Counter Disinformation System Development in Ukraine

This book provides a comprehensive overview of how Ukraine has developed systems to counter disinformation amid ongoing hybrid threats. It offers practical insights into building national resilience against information warfare in a real-time war environment.

The problem this book sets out to solve is how states and societies can design and implement effective, ethical, and scalable counter-disinformation systems in an era of information warfare. Drawing on Ukraine's experience since 2014, Counter Disinformation System Development in Ukraine explores the evolution of its legal frameworks, strategic communications, media literacy efforts, cybersecurity infrastructure, and public-private cooperation. These elements are examined as interconnected pillars supporting the country's broader information resilience strategy. The book maps the institutional architecture behind Ukraine's response, from government agencies and NGOs to tech platforms and civil society actors, highlighting both successful practices and persistent challenges.  

Key topics include the role of digital platforms and AI in identifying and countering malign narratives, the development of early warning and rapid response systems, the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration, and the critical need for democratic safeguards to prevent overreach. The book also addresses how Russia's disinformation campaigns have evolved over time, and how Ukraine's countermeasures have adapted in response. These topics are highly relevant not only for countries facing similar threats, but also for policymakers, media professionals, and researchers interested in defending democratic values in the digital age. As disinformation becomes more sophisticated and globally networked, Ukraine's case provides a real-world model for building adaptive and resilient systems under pressure.

This book is intended for policy-makers, strategic communication professionals, academics, security experts, civil society leaders, and anyone engaged in the fight against disinformation in democratic societies.  By presenting Ukraine's hard-earned lessons and tested practices, it offers a framework that can be adapted in other national or regional contexts.

Dr., Professor, Anatolii I. Marushchak is a human rights researcher who specializes in information and cyber law, with a specific emphasis on disinformation. He co-founded and serves as a strategic advisor (pro-bono) to the International Information Academy, a non-governmental organization in Ukraine that conducts research and provides training on cyber and information law, as well as counter-disinformation tactics.

Dr. Anayit Khoperiya, Degree in law. From 2015-2020 was working as a lawyer. Since 2020 started working in information field.  PhD in Law. Since June 2021, has been working at the Center for Countering Disinformation under the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. Since February 2024, has continued in the role of Deputy Head of the Center.

Dr. Mykola Balaban is a Ukrainian historian, policy analyst, and strategic communications expert specializing in disinformation prevention, historical memory, and information integrity. He serves as Deputy Head of the Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security, where he contributes to the development of state-level responses to information risks and foreign information manipulation.

Dr. Stanislav Petrov, degree in law and economics. From 2003 to 2023, he served in the state security and intelligence bodies. Specialist in the field of cybersecurity. Participated in the development of the Cybersecurity Strategy of Ukraine and the establishment of the national cybersecurity system.
Doctor of Law, author of more than 50 scientific publications. Prior to joining ARMA, worked at the Kherson Regional Military Administration as a Deputy for Digital Development, Digital Transformation and Digitalization (CDTO). Since September 25, 2023, Deputy Head of ARMA for Digital Development, Digital Transformation and Digitalization (CDTO).