After the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russian propaganda channels RT and Sputnik have significantly expanded their presence in Mexico, spreading anti-American and anti-Ukrainian narratives, according to the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine.
American diplomats point to a “sudden and aggressive” increase in Russian information influence aimed at undermining trust between Mexico and the United States.
The Kremlin is also actively spreading anti-Ukrainian fakes. In particular, Russian officials and media circulated the false claim that
“Ukraine and the U.S. are recruiting Mexican and Colombian cartels to wage war against Russia.”
This fake narrative has been picked up by local politicians and journalists, fitting Moscow’s strategy of discrediting international support for Ukraine and portraying the West as “aggressive.”
At the same time, a large-scale disinformation campaign called Doppelgänger is underway, aimed at undermining U.S.–Mexico relations, distorting coverage of the war, and discrediting international support for Ukraine.
As part of its information penetration, Russian media are also establishing cooperation with certain local platforms.
The website of the Mexican Journalists Club regularly publishes materials prepared by Russian and Cuban state media. This collaboration model allows Russian information outlets to more easily integrate their narratives into the local information space. In public statements, club representatives explain that such publications are based on open content proposals.
Additionally, the club has periodically hosted trainings and lectures with RT representatives, presented as a form of professional communication with local journalists. This approach allows Russians to present themselves as a source of “alternative information and perspectives,” which not only “whitens” Russian propaganda but also legitimizes it in the eyes of the Mexican audience.
Beyond the information campaign, Russia is also increasing its intelligence presence. Since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin has sent more and more experienced agents to Mexico under the cover of diplomats.
“In this way, Russia combines information, political, and intelligence tools here to strengthen anti-American sentiment, undermine support for Ukraine, and increase its presence in the region,” the Center for Countering Disinformation noted.
