IPSOS as a tool of hybrid warfare. How Russia uses information attacks against Ukraine

When I first heard about the abbreviation IPSO, I had no idea that it concealed a whole world of information manipulation.

IPSO stands for "information-psychological special operations." This term is primarily used in the context of military and political strategies, where information becomes a powerful weapon capable of influencing the consciousness of the masses and decision-making.

IPSO aims to influence the opponent or the population through specially prepared information. This can include both truthful data and disinformation, or manipulative mixing of truth with fiction. The main goal is to change people's thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors in favor of those conducting these operations.

Recall the events of recent years when social networks and the media became battlegrounds no less than real combat actions. For example, during conflicts or election campaigns, we often hear about mass fakes, fake news, trolls, and bots spreading certain information. All of this is manifestations of IPSO, where key elements include manipulation, creating panic, or, conversely, calming the population, imposing a certain agenda.

Examples of IPSO can also be found in our everyday lives. Remember how often we see posts on social media that evoke strong emotions - fear, anger, or joy. Often, there is a clear intention behind such posts to provoke a certain reaction in us. In the age of information technology, each of us becomes a potential target for IPSO, so it is important to develop critical thinking and be able to distinguish truth from manipulation.

Russia is known for its mastery in conducting information-psychological special operations (IPSO), and this has been particularly evident in its actions against Ukraine. The war between Ukraine and Russia is not limited to physical combat actions; it also includes massive information attacks aimed at demoralizing Ukrainian society, undermining trust in the authorities, and international support.

Russian propaganda resources systematically create and spread fake news. These can be completely fabricated stories or manipulative interpretations of real events. For example, at the beginning of the conflict, fakes about the " crucified boy" in Sloviansk and other horrific stories were spread to evoke fear and hatred towards the Ukrainian side.

Russia conducts large-scale cyber attacks on Ukrainian government and private structures. The aim of these attacks is both to steal information and to distort or destroy it. Such actions are often accompanied by information campaigns that create chaos and uncertainty among the population.

Russia actively uses social networks to spread its propaganda. Numerous fake accounts, bots, and trolls are created for this purpose, which massively disseminate pro-Russian narratives, attack Ukrainian activists and journalists, and create the illusion of widespread support for pro-Russian views.

Russian IPSO is aimed at undermining trust in the Ukrainian government and its decisions. This includes campaigns that foster disillusionment in Ukrainian leaders, spread corruption scandals, or accusations of incompetence. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, disinformation about the Ukrainian government's inability to effectively combat the virus was actively disseminated. Language and cultural manipulations

Russia constantly exploits the language issue, trying to divide Ukrainian society. Propagandists emphasize the "oppression of Russian-speaking citizens" in Ukraine, creating the impression that the Ukrainian authorities allegedly persecute Russian-speaking citizens.

Russia conducts active IPSO not only within Ukraine but also on the international stage. The goal is to convince the world that Ukraine is a failed state that does not deserve support. For this purpose, pro-Russian media, analytical centers, as well as individual politicians and experts are used to spread narratives favorable to Russia.

Ukraine constantly has to fight against these information attacks. It is important to understand that in the age of digital technology, information security becomes as important as physical security. Therefore, Ukrainian citizens must be informed and able to critically perceive the information they receive from various sources. Only in this way can they effectively counter information attacks and protect their information space.