News and Analysis

News and Analysis

July 06, 2020

The secret labs conspiracy: a converging narrative

Some observers have recently argued about a convergence of narratives between pro-Kremlin and Chinese disinformation networks. We have taken a closer look at the  “clandestine US biolabs” conspiracy theory.

Disinformation Review

July 02, 2020

Facebook Uses Ukrainian Nazis to Fight Russia, and Other Absurdities

It is sometimes refreshing to highlight how absurd, even laughable, pro-Kremlin disinformation can be. This week we take a look at some particularly outrageous cases.

Figure of the Week

July 01, 2020

Figure of the week: up to 16 times

On social media, coronavirus-related content published by RT and Sputnik in French, German and Spanish languages can achieve higher average engagement per article than reputable media outlets, a recent study by the Oxford Internet Institute found.

News and Analysis

June 29, 2020

The Saker – Blind Loyalty, Disguised as Defiance

The Saker of the Vineyard is a blog by a retired Swiss Red Cross officer, residing in Florida and defending Russia against an enigmatic Empire. The Saker has become a franchise for an international network of pro-Kremlin outlets, with branches in German, Italy, Latin America, and Russia.

Disinformation Review

June 25, 2020

Throwing Darts to See What Sticks

This week’s cases take us on a frenzied ride through topics that have been preoccupying the pro-Kremlin media over the last several weeks: coronavirus, protests, historical revisionism, MH17, Ukraine, NATO. Disinformation to suit every possible palate.

News and Analysis

June 24, 2020

“Let’s Get the Popcorn Ready” – Russian TV Covers US Protests

On Russian state-controlled TV channels, reports about developments in US cities come with the usual disinformation tropes and a tinge of thinly-veiled glee: “America got what it deserved”.

News and Analysis

June 24, 2020

Being occupied as a privilege

In September last year we revealed how the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs smeared the Baltic countries by claiming they have not become democracies respecting the rule of law. Now Kremlin’s disinformation machine has been again dialled to history, due to the postponed Victory day parade celebrating 75th anniversary of WWII.

News and Analysis

June 22, 2020

A Fierce Attack into Nowhere

Secondary Infektion is a campaign that since 2014 has used fake accounts and forged documents to sow conflict between Western countries. The research company Graphika has tied the campaign to Russia.

Disinformation Review

June 18, 2020

An Anti-American Bandwagon

This week, the pro-Kremlin media’s focus on the US shifted from disinformation about the racial injustice protests to fabricated accusations of other American misdeeds around the world.

News and Analysis

June 17, 2020

USA Really, Making Americans Yawn Since 2018

Two years ago, an ambitious project was launched to "Wake Up Americans": The USA Really. Revisiting the story it is apparent: Never have so much been spent to reach so few with so little result.