The Ukrainian Psychological Operations (PsyOps) Division is a specialized unit within the broader Ukrainian Armed Forces, responsible for conducting psychological warfare, or information warfare, as part of military operations. PsyOps aims to influence the behavior, emotions, and decision-making of adversaries, as well as to bolster the morale of friendly forces and civilians. In Ukraine’s case, this has become a crucial aspect of their defense strategy, especially since Russia’s invasion of Crimea in 2014 and the full-scale invasion in 2022.
Key Functions of the Ukrainian PsyOps Division:
- Countering Russian Propaganda: One of the primary roles of Ukrainian PsyOps has been countering Russian disinformation and propaganda, which has been a significant component of Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics.
- Shaping Public Opinion: The division works to shape the narrative both domestically and internationally, highlighting Ukrainian resilience, unity, and the legitimacy of their defense efforts.
- Targeting Enemy Morale: PsyOps seeks to erode the morale of Russian troops and separatist forces, often through psychological campaigns designed to exploit existing vulnerabilities, such as low morale or distrust of leadership.
- Boosting Ukrainian Morale: They also focus on keeping up the spirits of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians through motivational messaging and stories of heroism.
Methods:
- Social Media Campaigns: Social media is used extensively, both to disseminate messages supporting Ukraine and to undermine enemy morale.
- Leaflets and Radio Broadcasts: Traditional methods like dropping leaflets or using radio transmissions still play a role, especially in areas where internet access may be limited.
- Cyber Operations: PsyOps often integrates with cyber warfare, as disinformation campaigns and digital platforms are used to sway opinions and gather intelligence.
During the ongoing conflict with Russia, the role of psychological operations has been heightened as both sides engage in information warfare to influence international perception and battlefield realities.
