Ukraine’s Reliance on Telegram for News Deepens Amidst Disinformation Concerns
In a nation grappling with ongoing conflict and a relentless barrage of disinformation, Ukrainians are increasingly turning to the encrypted messaging app Telegram as their primary source of news and information. A recent nationwide poll conducted by the Rating polling organization and the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) reveals that 51% of Ukrainians now rely on Telegram channels for news, a significant jump from 47% in 2024. This reliance underscores the platform’s growing influence in shaping public opinion within the country, even as concerns about disinformation remain prominent.
The survey, conducted between July 31st and August 5th, 2025, paints a complex picture of Ukraine’s media landscape. While Telegram dominates as the preferred news source, other platforms like YouTube, with its burgeoning community of bloggers and commentators, also play a substantial role, capturing 25% of the audience. Traditional media, including the national joint 24/7 newscast, maintains a presence, with 21% of respondents citing it as a primary source. Significantly, personal networks – friends, relatives, and colleagues – remain influential, with 22% of Ukrainians relying on these interpersonal connections for information.
However, this reliance on digital platforms brings with it a heightened awareness of the spread of disinformation. The survey highlights social media giants Facebook and Instagram as the primary culprits, with 58% of respondents identifying them as major sources of fake news. Messaging platforms, including Telegram itself, are also a significant concern, with 45% of Ukrainians believing they contribute to the spread of misinformation. This represents a marked increase from 35% in 2024, suggesting a growing awareness of the potential for manipulation within these closed communication channels. Traditional media like television also face scrutiny, with 27% of respondents expressing concerns about disinformation, although this figure has decreased slightly from the previous year.
Amid this complex information environment, Ukrainians are placing their trust in specific sources to counter the tide of fake news. Independent journalists emerge as the most trusted figures, with 44% of respondents expressing confidence in their ability to debunk false narratives. The Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD), a government body dedicated to combating misinformation, also enjoys high levels of trust, with 42% of respondents relying on its expertise. The Office of the President, international organizations, and civil society organizations also hold a degree of public trust in this crucial area.
The survey also delves into the specific platforms where Ukrainians subscribe to public channels for news and updates. Telegram again dominates, with 62% of respondents subscribing to channels on the platform. YouTube follows with 32%, and Facebook trails behind at 22%. Other platforms like Viber, Instagram, and TikTok have a lower penetration for news consumption, suggesting a clear preference for the immediacy and directness of Telegram and YouTube.
The evolving media landscape in Ukraine presents both opportunities and challenges. The rise of Telegram offers a platform for direct communication and access to diverse viewpoints, particularly in a context where traditional media may face restrictions or biases. However, the same features that make Telegram appealing also contribute to the spread of unverified information and propaganda. The challenge for Ukraine, and indeed for democracies worldwide, is to foster media literacy and critical thinking skills, empowering citizens to navigate this complex information environment effectively and identify credible sources amidst the noise. The increasing trust in independent journalists and institutions like the CCD offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting a growing public appetite for fact-checking and accountability in the face of disinformation.
The EUAM, recognizing the crucial role of information integrity in Ukraine’s democratic development, has been conducting this annual survey since 2015. The 2025 findings, based on a robust sample of 2,000 respondents across the country (excluding temporarily occupied territories), provide valuable insights into the evolving information landscape and the challenges faced by Ukrainian society in navigating the complexities of truth and falsehood in the digital age. The survey methodology, employing computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATI), ensures a high degree of accuracy and representativeness, offering a crucial snapshot of public opinion during a period of ongoing conflict and transformation.