How one invented claim becomes a chatbot’s confident answer in cognitive warfare: Ukraine’s drone chief maps Russia’s AI attack
Russia floods AI chatbots with millions of fake articles so they repeat Kremlin narratives as fact
Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces commander Robert "Madiar" Brovdi warns of a cognitive warfare strategy employed by Russia against Ukraine. Russia is inundating the internet with millions of fake articles through its "Pravda" network, consisting of nearly 200 sites in multiple languages, in an effort to manipulate AI chatbots into repeating Kremlin narratives as facts.
Brovdi explains that this cognitive operation goes beyond mere disinformation. It aims to shape deeply ingrained beliefs that drive people's attitudes, decisions, and behavior. People often rely on chatbots for answers to questions like "why did X happen?," and they tend to accept the instant answers without verifying their sources.
Brovdi claims that AI does not know the truth; it simply repeats the information found on the internet. The Russian strategy works by first inventing a lie, such as an accusation against Ukrainian soldiers, and then spreading it across thousands of sites, often in various languages. This creates the illusion of independent confirmations.
When a person asks an AI chatbot a question, the AI may unknowingly repeat the fabricated information, leading the person to believe it as fact. This repetition of lies through AI chatbots has a strategic impact, as it can shape people's decisions and even influence how they perceive the truth. Brovdi emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and not relying solely on AI for information verification, stating that people should always check the source and the information themselves.
Written by urgent.news from Euromaidan Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
