In today's digital world, disinformation has taken on new and more dangerous forms. Russian actors are now using artificial intelligence (AI) to create deepfake videos that falsely portray Ukrainian refugees as ungrateful and demanding. These videos aim to manipulate public perception, stir resentment, and spread misinformation about the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The Growing Threat of AI-Generated Misinformation

According to a recent investigation by Voice of America (VOA), Russian-linked disinformation campaigns are producing AI-generated content to influence audiences worldwide. One such campaign, known as Matreshka, has been identified as a key player in distributing these misleading videos. These deepfakes appear on social media platforms such as Bluesky and X (formerly Twitter), targeting Ukrainian refugees and their supporters.

The videos go beyond simple propaganda—they leverage AI to create realistic-looking people, cloned voices, and fabricated narratives. This level of sophistication makes it harder for viewers to distinguish between truth and deception.

How These Fake Videos Mislead the Public

The AI-generated videos in question follow a common pattern: they depict Ukrainian refugees as entitled, greedy, or disrespectful toward their host countries. Two of the most widely circulated videos falsely claim that Western journalists have admitted Ukraine is spreading war misinformation.

One of the deepfake videos features a teenage Ukrainian refugee in a U.S. private school. The scene then shifts to images of overcrowded public school hallways and drug-related paraphernalia, including packages of crack cocaine. An AI-generated voice, mimicking the refugee, makes derogatory remarks about American public schools and African Americans.

“I realize it’s quite expensive [at private school],” the fake voice states. “But it wouldn’t be fair if my family was made to pay for my safety. Let Americans do it.”

The manipulation here is clear—the video attempts to incite resentment among Americans by falsely portraying Ukrainian refugees as entitled and prejudiced. These deceptive tactics fuel anti-refugee sentiment and undermine support for displaced Ukrainians.

How AI-Generated Voices Are Used in Disinformation

One particularly alarming aspect of these videos is the use of cloned voices. Eliot Higgins, founder of the investigative journalism group Bellingcat, discovered that his voice had been artificially recreated in one of these videos. He explained:

“I think it’s more about boosting their stats so [the disinformation actors] can keep milking the Russian state for money to keep doing it.”

By using deepfake technology, disinformation campaigns can make it appear as though credible individuals are making statements they never actually said. This is a direct attack on truth and journalistic integrity.

The Reach and Impact of These Fake Videos

While these videos may not be viral yet, they are gaining traction. One X post featuring the fabricated refugee footage received over 55,000 views. Olga Tokariuk, a senior analyst at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, commented:

“It’s not viral content yet, but no longer marginal.”

As AI technology improves, these types of manipulative videos will likely become even more convincing and widespread. If left unchecked, they could further inflame political and social tensions.

Why Refugees Are a Common Target for Disinformation

According to Roman Osadchuk from the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab, Ukrainian refugees have been a consistent target of Russian disinformation campaigns:

“Unfortunately, refugees are a very popular target for Russian disinformation campaigns, not only for attacks on the host community … but also in Ukraine.”

There are several reasons why disinformation efforts focus on refugees:

• Exploiting public fears: Refugee crises can create economic and social tensions, which disinformation campaigns exploit to divide communities.
• Undermining support: By portraying refugees negatively, these campaigns seek to erode public and governmental support for Ukrainian migrants.
• Weakening Ukraine: If host countries become less welcoming, Ukrainian refugees may struggle to find safety, potentially forcing them to return to dangerous conditions.

How to Identify and Combat AI-Generated Misinformation

With AI-generated disinformation becoming more sophisticated, it’s crucial for people to develop skills to recognize and counteract these manipulations. Here are some practical tips:

1. Analyze the Source

Before believing or sharing a video, check its source. Is it from a reputable news organization, or does it come from an anonymous or suspicious account? Be wary of videos that appear suddenly with no credible background information.

2. Look for Inconsistencies

AI-generated videos often have subtle errors. Watch closely for unnatural facial movements, mismatched lip-syncing, or voices that sound robotic. If something feels “off,” it’s worth investigating further.

3. Use Fact-Checking Tools

Several online tools and organizations specialize in verifying digital content. Websites like Snopes, Bellingcat, and fact-checking initiatives from major news outlets can help confirm whether a video is genuine.

4. Reverse Image Search

If a video contains suspicious images, use a reverse image search (such as Google Images or TinEye) to check whether those visuals have been manipulated or taken out of context.

5. Stay Informed About Deepfake Technology

As deepfake technology evolves, so do its capabilities. Stay updated on new AI tools and disinformation tactics to improve your ability to recognize digital deception.

6. Report False Information

If you come across a deepfake video spreading disinformation, report it to the platform hosting it. Social media companies have policies against misleading content, and reporting helps limit its spread.

The Broader Implications of AI in Misinformation

AI is transforming the way misinformation spreads, and its potential dangers extend beyond just refugee-related propaganda. Deepfake technology can be used to:

• Manipulate elections: Fake videos of politicians making false statements can influence voter opinions.
• Damage reputations: AI-generated content can be used to frame individuals for crimes they didn’t commit.
• Spread financial scams: Deepfake videos can impersonate CEOs or financial experts to manipulate stock markets or steal money.
• Incite violence: False videos portraying certain groups in a negative light can fuel real-world violence and discrimination.

Given these risks, governments, technology companies, and individuals must work together to prevent AI-generated disinformation from undermining truth and democracy.

Conclusion

The use of AI in creating fake videos about Ukrainian refugees is a powerful example of how technology can be weaponized to manipulate public perception. These disinformation campaigns aim to reduce support for refugees, fuel divisions, and spread misleading narratives about the war in Ukraine.

To fight against this, individuals must stay vigilant, verify information before sharing, and push for stronger regulations against AI-generated misinformation. The digital world is evolving rapidly, and with it, the responsibility to protect truth has never been more critical.