UK Sanctions Russian Disinformation Network Accused of Targeting Princess of Wales and Undermining Support for Ukraine
The UK government has imposed sanctions on six Russian entities and individuals accused of being part of a sophisticated disinformation network known as "Doppelganger." This group is alleged to have orchestrated a campaign of online manipulation and fake news dissemination aimed at sowing discord, undermining democratic processes, and eroding support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. The sanctions represent a decisive step by the UK to counter what it describes as a "vast malign online network" intent on disrupting international stability.
The Doppelganger network’s activities came to light earlier this year when it was linked to spreading false rumors about the Princess of Wales, Catherine. While the princess was dealing with a health issue and out of the public eye, the network amplified a wave of baseless speculation and conspiracy theories about her absence. This incident highlighted the group’s willingness to exploit sensitive topics and target prominent figures to achieve its disruptive aims. Security experts at Cardiff University identified Doppelganger as the source of the online rumors.
The UK Foreign Office accuses Doppelganger of employing sophisticated tactics to deceive online audiences. The network creates numerous fake versions of legitimate news websites, carefully designed to mimic credible sources. These counterfeit sites are then promoted through social media channels, tricking unsuspecting users into consuming fabricated information. This strategy aims to manipulate public opinion, exacerbate existing divisions within societies, and create confusion about current events.
The Doppelganger network’s disinformation campaign goes beyond simply spreading false narratives. It also encompasses the creation and dissemination of "deepfake" materials, utilizing artificial intelligence to fabricate realistic but entirely fake videos and audio recordings. This tactic, combined with the propagation of counterfeit documents, further blurs the lines between truth and fiction, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to discern credible information from manipulated content. The Foreign Office states this disinformation "plagues social media".
The sanctioned entities include the Social Design Agency, Structura National Technologies, Ano Dialog, and individuals Ilya Andreevich Gambashidze, Nikolay Aleksandrovich Tupikin, and Andrey Naumovich Perla. These individuals and organizations are believed to be key players in the Doppelganger network’s operations. The sanctions aim to disrupt their activities by freezing their assets and prohibiting UK individuals and businesses from engaging in transactions with them. The UK government’s actions underscore its determination to hold those responsible for online manipulation accountable.
While the Kremlin has consistently denied accusations of online interference, the US State Department welcomed the UK’s sanctions announcement. The US has highlighted the growing threat posed by Kremlin-backed disinformation campaigns, particularly in the context of elections. Experts warn that these campaigns often seek to exploit existing societal tensions by focusing on divisive issues such as immigration and identity politics. The strategy aims to amplify these divisions and undermine trust in democratic institutions. The ongoing research into these tactics underscores the importance of international collaboration in combating disinformation and protecting the integrity of democratic processes.
The UK’s accusations against the Doppelganger network are not isolated incidents. The French government has also linked the group to attempts to undermine support for Ukraine and disrupt elections. These coordinated disinformation efforts highlight a broader pattern of malicious activity aimed at destabilizing Western democracies and eroding international support for Ukraine. The Doppelganger network’s willingness to exploit sensitive topics and target high-profile figures demonstrates the calculated nature of these campaigns.
The UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, has issued a strong condemnation of these activities, stating that "Putin is so desperate to undermine European support for Ukraine he is now resorting to clumsy, ineffective efforts to try and stoke unrest." This statement reflects the growing frustration among Western governments with the Kremlin’s alleged disinformation campaigns. The sanctions represent a concrete step to push back against these efforts and hold those responsible accountable.
Professor Martin Innes, director of the Security, Crime and Intelligence Innovation Institute at Cardiff University, has shed light on Doppelganger’s tactics. He explains that the group uses vast numbers of disposable social media accounts to flood online platforms with targeted narratives, often related to specific news stories. This technique aims to amplify chosen narratives and manipulate public discourse. Professor Innes emphasizes that these efforts can be particularly effective when disguised as seemingly apolitical narratives which can draw on pre-existing anxieties and beliefs. In the case of the rumours surrounding the Princess of Wales, Doppelganger exploited public concern about her absence to spread anti-Ukrainian messaging while simultaneously attacking a key British institution, the Royal Family. This incident underscores the group’s calculated and multi-layered approach.
Researchers at Cardiff University’s Security, Crime and Intelligence Innovation Institute have been closely analyzing the impact of Russian "political technologists" engaged in online interference. Their research indicates that these specialists have studied events such as the Brexit referendum in the UK – identifying how to create division and exploit sensitive topics – and are sharing this knowledge globally and training. Furthermore, they aim to train others with a view to influencing the upcoming US presidential elections. This finding highlights the transnational nature of these disinformation campaigns and the need for international cooperation to counter them.
The researchers’ analysis also emphasizes that these disinformation specialists often target "wedge issues" such as immigration and identity politics. By amplifying these divisive issues, they seek to exacerbate existing tensions within societies and undermine trust in democratic processes. This strategy aims to create a climate of polarization and distrust, making it more difficult for societies to address complex challenges and maintain social cohesion. The research underscores the sophisticated and targeted nature of these campaigns, and the need for ongoing vigilance and analysis.
The UK’s sanctions against the Doppelganger network represent a significant step in the ongoing fight against online disinformation. These actions aim to disrupt the network’s operations, hold its members accountable, and send a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated. However, the sophisticated nature of these campaigns, coupled with the rapid evolution of online platforms, requires a sustained and coordinated international response. As disinformation tactics continue to evolve, ongoing research, collaboration, and innovative countermeasures will be essential to safeguarding democratic institutions and maintaining a well-informed and resilient public sphere. The case of Doppelganger serves as a stark reminder of the complex challenges posed by disinformation in the digital age and the urgent need for robust responses to protect democratic values and societal cohesion.
