How Russia’s Propaganda Machine Weaponizes Mobilization in Ukraine

A recent media study finds that Russia is increasingly employing disinformation efforts to disrupt Ukraine’s mobilization system, increase public fear, and destroy trust in governmental institutions.

Mobilization has become a major pressure point during the continuing conflict, making it a prime target for psychological operations aimed at reducing society resilience, The Kyiv Independent has found.

False Claims Used to Fuel Panic

One of the most widely circulated narratives was the fabricated claim that Ukraine’s Supreme Court had authorized citizens to shoot employees of Territorial Recruitment Centers (TCCs). Russian media outlets portrayed this as a “historic verdict,” meaning that Ukrainians might legitimately defy mobilization authorities by using violence.

The investigation revealed no evidence of such a ruling. Ukraine’s official court registry contains no such ruling, and the Supreme Court lacks the authority to legalize violence against military members.

The report was a deliberate fabrication designed to depict the Ukrainian government as unfriendly to its population, deflecting blame away from Russia and instilling internal distrust.

Exploiting Real Problems With Half-Truths

Russian information operations frequently use bits of truth to make fake narratives more credible. Ukraine’s mobilization system, like any other organization functioning under wartime conditions, confronts significant obstacles, including sporadic incidences of misconduct among TCC staff and attempts by some individuals to avoid service.

Although genuine, the scope of these difficulties remains restricted. Russian propaganda exaggerates these difficulties into assertions of systemic failure, suggesting that the entire mobilization infrastructure is corrupt, illegal, or violent.

Disinformation blurs the distinction between accurate criticism and manipulation by presenting single events as pervasive patterns.

From Information Operation to Real-World Harm

The inquiry discovered that misrepresentation concerning mobilization is increasingly resulting in offline aggression. Propaganda networks, which include pseudo-legal activists and populist media characters, have helped organize efforts encouraging opposition to official institutions.

The narrative that depicts mobilization as coercive and violent fosters a climate in which citizens feel justified in confronting or attacking TCC personnel.

A notable example occurred in February 2024 in the village of Kosmach, where false rumors linked to Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) incited riots and physical violence. Similar events have been reported since, revealing how internet influence can grow into physical dangers to public order.

Strategic Use of Fear, Emotional Manipulation, and AI

Russian propaganda largely depends on terror, dehumanization, and emotionally charged content to influence public opinion. Mobilization is portrayed as arbitrary, dangerous, or illegal, with civilians cast as victims of an uncaring state.

AI-generated images and fake evidence are increasingly being employed to elevate the credibility and shareability of these narratives.

Mobilization as a Permanent Target

As the war progresses, mobilization is critical to Ukraine’s survival, making it a long-term target for hostile influence operations. The lack of a set service term—soldiers serve until the conflict is over—adds to popular fear, which Russia aggressively exploits.

Structural difficulties, such as overcrowded recruitment centers and ineffective collaboration with local authorities, exacerbate information security vulnerabilities. Uncertainty about service quality, benefits, and new contract types exacerbates suspicion.

Changing Recruitment Policies and New Incentives

To improve recruiting, Ukraine implemented a voluntary service arrangement known as Contract 18-24 y.o. in February 2025. This new approach aims to attract young volunteers by providing large financial incentives, including 1 million UAH (about $25,000) in bonuses. However, disparities in rewards between new members and those who joined earlier have caused tensions within society, which Russia hopes to exploit.