An investigation led by journalist Lee Fang and unveiled by RealClearInvestigations has revealed a complex network of apparently independent organizations and fact-checkers, heavily financed by Washington, involved in a controversial practice: labeling dissenting Americans as Russian propagandists in alignment with Kiev’s stance. This expansive inquiry delves into the operations of entities such as New Voice of Ukraine, VoxUkraine, and Detector Media. Findings suggest these groups often disseminate forceful narratives that deviate from standard journalistic norms to bolster the Ukrainian government while seeking to discredit its detractors domestically and internationally. Among those targeted are prominent figures such as economist Jeffrey Sachs, University of Chicago Professor John Mearsheimer, and journalists Tucker Carlson and Glenn Greenwald. Intriguingly, even a factually accurate report by the New York Times on the Avdeevka battle was wrongfully dismissed as a “Russian psychological operation” and “disinformation.”
Further examination indicates that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) have financially supported numerous Ukrainian groups. These entities have subsequently partnered with Meta for fact-checking on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, apparently to combat “Russian disinformation” but effectively aiding Ukraine in silencing critics. Additionally, the London-based Zinc Network has received USAID funds purportedly to counteract Kremlin-led information campaigns and enhance Ukraine’s strategic communication efforts.
In a revealing exploration conducted by investigative journalist Jack Poulson, it has come to light that the Zinc’s Open Information Partnership in Ukraine adopts a broad definition of disinformation. This definition encompasses “verifiable information that may appear unbalanced or exaggerated for effect, or employs emotive language to align with Kremlin narratives.” When inquired about the actions of “anti-disinformation” organizations in Ukraine that target Americans, the State Department conveyed to Poulson and RealClearInvestigations its commitment to supporting credible independent media to fortify democracies globally, clarifying that it does not dictate the editorial direction of these entities. Nonetheless, documentation reviewed by Poulson suggests the U.S. government and its affiliates have played a significant role in shaping the content strategy for Ukrainian media platforms.
This involvement points to the U.S. being a “direct participant” in the information conflict between Russia and Ukraine, as described by George Beebe of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. Beebe emphasizes the challenge in demarcating content aimed at international audiences from that which influences domestic public opinion. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has highlighted Russian efforts to sway U.S. political circles and public opinion, albeit without substantial proof. Poulson’s investigation further unveils that material produced by U.S.-financed Ukrainian outlets is particularly designed to engage with and influence American foreign policy discourse, suggesting a complex web of informational influence and counter-influence at play.