UK Sanctions Russian Agencies Linked to Disinformation Network
The UK government has imposed sanctions on six Russian agencies and individuals accused of being part of a disinformation network known as the Doppelganger group. This network is alleged to have spread false rumors about the Princess of Wales, particularly during her health-related absence from public life earlier this year. The Foreign Office described the group as operating a “vast malign online network” aimed at sowing discord among countries supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, warning that their actions threaten to undermine democratic processes.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned the group’s tactics, stating, “Putin is so desperate to undermine European support for Ukraine he is now resorting to clumsy, ineffective efforts to try and stoke unrest.” The sanctions target multiple entities, including the Social Design Agency and Structura National Technologies, alongside individuals such as Ilya Andreevich Gambashidze. The UK Foreign Office emphasized that the disinformation campaign exploits social media, creating fake news sites to mislead users and promote divisive narratives.
The sanctions received support from the US State Department, which highlighted the need to combat Kremlin-produced disinformation. Experts from Cardiff University noted that the Doppelganger group uses numerous disposable social media accounts to flood information channels, amplifying narratives that seem less overtly political. This approach has been particularly effective in generating public discourse around sensitive topics, allowing the group to disseminate anti-Ukrainian messages while attacking key British institutions like the Royal Family.
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