The "Achilles' Heel" Of Kremlin Propaganda Has Been Found

11.11.2026, 18:10

Why the Ukrainian Armed Forces' strikes on data centers are so important.

Strikes by Ukrainian drones on Russian data centers temporarily disrupted the operations of some propaganda networks, but did not halt the Kremlin’s information operations. At the same time, the attacks revealed just how much the Russian influence machine relies on digital infrastructure, social media platforms, and algorithms that enable it to shape public opinion. This is not just about bots, but about an entire system of psychological and social manipulation, writes CEPA.

Following the attacks on Yandex facilities, the President of Ukraine stated that social media has become easier to use, with fewer bots, provocations, and artificial conflict-stoking.

However, there is no evidence of a significant weakening of the entire Russian propaganda system. It relies not only on servers but also on cloud platforms, home internet connections, and international content delivery networks.

“The strikes on data centers proved important not because they shut down the propaganda machine, but because they briefly exposed the infrastructure behind it,” writes the deputy head of the Ukrainian Center for Security and Cooperation.

Russia is shifting from spreading individual disinformation stories to so-called “cognitive warfare.” Using artificial intelligence and algorithms, it analyzes users’ behavior, fears, and vulnerabilities, and then presents them with carefully curated content.

The goal of such campaigns is not only to convince people of a specific version of events, but also to sow distrust in institutions, exacerbate social divisions, and deprive people of their ability to act collectively.

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