Ukrainian intelligence exposes Russian fakes targeting Budanov's X account
Photo: Head of the Defense Intelligence of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, Kyrylo Budanov (Getty Images)
Russian propaganda is spreading a fabrication by Russian intelligence claiming that the social media account of Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the Defense Intelligence (HUR) of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, on platform X was created in Russia, according to a HUR report.
The post states that this information is being circulated through social networks and anonymous digital resources.
To support this claim, a screenshot was used, specifically created for this account with a corresponding registration location.
Photo: fake account on social media platform X
"This is completely false information, showing all the signs of an information operation aimed at discrediting the leadership of the Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine," the publication states.
The Defense Intelligence called on people to "maintain information hygiene, not fall for fakes, and trust information only from official sources and from HUR Ministry of Defense spokespersons."
Other Russian propaganda fakes
Earlier, we reported examples of Russian propaganda online.
For instance, Russians circulated a fake video created using artificial intelligence showing the supposed withdrawal of the Ukrainian Defense Forces from Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region.
Verification of the video using specialized software revealed that it was generated by AI. Indicators included unnatural speech, stretchers floating in the air, extra legs of soldiers, and a wheelchair moving on its own, the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council reported.
Russian propaganda also launched a TikTok video claiming that Kupiansk was completely surrounded by Russian forces. This video was also found to be fake.
The CCD emphasizes that such publications are part of Russia’s information operation. Their goal is to demoralize Ukrainians.
Another TikTok video circulated, allegedly showing a "mass surrender of Ukrainian soldiers near Pokrovsk." Most of these videos were accompanied by captions in various foreign languages. Accounts spreading these videos show signs of being part of a coordinated network specifically created to promote Kremlin narratives to foreign audiences, the CCD confirmed.
