Russian Disinformation Campaign Hijacks Bluesky Accounts to Spread Fake News on Ukraine
Russia Hijacked Bluesky Accounts To Push Fake News On Ukraine: Report

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A recent report reveals that a Russian disinformation campaign has hijacked Bluesky accounts of various users, including journalists and academics, to disseminate fake news aimed at undermining Western support for Ukraine. The operation, linked to the Kremlin's Matryoshka initiative, utilized real user profiles to circulate manipulated content, including AI-generated videos.
- 01The operation involved hijacking accounts of hundreds of users on Bluesky, including journalists and professors.
- 02Researchers from Clemson University and the dTeam linked the campaign to the Moscow-based Social Design Agency.
- 03The Matryoshka operation, named after Russian nesting dolls, emerged in 2024 and aims to weaken Western narratives.
- 04Bluesky has removed thousands of posts related to this campaign since April, highlighting the growing issue of coordinated disinformation.
- 05The campaign has also targeted narratives around France and Armenia, indicating Moscow's strategic interests in these regions.
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A recent investigation has uncovered a Russian disinformation campaign targeting the social media platform Bluesky, where accounts belonging to various users, including professors and journalists, were hijacked to spread fake news about Ukraine. The campaign, linked to the Kremlin's Matryoshka operation, involved the dissemination of fabricated videos and misleading reports, some generated using artificial intelligence. Notably, one video impersonated a Canadian police official criticizing French President Emmanuel Macron, aiming to erode Western support for Ukraine. Researchers from Clemson University and the online monitoring group dTeam traced the operation back to the Moscow-based Social Design Agency. Unlike previous Russian propaganda efforts that relied on fake accounts, this campaign utilized real user profiles, marking a significant escalation in tactics. Bluesky has since removed thousands of posts related to this disinformation effort, which has gained visibility during critical political events, including Germany's elections. The Matryoshka operation has also targeted narratives involving France and Armenia, reflecting Moscow's strategic interests as Europe continues to support Ukraine.
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This disinformation campaign could affect public perception and policy regarding Ukraine and its allies, potentially swaying opinions during critical political events.
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