Russian commanders have been accused of lying to Vladimir Putin about the scale of Russian military gains in northern Ukraine, with a new report saying they are likely not telling the truth about the four-year conflict.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said the Russian Northern Grouping of Forces and the high military command are probably using a "variety of informational tools" to exaggerate the extent of Russia's advances, pushing a narrative of active progress even though large parts of the frontline have not moved for two years.
AI-generated videos used to claim village seizures
According to the ISW, AI-generated footage has been used to falsely show Russian troops seizing Bilyi Kolodyaz in the Kharkiv region. In another case, the Russian Northern Grouping of Forces and the Ministry of Defence both celebrated the capture of the settlement of Mohrytsya as a "strategic success", a claim Ukraine described as part of a disinformation campaign.
The think tank explained: "Russian dismounted infantry continue conducting infiltration missions across the Northern Grouping of Forces' area of responsibility, and servicemembers continue filming videos and using AI to alter or generate footage of Russian soldiers holding flags in settlements into which Russian forces may have only infiltrated to falsely claim them as seized."
Exaggerated claims do not replace real advances
"Small Russian redeployments below the regimental echelon for defensive operations, small and rare mechanized assaults, infiltration missions, flag-raising videos, and AI-altered footage notably do not replace actual advances or constitute doctrinal control of terrain," the ISW wrote.
"The Kremlin is using these exaggerated claims of advance as part of its ongoing cognitive warfare effort to falsely portray Russian forces as advancing across the battlefield in order to convince Ukraine's partners to abandon their support."
Ukrainian counterattacks
The report added that Ukrainian forces are counterattacking in parts of the north, which would "likely [be] inhibiting the Russian rate of advance in these areas".
Ukraine has liberated the town of Odradne and conducted a mechanised assault northeast of Khatne, as well as counterattacks near Nova Sich, Mohrytsya, Ivolzhanske and Pysarivka.
