed at demoralizing Ukrainians.
"Russian fakes are becoming increasingly sophisticated, so it’s crucial to verify information sources and approach ‘sensational’ social media videos with skepticism," the agency advised.
Other Russian propaganda fakes
Earlier, the CCD also identified other waves of AI-generated disinformation videos.
Recently, a video circulated on TikTok claiming that "large numbers of Ukrainian soldiers surrendered near Pokrovsk." Most of these videos were captioned in various foreign languages. Accounts spreading them displayed signs of being part of a coordinated network designed to push Kremlin narratives among international audiences, analysts found.
The CCD also debunked another propaganda fake suggesting that Ukrainian soldiers were allegedly ordered to kill comrades attempting to retreat or surrender.
The Center stressed that Russia provided no evidence to support this claim, no documents, photos, or official confirmations, and that such rumors are typically spread via anonymous sources to sow panic and distrust.
