The Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, in collaboration with the Center for Countering Disinformation, has updated the ‘Kremlin Mouthpieces’ section on the War&Sanctions portal, adding ten new Russian public figures known for their radical anti-Ukrainian rhetoric. The official announcement can be found at https://gur.gov.ua/content/warsanctions-hur-i-tspd-opryliudniuiut-novu-seriiu-kremlivskykh-propahandystiv.html.
The list includes war correspondents, bloggers, writers, and journalists who share the common goal of distorting facts to manipulate public opinion and justify Russian military aggression. Key individuals identified include:
– Ilya Tumanov: A Russian aviation blogger and Russian Armed Forces captain behind the ‘Fighterbomber’ Telegram channel, which provides logistical support to occupation troops.
– Viktor Shvykov: A blogger associated with the Wagner Group’s media networks, promoting the activities of private military companies.
– Anastasia Kashevarova: A media manager and co-founder of the ‘Women’s Front,’ actively supporting Russian soldiers and their families.
– Ekaterina Agranovich: A journalist and media technologist who served as a proxy for Vladimir Putin in the 2024 presidential elections and remains a central figure in implementing information campaigns for the ‘Russian World’ ideology.
Currently, the database contains information on 191 individuals involved in the Russian propaganda machine. These figures are not only responsible for justifying war crimes and violence but also orchestrate systematic information operations designed to influence public perception across various regions globally. HUR and the CCD have urged the international community to impose personal sanctions on these individuals, including travel bans, the freezing of financial assets, and the immediate cessation of all media or commercial partnerships.
As the military conflict continues with immense pressure at the front lines, the importance of neutralizing Russia’s soft power and disinformation apparatus has never been higher. By exposing those who operate behind the scenes of Russia’s hybrid war, Ukraine aims to limit the reach of Kremlin narratives that seek to destabilize international support for its defense. The identification of these propagandists is a vital component of Ukraine’s national security strategy in the ongoing struggle against Russian aggression.