Ukraine’s Fight for Pokrovsk Marred by AI-Generated Disinformation

Fierce fighting is underway in Pokrovsk, a crucial logistics hub in eastern Ukraine, as Russian forces intensify their efforts to capture the city. Over the past year, Russia has aimed to seize control of Pokrovsk, located in the Donetsk region, and recent battlefield maps from the Institute for the Study of War illustrate a significant tightening of their grip on the area. While the military battle continues, a parallel narrative has emerged on social media, where pro-Russian accounts claim victory through the use of viral, AI-generated content.

Numerous videos depicting Ukrainian soldiers in retreat have surfaced online, reaching millions of viewers. These clips often feature fabricated scenes of soldiers surrendering or expressing fear about being sent to the front lines. Pablo Maristany de las Casas, an analyst with the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, noted that this disinformation is part of a broader narrative suggesting that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is sending soldiers—both young and old—to fight against their will.

Visual inconsistencies in these videos raise alarms about their authenticity. For instance, one clip shows a soldier with a cast on his leg walking without difficulty, while another features a stretcher appearing to float. Such anomalies are characteristic of content generated by artificial intelligence, which, despite improvements, can still be challenging to detect for the average viewer.

Some fabricated videos have included the likeness of popular Russian online personalities, such as exiled YouTuber Alexei Gubanov, who expressed concern that these distortions of reality bolster Russian propaganda efforts. “Unfortunately, a lot of people believe this,” Gubanov stated, emphasizing the detrimental effects of such misinformation.

Impact of AI-Generated Content on Public Perception

The European Digital Media Observatory, a network dedicated to fact-checking, has documented over 2,000 articles related to the Ukraine conflict since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. The rise of AI in this context signifies a new dimension of disinformation warfare, according to Ian Garner, a specialist in Russian propaganda at the Pilecki Institute. He explained that these videos aim to undermine Ukrainian morale by presenting relatable figures—“somebody just like you”—in distressing situations. Simultaneously, they serve to boost Russian morale.

Despite the platform TikTok announcing the removal of several accounts responsible for these misleading videos, their impact is already evident. One of these accounts gained over 300,000 “likes” before being deleted, showcasing the rapid spread of such content. OpenAI has acknowledged the issue, stating that it conducted an investigation into the matter, though specific details were not provided. Nonetheless, the videos continue to circulate across various platforms, including Instagram, Telegram, Facebook, and X, appearing in multiple languages, including Greek, Romanian, and Polish.

The challenge in measuring the impact of fake videos is significant, but experts like Carole Grimaud, a researcher at Aix-Marseille University, assert that repeated exposure to disinformation can alter public perceptions over time.

AI Tools in the Service of Disinformation

The misuse of AI extends beyond videos; chatbots are also being utilized to promote pro-Kremlin narratives. A study conducted by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue found that nearly one-fifth of responses from tested chatbots referenced Russian state-affiliated sources. While some technology companies have expressed intentions to combat this misuse, analysts like Maristany de las Casas argue that the scale and impact of information warfare outpace their efforts.

As the battle for Pokrovsk continues, the intertwining of military engagement and digital disinformation underscores the complex nature of modern warfare. The reliance on technology to shape narratives poses a new challenge for those seeking to understand the realities of the conflict, making it crucial for observers to remain vigilant and discerning in their consumption of information.