A stark warning has been issued by United States intelligence agencies, revealing that Moscow-backed influence operatives are systematically exploiting the Telegram messaging app to wage a covert disinformation war across Europe.
The newly declassified report, which has been seen by The Independent, details how these groups are creating and amplifying false narratives. Their primary objective is to manipulate public opinion and sow division, particularly around Western support for Ukraine, in the lead-up to the critical G20 summit.
Donetsk: The Epicentre of Digital Deception
US officials have pinpointed the source of this campaign to the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), a region in eastern Ukraine under Russian control. From this hub, operatives are crafting sophisticated propaganda designed to appear as authentic local news and grassroots opinion.
The strategy involves creating a vast network of interlinked Telegram channels that mimic legitimate news outlets. This web is used to launder Kremlin-approved narratives, pushing them into the mainstream social media ecosystem where they can be picked up and shared unwittingly by users across the continent.
Targeting the West's Resolve
The intelligence suggests a highly targeted operation. Key themes pushed by the operatives include:
- Undermining support for Ukraine: Spreading narratives that question military and financial aid.
- Stoking anti-refugee sentiment: Creating friction in European communities hosting those fleeing the conflict.
- Promoting pro-Russian policy: Attempting to influence political discourse and pressure governments to adopt a more Kremlin-friendly stance.
This campaign represents a significant evolution in hybrid warfare, moving beyond traditional media to exploit the encrypted and rapidly scalable nature of messaging platforms like Telegram.
A Call for Vigilance
The release of this intelligence is a direct call to action for European governments, tech companies, and the public. It highlights an urgent need for greater digital literacy and robust mechanisms to identify and counter foreign state-sponsored disinformation.
As world leaders prepare for the G20 meeting, this report serves as a crucial reminder that geopolitical battles are now being fought not only on the ground but also in the palm of your hand.
