Investigation into the Influence of Anonymous Telegram Channels in Ukraine
Ukrainian Member of Parliament Yaroslav Zheleznyak has released an in-depth study analyzing the activity of 20 of the largest anonymous Telegram channels in Ukraine, covering the period from June 1 to September 23. The research uncovered more than 6,000 posts aimed at discrediting various Ukrainian political figures. The most frequently targeted individuals included:
- Mykhailo Fedorov
- Vitaliy Shabunin
- Semen Kryvonos
- Petro Poroshenko
- Yuriy Nikolov
The study examined a total of 100,815 posts across these 20 anonymous Telegram channels. Out of these, 6,305 were identified as defamatory. Mykhailo Fedorov faced the highest volume of attacks, appearing in 72 posts across 17 of the channels. Vitaliy Shabunin was targeted in 62 posts, Semen Kryvonos and Petro Poroshenko in 56 each, while Yuriy Nikolov appeared in 19 defamatory publications.
Mapping the Networks Behind the Attacks
The analysis also revealed two distinct networks of channels, each with different attack strategies. The network linked to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) includes channels such as 'Times', 'INSIDER', 'Ukraine Online', 'Real War', and 'Ukraine Now'. Their main targets were:
- Vitaliy Shabunin (42 posts)
- Petro Poroshenko (37 posts)
- Semen Kryvonos (27 posts)
- Mykhailo Fedorov (18 posts)
- Yuriy Nikolov (16 posts)
Conversely, the network associated with the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) comprises channels like 'NOVINA', '24/7', 'Ukr. Telegram', 'News: Ukraine', 'Insider Armed Forces', 'Kyiv INFO', 'Fastest of All', 'Resident', and 'UC'. Their primary targets included:
- Mykhailo Fedorov (36 posts)
- Semen Kryvonos (19 posts)
- Vitaliy Shabunin (11 posts)
- Petro Poroshenko (10 posts)
- Yaroslav Zheleznyak (5 posts)
Semen Kryvonos stands out as the only figure targeted by both networks, with all negative references surfacing in September. Meanwhile, Mykhailo Fedorov was the sole politician continuously targeted every month throughout the study period. Zheleznyak commented:
“The two networks have distinct enemy lists. Shabunin and Poroshenko are primarily targeted by the SBU-related channels. Fedorov is mainly attacked by the HUR-linked network. Nikolov appears only in the SBU group. Kryvonos is the only truly shared target, with all negative content appearing in September. Fedorov is the only one targeted without interruption each month. September set a record.”
This data highlights a sustained and sophisticated information campaign designed to undermine specific political figures in Ukraine, raising concern among experts and the public alike. Notably, Petro Poroshenko, Ukraine's fifth president, remains one of the most frequently disparaged politicians on anonymous Telegram channels over an extended period.
The findings underscore the growing significance of information warfare within Ukraine's political landscape. Given the sheer volume of defamatory content, such campaigns have the potential to shape public opinion and influence political dynamics. Monitoring and analyzing these information flows is becoming increasingly critical amid the ongoing challenges of modern information conflicts.