Russian disinformation campaign targets pro-Ukraine candidates ahead of midterms, lawmakers say

Democratic lawmakers revealed that Russia is conducting a covert disinformation campaign against U.S. politicians supporting Ukraine ahead of the midterms. Senator Mark Warner and Representative Jim Himes reported that intelligence briefings indicated efforts to undermine U.S. support for Ukraine, particularly targeting candidates from both parties. The campaign utilizes social media to create distrust in U.S. elections and employs AI to enhance its effectiveness. Specific candidates, such as Jon Ossoff and James Talarico, have been notably affected by AI-generated ads linked to Russian operatives. This disinformation strategy mirrors past Russian interference in elections across various countries, including the U.S.