moscow has run an operation to blame Ukraine for its own 2016 US election interference for years
russia’s persistence in trying to sow discord among its adversaries — and show that the kremlin apparently succeeded, as unfounded claims about Ukrainian interference seeped into Republican talking points. American intelligence agencies believe moscow is likely to redouble its efforts as the 2020 presidential campaign intensifies. The classified briefing for senators also focused on russia’s evolving influence tactics, including its growing ability to better disguise operations, writes the NYT.
russia has engaged in a “long pattern of deflection” to pin blame for its malevolent acts on other countries, Dr. Hill said, not least Ukraine, a former Soviet republic. Since Ukraine won independence in 1991, russia has tried to reassert influence there, meddling in its politics, maligning pro-Western leaders and accusing Ukrainian critics of moscow of fascist leanings.
“The russians have a particular vested interest in putting Ukraine, Ukrainian leaders in a very bad light,” she told lawmakers.
But the campaign by russian intelligence in recent years has been even more complex as moscow tries not only to undermine the government in Kyiv but also to use a disinformation campaign there to influence the American political debate.