Austria has uncovered a Russian hybrid warfare network against Ukraine. An investigation into the espionage activities of a Bulgarian citizen led to the discovery of a large-scale disinformation campaign aimed at discrediting Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelensky.
This information was reported by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Austria.
According to the State Protection and Intelligence Directorate (DSN), the woman admitted to spying for Russia and taking part in the operation to spread disinformation. During a search of her home in December of last year, data storage devices were seized, and their analysis helped uncover the details of this activity.
Investigators found that the group, linked to Russian intelligence services, became active shortly after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. In early 2022, the group launched a disinformation campaign in German-speaking countries, focusing their efforts on Austria.
The direct aim of this disinformation cell was to influence public opinion negatively against Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelensky in the context of the ongoing war through targeted actions, thereby generating pro-Russian sentiments on a broader level.
To achieve this, the group used both activities in the online media landscape and offline activism, such as through stickers or graffiti. The visual and content design of these actions was intended to give the impression that pro-Ukrainian activists were the authors and perpetrators.
However, the actual perpetrators used graphic and linguistic motifs that would immediately provoke rejection from the public, foremost among them far-right extremist symbolism and nationalist slogans and codes.
The devices seized from the suspect contained messages indicating detailed planning of the operations. The woman likely acted as a liaison agent, receiving materials to spread disinformation. According to investigators, Russian intelligence services instructed her to coordinate activities not only in Austria but also in Germany. It was also established that she kept detailed records, sending reports to accomplices in Russia and the UK. She admitted to her activities, especially in 2022.
The DSN notes that since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine, Russia has been actively using disinformation campaigns. The goal is to manipulate public opinion to the detriment of Ukraine through the spread of false information. By placing propaganda materials at symbolic locations, such as memorials or monuments with Jewish or Russian connections, Russia aims to sow doubts about Ukraine's democratic values. In this context, such disinformation and campaigns represent a significant factor in Russia's hybrid warfare
