This study provides further evidence that the Pravda Network is a highly sophisticated and rapidly expanding disinformation ecosystem designed to globally promote pro-Kremlin narratives. The infrastructure analysed comprises a system of 87 subdomains, each tailored to specific countries, languages, or public figures.
The Pravda Network functions as a continuously operating propaganda machine, injecting disinformation into the media landscape around the clock. As previous studies have shown, its primary objective is not to directly influence audiences, but rather to manipulate artificial intelligence and language models that indiscriminately train on propaganda content.
It serves as a tangible example of the strategy outlined by Russian propagandist John Dougan: flooding digital ecosystems with content intended to influence AI algorithms. In doing so, the network fuses traditional propaganda tactics with modern techniques of digital manipulation, effectively adapting to the evolving information landscape. However, the purpose of the study was not merely to confirm previous findings. By systematically examining over 4.3 million articles and drawing on a vast database of more than 8,000 sources, this study highlights Telegram’s pivotal role as the primary channel for content distribution – accounting for as much as 75% of the aggregated material.
A temporal analysis clearly illustrates the network’s dynamic growth – the number of articles published rose sharply in 2023-2024, and the upward trend continues into 2025. This heavy reliance on automation and the mass production of content suggests that, for the Kremlin, scale takes precedence over quality – quantity is key to exerting influence.
Furthermore, the network not only duplicates content from major outlets such as TASS and RT, but also incorporates material from lesser-known aggregators – distinguished not by audience size, but by the sheer volume of content they produce. This amplifies the reach and impact of the Russian worldview, increasing its penetration into the global information space.
With access to the Pravda Network’s full database, we encourage other organisations to collaborate in mapping local ‘information bubbles’ – smaller networks targeting specific countries. This could help address existing gaps in the analysis, as this research indicates that Pravda’s key sources do not necessarily have the largest audiences, but they do generate the greatest volume of content. As a result, certain channels may remain ‘under the radar’ of organisations monitoring information threats.
Author: Jakub Kubś
You can read the full study at the GLOBSEC website
