"Russian Disinformation Campaigns Target American Celebrities for Manipulation"

Russia has employed a new tactic in its information war with the West by using fake celebrity cameos in social media posts and Russian news coverage critical of Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelensky. Celebrities such as Elijah Wood, Mike Tyson, and others were unknowingly featured in videos that falsely accused Zelensky of having substance abuse problems. The videos, repurposed from the Cameo app, were part of Russia's efforts to denigrate Zelensky and build support for the war at home while stoking opposition abroad. This campaign, along with another involving posts on Facebook and X, highlights Russia's adaptability and persistence in justifying its actions in Ukraine.