INFORMATION THREATS AND VECTORS FOR PROTECTING UKRAINE’S INFORMATION SPACE DURING THE RUSSO-UKRAINIAN WAR

Abstract

The study explores contemporary threats to media and information systems, trends in the development of methods of conducting information warfare in the context of the 21st-century Russian-Ukrainian war. The history of the develop- ment of information and psychological operations conducted by the Russian Fe- deration against Ukraine, including the resource base and institutions involved in implementing destructive information influences, is examined in detail. The methodology of conducting information operations, their peculiarities, and dis- tinguishing features during the period of the Russian-Ukrainian military confron- tation are described.

The threats and challenges posed by the rapid development of artificial intel- ligence (AI) technology are analyzed, and methods of using AI in destructive information operations are explored. The study describes how the Russian Fe- deration employs technologies for generating synthetic images, audio, video, and textual content to conduct information and psychological attacks both prior to and during its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It is proven that the intensity and complexity of destructive influences aimed at discrediting Ukraine significantly increased after the invasion began in 2022. Potential future developments in such influences, aimed at intensifying informational pressure on Ukraine and the inter- national community from the Russian Federation, are detailed.

It is established that one of the key threats and challenges for Ukraine’s informa- tion space is the population’s low level of media literacy. The actions of the state aimed at raising public awareness are analyzed, and possible improvements to the regulatory and institutional framework are proposed. The study clarifies the legal framework of Ukrainian legislation for the strategic protection of informa- tion systems and outlines its development trajectory over the past decade.

Prospective changes to Ukraine’s regulatory framework are suggested for the comprehensive and detailed development of a strategy to protect national infor- mation, media, and social networks. The necessity of urgently creating effective protection mechanisms through the use of existing law enforcement agencies and institutions for rapid response to new information threats from the Russian Federation is emphasized. The critical need to further improve the domestic sys- tem for protecting information networks from destructive influences is identified, focusing on enhancing the national component and fostering cooperation with international partners. The article aims to investigate modern trends in the deve- lopment of information threats and vectors for improving security systems and protection methods against destructive influences. These findings can be used to develop an effective model for countering hostile and destructive actions.