Ukrainian Embassy in Greece Hosts #BreakTheFake Event to Combat Disinformation
ATHENS – In a world increasingly grappling with the insidious spread of disinformation, particularly as a tool wielded by authoritarian regimes, the Embassy of Ukraine in Greece convened a crucial event on Wednesday, June 4th, under the banner of the international initiative #BreakTheFake. The gathering served as a platform to dissect the intricate machinery behind Russian disinformation campaigns, amplify the voices of those directly impacted by the war in Ukraine, and explore effective strategies to counter the corrosive effects of disinformation on democratic values and social cohesion across Europe. The event, held in the heart of Athens, attracted a diverse audience eager to understand and address this pressing challenge.
The evening’s proceedings were punctuated by a deeply moving and personal account from Roman Borshch, a former prisoner of war. Borshch’s testimony, delivered with remarkable dignity and raw emotional power, offered a chilling glimpse into the inhumane conditions he endured during his captivity. His words resonated deeply with the audience, painting a vivid picture of the psychological and physical trauma inflicted by the ongoing conflict. Borshch’s bravery in sharing his experiences served as a stark reminder of the human cost of disinformation and the war it fuels.
Volodymyr Liashenko, Chargé d’Affaires of the Ukrainian Embassy in Athens, extended his gratitude to the attendees for their engagement in this critical dialogue. He underscored the vital importance of fostering international collaboration and raising public awareness to effectively combat disinformation narratives. Liashenko’s remarks framed the event within the larger context of the ongoing information war, highlighting the need for collective vigilance and action.
The event featured a panel of experts dedicated to exposing and countering disinformation. Michael Dankanych, spearheading the #BreakTheFake project, provided insights into the innovative tools and international partnerships being forged to tackle this complex issue. He outlined the project’s multifaceted approach, emphasizing the importance of cross-border collaboration and information sharing to effectively combat disinformation campaigns originating from Russia. Dankanych’s presentation offered a hopeful perspective on the potential of collective action to dismantle the infrastructure of disinformation networks.
Adding a local perspective to the discussion, Elena Vatala, a fact-checker from the renowned Greek fact-checking organization Ellinika Hoaxes, explored the specific challenges of verifying information within the Greek media landscape. Vatala shed light on the techniques employed by purveyors of disinformation and emphasized the crucial role of media literacy in empowering citizens to critically assess information and identify falsehoods. Her insights highlighted the importance of local initiatives in combating the spread of disinformation within specific cultural and linguistic contexts.
The discourse was expertly moderated by Kathimerini journalist Loukas Velidakis, whose insightful questions and thoughtful guidance ensured a dynamic and in-depth exploration of the topic. Velidakis skillfully facilitated a robust exchange of ideas, fostering an environment of open dialogue and critical thinking. His moderation contributed significantly to the event’s success in fostering meaningful conversation.
The formal proceedings concluded with a lively Q&A session, providing attendees with the opportunity to directly engage with the speakers and delve deeper into specific aspects of the discussion. Following the Q&A, the event transitioned into an informal reception, where attendees could continue their conversations in a more relaxed setting over refreshments. This less formal element of the evening fostered valuable networking opportunities and allowed for more personal interactions between participants and speakers, further enriching the overall experience. The event successfully combined impactful presentations with personal testimonies and interactive discussions, leaving attendees with a renewed sense of urgency and a deeper understanding of the critical role they play in combating disinformation. The Ukrainian Embassy’s commitment to fostering this crucial dialogue underscores the importance of international collaboration and public awareness in the ongoing fight against disinformation. In a world where the truth is constantly under attack, such initiatives are more vital than ever in safeguarding democratic values and promoting a more informed and resilient society.