#OperationOverload uncovered a concerted effort to target fact-checkers, newsrooms, and researchers worldwide, depleting their resources and exploiting credible information ecosystems to propagate the Kremlin’s political agenda
The operation’s tactics include flooding media organisations with anonymous emails containing links to fabricated content and anti-Ukraine narratives, with a particular focus on France and Germany.
Over 800 organisations were targeted via a network of fake accounts on X, demonstrating clear markers of coordinated inauthentic behaviour. Despite these indicators, X has consistently failed to curb the network’s activities, allowing many of these assets to remain active. A key tactic, termed “content amalgamation,” involves blending various content types to create cohesive, multi-layered stories.
These stories are strategically amplified across platforms to instil a false sense of urgency among journalists and fact-checkers.
Additionally, the operation involves impersonating legitimate Western media and individuals and linking false narratives to real-world events to enhance their credibility.