Kathrine Frich
This fits the pattern of Russia’s growing reliance on information warfare.
This fits the pattern of Russia’s growing reliance on information warfare.
New Propaganda Tactic Uncovered
Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) has revealed that Russian forces are staging fake battlefield videos to give the illusion of capturing Ukrainian towns.
These staged clips are crafted for both internal reports and international media, painting a false picture of success on the front.
How the Fakes Are Made
According to HUR, Russian units send small teams behind Ukrainian lines, not to fight, but to film.
These soldiers carry Russian flags and briefly raise them in abandoned areas or empty buildings.
They then record short clips and withdraw before encountering any real resistance.
The Kremlin’s Illusion
These fabricated “liberation” videos are then sent up the chain of command as proof of territorial gains.
They are also circulated through state media and social platforms to mislead the Russian public and apply psychological pressure on Ukrainians.
A Recent Example from Donetsk
One of the latest known incidents took place in Andriivka-Klevtsove, in the Donetsk region. Ukrainian forces captured two Russian soldiers involved in the operation.
The men confessed they had been ordered to raise flags in five different towns to produce drone footage.
Designed for the Camera, Not Combat
The staged footage often avoids real fighting.
It’s meant to be cinematic, with soldiers planting flags triumphantly or walking through deserted streets, suggesting occupation.
In reality, these areas remain contested or under Ukrainian control.
“Occupied” Town That Wasn’t
Russia’s Ministry of Defense recently claimed it had taken Voronezh in the Dnipropetrovsk region.
But the Ukrainian General Staff issued no confirmation, raising doubts about the legitimacy of the claim.
Disinformation as a Military Tool
This tactic is just one of many in Russia’s expanding disinformation playbook.
By manipulating public perception, Moscow aims to distract from setbacks on the ground and maintain domestic support for the war, even as its troops struggle to hold real gains.
