Ukraine braces for new Russian propaganda wave before Trump–Putin meeting

Manipulations around the negotiation process and the role of Ukraine

Before and after the planned meeting of US President Donald Trump and dictator Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Russian propagandists will intensify campaigns to discredit Ukraine as a subject of negotiations.

The main messages are – alleged unwillingness of Kyiv to achieve peace, blocking of the process, putting forward unrealistic demands, as well as emphasizing Ukraine’s dependence on Russia and the US in deciding its fate.

They will especially insist on the idea that only Moscow and Washington have control over European security, and that Europe allegedly is incapable of acting independently.

This is part of an attempt to destroy international solidarity and sow division between Kyiv, Washington, and the European Union.

Disinformation about prisoner exchanges

Against the backdrop of a pause in real exchanges, the enemy is launching fakes about the "selective approach of Ukraine" to the release of prisoners of war, alleged refusal to take back its own, and "non-transparency of negotiations."

Staged appeals and manipulative interviews will be spread, aimed at causing emotional resonance among the families of prisoners and putting pressure on the Ukrainian authorities.

Information threat from Belarus

Against the backdrop of preparations for the strategic exercises Zapad-2025, Russia and Belarus are preparing information injections about an alleged build-up of forces near Ukraine’s borders, the threat of a new invasion from the north.

Despite the absence of real changes at the border, such messages are intended to create an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among the Ukrainian population.

Activation of propaganda

Russian propagandists plan to actively discredit Ukrainian statehood, national symbols, and the right to independence.

Among the tools are pseudo-historical narratives about the artificiality of Ukraine, the "collapse of a single people," and the "absence of a real state tradition." Rumors about missile strikes and terrorist attacks are also expected to be spread to sow panic among citizens.

Information operations on the eve of the Day of Remembrance of Defenders of Ukraine

Using the tragic events of 2014, in particular, Ilovaisk, Kremlin propagandists will try to demoralize Ukrainian society, shifting responsibility for losses to the Ukrainian command, while silencing Russia’s aggression.

Special attention will be paid to social networks, particularly TikTok, to influence the youth audience.

Manipulations around the anniversary of the killing of Darya Dugina

Russia will try to present Dugina as a victim of "Ukrainian terrorism" and act as the injured party, emphasizing alleged attacks on civilians.

Memorial events will be actively covered to form an international image of Ukraine as a "radical regime."

Russian information attacks in Moldova ahead of elections

On the eve of the parliamentary elections in Moldova (September 28), the Kremlin will intensify propaganda aimed at discrediting the pro-European authorities, undermining trust in the electoral process, and dividing the diaspora.

The main focus will be on the topic of political prisoners and repression against pro-Russian forces.

Propaganda campaigns around the SCO summit

Russia will try to use the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit and Putin’s visit to China to demonstrate alleged geopolitical strength and support from Asian countries.

This is meant to undermine faith in Western support for Ukraine and create the impression of a shift in the world course in favor of Moscow.

Russian fakes

On August 3, the Center for Countering Disinformation debunked Russian fakes about Ukraine allegedly not taking its citizens from neutral territories, in particular prisoners of war and former convicts.

In addition, the Russian regime plans to continue a disinformation campaign to discredit the processes of exchange with Ukraine. The Defense Forces have relevant information.