A sophisticated Russian disinformation campaign codenamed Operation Overload (also known as Matryoshka or Storm-1679) has been leveraging artificial intelligence to create and distribute pro-Kremlin propaganda at an unprecedented scale and speed.
According to a recent report by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD), the operation has impersonated more than 80 different organizations during the first quarter of 2025 alone. The campaign creates deceptive content by pairing real images with AI-generated voice-overs and misusing logos of legitimate news organizations, academic institutions, and law enforcement agencies.
The operation's primary strategy involves creating videos that appear to be authentic news reports from trusted sources. By manipulating audio and visual elements using AI tools, Operation Overload produces content that can be difficult to distinguish from genuine media. These videos promote narratives focused on "weakening NATO countries' support for Ukraine and disrupting their domestic politics," according to ISD researchers.
Despite posting at least 135 pieces of content across multiple platforms including X (formerly Twitter), Telegram, and Bluesky, most of the operation's output receives limited organic engagement. However, one video falsely claiming that USAID paid celebrities to travel to Ukraine garnered over 4.2 million views after being amplified by high-profile accounts unrelated to the campaign.
Experts warn that AI is tilting the disinformation "numbers game" in favor of bad actors. "If one out of 100 videos gets traction, that's a win that achieves its goal," said Joseph Bodnar, senior research manager at ISD. The technology enables the rapid creation of more content without compromising perceived credibility among users who encounter it.
Beyond spreading false narratives, Operation Overload aims to overwhelm fact-checkers and media organizations with debunking requests, undermining the credibility of impersonated institutions, and wasting the resources of those tasked with combating disinformation. The campaign operates across 10 countries and posts in 10 different languages, with a clear emphasis on Germany, France, and Ukraine.