Ukraine and Lithuania Forge Stronger Alliance Against Russian Disinformation
Kyiv, Ukraine – In a strategic move to counter the pervasive threat of Russian disinformation and propaganda, Ukraine and Lithuania have pledged to deepen their cooperation in strategic communications. This commitment was solidified during a high-level meeting between Andrii Nadzhos, Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications for European Integration, and Lithuanian representatives, including Ambassador Inga Stanyte-Tolockiene and Dalia Bankauskaite, an expert from the Ukraine2EU program. The discussions focused on developing a joint action plan for 2025, prioritizing the fight against disinformation and the promotion of accurate narratives about Ukraine. This partnership underscores the growing recognition of strategic communication as a critical front in the ongoing conflict, crucial for galvanizing public support and countering manipulative narratives. The meeting builds on a foundation of Lithuanian support for Ukraine, extending back to the initial Russian aggression in 2014.
The meeting highlighted the urgent need to counteract the relentless barrage of disinformation emanating from Russia, aimed at distorting the realities of the war, justifying its aggression, and downplaying its atrocities. Both nations acknowledged the crucial role of strategic communication in exposing these deceptive tactics and presenting the truth to the world. Nadzhos expressed gratitude for Lithuania’s steadfast support, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in combating disinformation. He stressed the need to expose the truth about Ukraine, its rich culture, and its complex history, counteracting the distorted narratives propagated by the aggressor. Ambassador Stanyte-Tolockiene reaffirmed Lithuania’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine, pledging continued support for its cultural preservation and its resistance against Russian aggression.
The joint action plan for 2025 will focus on several key areas, including bolstering Ukraine’s information resilience, enhancing cooperation in identifying and debunking disinformation campaigns, and promoting accurate narratives about Ukraine’s culture, history, and its ongoing struggle for sovereignty. Recognizing the sophisticated nature of Russian disinformation operations, the plan will prioritize proactive communication strategies to preemptively address and debunk false narratives. This proactive approach will involve leveraging various platforms and media channels to disseminate factual information and expose disinformation campaigns. The partnership will also focus on capacity building within Ukraine’s strategic communications infrastructure, ensuring its effectiveness in countering disinformation threats.
The meeting also addressed the critical need to communicate effectively about Ukraine’s ongoing European integration efforts. Bankauskaite underscored the importance of a focused information campaign to highlight the progress made in this area, countering any misinformation intended to undermine Ukraine’s aspirations for closer ties with Europe. This aspect of the partnership acknowledges the strategic importance of public perception and support for Ukraine’s integration process, both domestically and within the European Union. The information campaign will aim to clarify the benefits of integration, address public concerns, and counter any misleading narratives propagated by those opposed to Ukraine’s closer alignment with Europe.
Furthermore, the discussions explored potential funding opportunities, the identification of new partners, and the development of effective tools to implement these initiatives. Specific projects mentioned included "Creative Europe," organized by the European Union, and "Journalists Matter," a campaign by the Council of Europe. These initiatives underscore the commitment to strengthening media literacy, supporting independent journalism, and promoting ethical reporting, all crucial in the fight against disinformation. By collaborating on these projects, Ukraine and Lithuania aim to foster a more resilient information environment, empowering citizens to critically evaluate information and resist manipulation.
The strengthened cooperation between Ukraine and Lithuania signifies a crucial step in the ongoing battle against disinformation. This partnership builds upon existing collaborations and leverages the strengths of both nations to create a more robust and coordinated response. By sharing best practices, resources, and expertise, Ukraine and Lithuania are enhancing their capacity to effectively combat disinformation, safeguard their democratic values, and protect their citizens from manipulative narratives. This joint effort serves as a model for international cooperation in the fight against disinformation, demonstrating the importance of collective action in addressing this global challenge. The sustained focus on countering disinformation is not merely a tactical response to immediate threats but also a strategic investment in safeguarding the integrity of information spaces and strengthening democratic resilience in the long term.