Destructive narratives about migrants disguised as jokes
The Center has observed a new wave of supposedly “humorous” videos on social media that mock or sensationalize Ukraine’s future by focusing on the influx of foreign migrant workers. Under the guise of humor, the authors are attempting to provoke internal conflicts. russian channels have been identified among those distributing this content.
Newly created accounts play an active role, purposefully spreading content exclusively on this topic. This tactic is characteristic of russian propaganda, where AI-generated videos with desired narratives are mass-distributed.
The labor shortage is used as a pretext. The videos aim to stir fears of “loss of identity,” “population replacement,” and “the futility of fighting russian occupiers.”
Propagandist Yuriy Lisovskyi has joined the campaign, playing into hostile narratives by releasing “humorous” songs and AI-generated videos about migrants. Lisovsky, whose accounts have been repeatedly blocked for spreading disinformation, systematically works to undermine trust in state institutions.
Artem Dmytruk, a member of parliament subject to sanctions, has also joined the campaign. He shared a video purportedly showing “Indian migrants” in Ukrainian water bodies, which in reality turned out to be archival footage from two years ago or a video sequence filmed directly in India.
The content is actively reposted and created not only by bots but also by real users who pick up on the “trending” topic without realizing its destructive purpose.
russia is seeking to use tactics for stoking anti-immigrant sentiment — which have already been tested in EU countries — to try to destabilize Ukrainian society.
It is important that this issue remains within the realm of professional discussion and responsible decision-making so that the russians cannot exploit it to their advantage.
