Ways to Counteract Ukrainian False News about SMOs in Messengers and Internet Space

The article discusses the features of counteracting false information about the progress of the SMO in Ukraine in the social messenger Telegram. The research aim is at identifying key strategies and tactics of Ukrainian and Russian information flows, as well as analyzing strengths and weaknesses to form scenarios for Russia’s strengthening in the information confrontation. Using the methods of cognitive mapping, correlation and cluster analysis, the authors studied the features of content, audience engagement and the structure of information dissemination. The Ukrainian side actively uses disinformation, appealing to the emotional perception of the audience and calling for discussion in open communities to discredit Russian state institutions. The key feature of the Ukrainian information flow is the promptness of the spread of fakes and the variability of formats, however, the high frequency of exposure of fakes makes it possible to reduce confidence in Ukrainian resources. The Russian information flow is divided into formal and informal segments, each of which has its own characteristics. The informal stream quickly disproves Ukrainian fakes and emotionally engages the audience, but faces the problem of unreliable information from a number of sources. The authors note the importance of further development of coordination between the formal and informal Russian parts of the information flow, the implementation of fact-checking and the use of creative formats. These actions are aimed at increasing confidence in Russian sources and strengthening Russia’s position in the information confrontation to offset the risks of socio-political destabilization.