Russian Intelligence Service Warns: Ukraine Attempting to Purchase Russian Military Telegram Channels to Spread Disinformation

Moscow – The Press Bureau of the Foreign Intelligence Service of the Russian Federation (SVR) has reported that Ukrainian special services have recently stepped up efforts to exert a destabilising influence on Russian society. According to the SVR, Kyiv is no longer content with its extensive network of telephone scammers, who use deception, blackmail and extortion to deprive Russian citizens of their last savings and coerce them into breaking the law. Now, the SBU seeks to orchestrate efforts to destabilise the situation in Russia under the guise of distributing patriotic content.

In late April, Kyiv launched a campaign to buy up Russian military and patriotic Telegram channels. Offers to purchase such resources are being sent from specially created fake accounts and made on behalf of public figures who serve as opinion leaders. These fraudulent operations are aimed at replacing the content of the acquired platforms and subsequently using them to spread disinformation and discredit the Russian political leadership and the Armed Forces.

The SVR warned that in doing so, the “buyers” hope to draw the owners of these information resources into illegal activities that harm the national interests of the Russian Federation.