Bots responded to local crises (e.g. power outages, gas and medical shortages) to frame the occupiers as stable providers, in contrast to a “failing” Ukrainian state. Read more on the OpenMinds website.

Nearly one in six comments (44,700) mentioned Zelenskyy, making him the most targeted individual. By contrast, Putin was mentioned only 5,500 times.

Every third bot comment was unique, rewritten with generative AI to simulate humanlike messaging. Pro-Russian narratives appeared twice as often in TOT-focused channels as in other Telegram spaces, showing a targeted effort to shape perception in occupied regions.

The scale of the bot-driven campaign is enormous. A single Telegram bot account, @nieucqanoberr, posted 1,391 comments in one day, pushing 40 different pro-Kremlin themes. Bots cite Western media (including The New York Times) to add credibility.

We analysed over 316,000 comments and 3,600 bot accounts to uncover a massive influence campaign conducted by Russia over several years to manipulate public opinion in Ukraine’s temporarily occupied territories (TOT). Here’s what we found:

Our report with @DFRLab, “Digital Occupation: Pro-Russian Bot Networks Target Ukraine's Occupied Territories on Telegram,” is now public. https://t.co/Xrakw2tTjm

On July 16, 10:00 AM ET, join us to hear insights from the research team. Register via the link and take the opportunity to ask your questions directly: https://t.co/9LDZKSDnAE

The full report goes public next Wednesday, but if you want to get the findings first-hand, directly from the researchers behind the investigation, don’t miss our online event “Digital Occupation: Inside Russia’s Telegram Battle in Ukraine”.

Together with @DFRLab , we’ve exposed how occupation isn’t just about controlling territory, it’s about dominating the information space and reshaping perceptions and beliefs.

One bot. One day. Almost 1,400 comments amplifying pro-Kremlin narratives. Now multiply that by 3,600+ accounts, and you’ll begin to see just a glimpse of how large-scale Russian propaganda operates across Ukraine’s temporarily occupied territories.

Our CEO, @s_hnizdovskyi , will take part in an Oxford-style debate: “Should governments have the right to censor or control the Internet during cyber conflict?” 🚀 You’ll also find us at the CyCon Icebreaker – expo, showcasing the latest work of OpenMinds. Let’s connect #CyCon

💡Where do we draw the line between the national security and digital freedom? That’s the question we’re bringing to the stage at CyCon 2025, an international @ccdcoe conference on cyber defense, taking place May 27–30 in Tallinn.

It’s an honour to be selected alongside other strong Ukrainian teams who are creating innovative, high-impact solutions. → https://t.co/lbOw7iOK5n

This is a meaningful recognition of the work we do and the path we've chosen — protecting societies from malign influence, challenging their freedom and future. We’re sincerely grateful not only for the funding, but also for the mentorship and product support provided by @Google.

We’re proud to share that OpenMinds has been selected to receive funding from the @GoogleStartups Ukraine Support Fund.

📊 The full analysis, including charts and threat typologies, is available here: https://t.co/zenVLWiasx

After a short-lived decline in early 2025, the Kremlin has doubled down — escalating its rhetoric and shifting its focus from the U.S. to Europe. What we’re seeing is not a move toward lasting peace, but a strategic recalibration of the threat narrative.

🔍 Ukraine remains the primary focus, with over 10,000 threatening posts recorded. 🔍 The RTI surged to 158 in April — nearly double the January figure — marking the end of a brief rhetorical thaw.

The Kremlin has warned of “World War 3,” threatened to destroy all European military bases, and described missile strikes as “treatment” for European politicians. 🔍 Military threats dominate Kremlin rhetoric, making up 55% of all tracked content.

However, this isn’t a sign of de-escalation. Instead, Europe is now bearing the brunt of Russian aggression, with a sharp rise in threats targeting Germany, France, Poland, and the UK.