Investigating Doppelgänger: German Journalists Confirm Links to Russian Ministry of Defense"
Russia’s “Doppelgänger” Campaign
An investigation by the German nonprofit Correctiv has revealed more details of Russia's "Doppelgänger" disinformation campaign, a covert operation orchestrated by the Ministry of Defense (MoD) to undermine Ukraine and its Western allies. The campaign involved creating fake news websites and social media accounts to spread disinformation that targeted international audiences, including U.S. and European voters.
Correctiv traced an IP address used in the operation to an employee at the MoD's Main Communications Directorate, further linking the campaign to Voentelecom, a telecom operator associated with Russia's military. In September 2024, the U.S. Justice Department shut down several campaign websites, seizing 32 internet domains, disseminating Kremlin propaganda, including content to influence the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Doppelgänger registered new domains through a German company, which shut down the sites after further inquiries by Correctiv.
The Doppelgänger campaign, directed by Putin’s inner circle, including Sergei Kiriyenko, utilized advanced tactics such as cybersquatting, AI-generated content, and fake social media profiles. It sought to undermine support for Ukraine, amplify pro-Russian narratives, and deepen societal divides in democratic nations.
Key Discovery
While Correctiv did not name specific individuals, The Insider, in an earlier investigation, identified Vadim Nikolaevich Lukyanchenko, a Ministry of Defense employee, as a central figure. Lukyanchenko’s records connect him directly to the MoD’s Main Communications Directorate, underscoring the Kremlin's direct involvement in the campaign. According to The Insider, Lukyanchenko works for the Russian Ministry of Defense and his name appears in MoD employee directories and telephone listings. Also, leaked databases link his personal details to Bolshoy Znamenka Lane, Building 21 in Moscow, home to the MoD’s Main Communications Directorate.
How Doppelgänger Worked
Doppelgänger was designed to clone trusted media outlets, amplifying fabricated stories to deceive audiences. These stories often include false quotes from celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Beyoncé, who were made to appear critical of Western aid to Ukraine. The campaign also pushed antisemitic and divisive content, targeting specific groups in the U.S., Europe, and Israel.
The operation's reliance on cutting-edge digital tools further exposed the depth of its sophistication. Estonian software company Apliteni confirmed to Correctiv that its redirection software, Keitaro, was used by Doppelgänger without the company’s knowledge, leading to the revocation of relevant licenses.
The Broader Implications
Doppelgänger’s ties to sanctioned entities such as Rostec and GRU Unit 54777, a division specializing in psychological operations, reveal its place within Russia's broader disinformation strategy. By exploiting digital platforms, Russia has demonstrated an alarming ability to manipulate public perception, erode trust in democratic institutions, and destabilize societies worldwide.
The Moment Democracies Can No Longer Ignore
The disruption of several of Doppelgänger’s operations marks an important step in the fight against state-sponsored disinformation, but it is far from the final victory. Doppelgänger is just one of many ongoing Russian information warfare operations that have been deployed over the years. Russia's ability to exploit open societies, manipulate public discourse, and influence foreign elections is not a new tactic; it has been part of its strategy for decades, dating back to Soviet times. This persistent campaign poses a serious threat to democratic institutions and global stability, and its impact continues to grow in the digital age.
To effectively counter these tactics, democracies must prioritize vigilance, invest in robust counter-disinformation measures, and strengthen international cooperation. Protecting the integrity of elections and the credibility of public discourse demands a proactive and sustained effort to expose and neutralize these operations.
Russia’s disinformation campaigns, like Doppelgänger, serve as a stark reminder that the digital battlefield is just as real, and often more devastating, than traditional warfare. While Russia may lack the military capability to confront the West on conventional fronts, its information warfare tactics have proven far more insidious and damaging to democracies. The West must recognize this new reality and respond accordingly, or risk losing the fight for truth and democratic values.
References
https://theins.ru/en/news/276371
https://theins.press/en/news/269114
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