# Russian disinformation targeting US elections

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/russian-disinformation-targeting-us-elections
> Updated: 2026-10-21T19:34:03.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2.

Researchers have identified a Russian-backed disinformation campaign, dubbed ‘Operation Matryoshka’, which utilizes AI-driven bot networks to influence US midterm elections. The operation primarily targets Democratic candidates on the social media platform X by spreading fabricated news and deepfake videos. These videos often feature synthetic images of celebrities to promote specific political messages or accusations of corruption, frequently using the hashtag #AllDemocratsAreCriminals.

Democratic intelligence leaders, including Senator Mark Warner and Representative Jim Himes, have warned that these efforts mirror interference seen in the 2016, 2020, and 2024 election cycles. Recent reports indicate the use of AI-generated fake advertisements targeting specific candidates, such as Senator Jon Ossoff and James Talarico. A confidential US intelligence report further suggests the campaign utilizes generative artificial intelligence and coordinated bot networks to target politicians from both parties who support continued aid to Ukraine.

In anticipation of the election, lawmakers have instructed intelligence leaders, including Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton, to remain available to address potential claims of fraud or foreign meddling that may be raised by President Trump and his allies to contest the results. Meanwhile, the White House has stated that the Trump Administration is taking decisive action to protect election infrastructure and prosecute election crimes.

## Claims

- Moscow has signaled a willingness to return to the negotiating table with the USA and Ukraine. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- Russia is conducting a covert disinformation campaign to influence US midterm elections. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The Russian operation uses generative AI, deepfakes, and bot networks. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Ukrainian intelligence has identified Moscow's priority targets for upcoming attacks. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Russia used three ballistic missiles with cluster warheads in recent attacks on Kyiv. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Cluster warheads can cause damage within a radius of approximately 400 meters. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- A missile struck the Petschersk district in the historic center of Kyiv. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The strike affected the area between the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra and the Svyato-Vvedensky Monastery. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The attacks damaged monastery buildings, residential houses, shops, and cafes. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Zelenskyy stated there were no military targets in the vicinity of the strike area. (corroborated by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-21: Democratic intelligence leaders warn of Russian misinformation and potential election challenges

Democratic intelligence leaders warn that Russia is using AI-driven misinformation to target Democrats and are preparing for potential claims of election fraud following the upcoming midterm elections.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/democratic-intelligence-leaders-warn-of-russian-misinformation-and-potential-election-challenges

### 2026-10-18: Russia uses AI bot networks to target US elections

A Russian-backed AI disinformation campaign, dubbed ‘Operation Matryoshka’, is using deepfakes and bot networks on X to target US Democratic candidates and influence midterm elections.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-uses-ai-bot-networks-to-target-us-elections

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Cite as: Russian disinformation targeting US elections. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/russian-disinformation-targeting-us-elections