This monograph argues that Moscow used pro-Russian individuals, bots, and trolls on social media as part of a larger strategy to take territory in Eastern Ukraine. Moscow used social media to spread pro-Russian narratives and spread disinformation to sew confusion and disunity among Ukrainian forces and the international community. This allowed pro-Russian forces the room to operate with impunity. Moscow's employment of social media in Ukraine also provides a proof of concept for the Gerasimov Doctrine, which calls for the use of Russian special forces in conjunction with information operations to overcome larger enemies. This monograph also contends that the United States has been ineffective at countering Russian narratives in the social media realm. This study outlines key strategic, operational, and tactical implications for America and its allies. It also outlines opportunities for the United States and the international community to counter Russian efforts.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)