Russia is using every available manipulation technique to cast doubt on Ukraine’s decision to join the EU—a study 

The Center for Countering Disinformation and the European External Action Service conducted and presented a study on how Russian information manipulation and interference are attempting to undermine Ukraine’s path to European Union membership.

The study’s findings were presented at the Ukraine Media Center by Anahit Khoperia, deputy director of the Center for Countering Disinformation.

The main goal of the study is to distinguish legitimate discussion about Ukraine’s accession to the EU from covert foreign influence. The report includes an analysis of over 244,000 pieces of content from January 2025 to May 2026.

“The study showed that Russia is professionally manipulating information through influence networks, particularly via Telegram channels and pro-Russian projects,” she said. 

According to Anait Khoperia, pro-Russian narratives regarding Ukraine’s accession to the EU are also being spread by state-affiliated actors. The main goal of such manipulation is to sow distrust toward the EU. Among the key narratives are: the EU is prolonging the war to weaken Russia; Ukraine is incompatible with Russian values; and EU members seek to divide Ukraine.

The researchers also identified eight main methods of Russian manipulation. According to the researcher, Ukraine must strengthen its strategic communications so that Russia cannot exploit the lack of communication for its own manipulative purposes.

Read more: https://mediacenter.org.ua/news