Russia uses artificial intelligence to manipulate narratives on mobilization in Ukraine

The Center for Countering Disinformation has identified a new Russian information operation that uses AI-generated videos aimed at manipulating public opinion and polarizing Ukrainian society over the issue of military service and mobilization.

According to the Center, videos featuring artificially created women are circulating on social media, in which they allegedly claim to seek relationships exclusively with servicemen in order to obtain high state compensation in the event of their death.

In this content, the “women” tell fabricated stories, asserting that during the full-scale war they have married several times, that their husbands were killed, and that they received compensation payments on each occasion.

Authorities stress that these narratives do not reflect reality in Ukraine. On the contrary, the phenomenon of so-called “black widows” is documented in Russia, where the issue is widely discussed in the media and officials are seeking legislative solutions to address it.

According to assessments, Russian propagandists are attempting to transfer this internal Russian problem into the Ukrainian context through disinformation.

The purpose of this information operation, the Center says, is to deepen social divisions, provoke distrust between the military and civilians, and demotivate citizens from joining military service.

Experts warn that the use of artificial intelligence in such disinformation campaigns poses a serious threat to information security and requires a coordinated response to identify and counter false narratives.

⚡️ The Center is recording a new russian information operation using AI-generated videos, aimed at polarizing Ukrainian society around the issue of military service and mobilization.

Thread ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/CDgt5ZdNL7

— Center for Countering Disinformation (@CforCD) January 6, 2026