The Telegram messenger has become a key tool for spreading pro-Kremlin disinformation and propaganda in the international arena. In 2024 alone, around 800 pro-Kremlin channels were identified, operating in more than 30 languages. These channels replace official Russian media outlets like RT and Sputnik after the latter were restricted in the US, EU, and other countries following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
These channels act as key vehicles for spreading Kremlin-backed disinformation aimed at undermining trust in Western governments and international organizations, as well as reducing support for Ukraine from the European Union, NATO allies, and other partner nations. They actively circulate propaganda content justifying Russia’s military aggression in Donbas and promote various conspiracy theories serving the Kremlin’s interests. These pieces are aimed at forming and strengthening a positive perception of Russian government’s actions both domestically and internationally.
The combined audience of these channels reaches 15.7 million, with publications getting nearly 100 million views per day. Such significant engagement allows these channels to effectively spread disinformation and manipulate public opinion around the world. They target audiences in Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa. The diversity of languages in which these channels operate allows for achieving maximum reach and effectively influencing global public opinion.
In the run-up to the Paris 2024 Games, pro-Kremlin Telegram channels have been stepping up their outreach in France, spreading disinformation aimed at creating discontent among the French citizens, attempting to sow distrust in the government, and fueling concerns about the security of the Games. Examples of such disinformation include false claims of weak event security preparation and attempts to discredit French politicians advocating support for Ukraine. In response, the French authorities have restricted access to the Olympics for Russian journalists and specialists suspected of participating in psyops aimed at undermining stability in France.
Using Telegram as a platform, Russia seeks to influence public opinions in targeted nations, especially among the youth. Channels often focus on topics that will likely resonate with certain public concerns, such as migration, in order to fuel conflicts and undermine trust in democratic institutions. This poses a particular threat to countries where high levels of social and political tension are observed.
For more than a week, mass riots and protests against migrants have been raging across the UK, provoked in part by false reports initially published on Russia-linked websites. British authorities have expressed deep concern about possible Russian interference through disinformation campaigns that could contribute to public tension and street violence. These developments raise questions about how countries are prepared to deal with unrest provoked by the Kremlin and how governments will respond to potential threats.
If the international community is set to protect itself from Russian interference in domestic affairs and maintain stability, resolute measures are needed to combat disinformation spread via Russian websites, social networks, and Telegram channels. This may include restricting access to such platforms, actively monitoring and blocking them, and developing national and international strategies to counter attacks in the media domain. Joint efforts by governments and international organizations to strengthen cybersecurity and counter propaganda will help protect democratic processes and maintain stability.