Kremlin Propaganda Exploits AI and Deepfakes to Stoke Panic Over Migrants in Ukraine.

The Lies Algorithm: A Disinformation Campaign Targeting Migrants in Ukraine

According to Espreso.tv: In the program 'The Lies Algorithm,' host Andrii Smolii exposed a disinformation campaign spreading false narratives about migrants in Ukraine. A key finding was that a video allegedly promising benefits to migrants was actually a manipulation crafted using artificial intelligence and deepfake technology. According to Smolii, this campaign is coordinated from the Kremlin and exploits real existing problems within Ukraine.

On April 13, 2023, a video featuring Ruslan Zaparanyuk, head of the Chernivtsi Regional Administration, was published on TikTok and Telegram. However, Zaparanyuk had already left his position on January 8, 2026. As of May 19, 2026, Ukraine had issued only 9,295 work permits for foreigners—significantly fewer than in 2021, when that number was twice as high. Demographic data for 2025 shows nearly 170,000 births in Ukraine, compared to over 485,000 deaths.

Experts and the Structures Behind the Information Attack

By the end of March 2026, 4.33 million people who fled Ukraine held temporary protection status in EU countries. Before the full-scale invasion began, 317,000 people were competing for 41,000 job vacancies in Ukraine. In contrast, as of May 2026, only 141,000 people were seeking work for 230,000 available positions.

Experts like Vasyl Voskoboynyk note that

“the mass recruitment of foreign workers is economically unprofitable even for employers themselves.”

“it is much cheaper and more practical not to bring in foreigners but to retain Ukrainians.”

The structures behind this information attack include:

• The 72nd Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) Special Service Center
• The Sandworm hacker group

Notable examples of fakes include edited videos, AI-generated clips, and deepfakes featuring veterans. Andrii Smolii emphasizes that “this operation parasitizes a real problem.” The disinformation spreads on three levels: a technical network, systemic propagandists, and 'useful idiots.'

This information campaign is alarming because data manipulation can shape public opinion about migrants in Ukraine, fostering false perceptions of their role in society and the economy.

The campaign spreading fake news about migrants underscores the importance of critical thinking and fact-checking in today’s challenging environment. As a result, society must be cautious when consuming news, especially on social media, where false information can easily go viral. It is essential for the public to understand the real demographic and economic issues and not fall prey to manipulations that could heighten social tensions.