# Russian use of generative AI for military propaganda

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/russian-use-of-generative-ai-for-military-propaganda
> Updated: 2026-08-19T19:57:32.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

Russian forces are reportedly utilizing generative artificial intelligence to produce fraudulent combat footage. According to the Ukrainian OSINT group DeepState, this tactic, termed “AI flag-planting,” is used to simulate military successes and territorial gains that have not actually occurred.

Analysts have identified visual inconsistencies in videos, such as buildings morphing between different structures and anatomical deformities in the depicted soldiers. This digital strategy appears to be an evolution of traditional propaganda, allowing for the illusion of military progress without the physical risks associated with sending troops to capture territory for video evidence.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-19: Russia uses generative AI to create fake battlefield footage

The Ukrainian group DeepState reports that Russia is using generative AI to create fake battlefield footage, a tactic dubbed “AI flag-planting,” to simulate military successes and territorial gains.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-uses-generative-ai-to-create-fake-battlefield-footage

### 2026-08-08: Russia accused of using AI fakes to influence 2027 French elections

Russia is accused of using AI-generated fakes, including deepfake videos and cloned voices, to target French political candidates and influence the 2027 presidential election campaign.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-accused-of-using-ai-fakes-to-influence-2027-french-elections

---
Cite as: Russian use of generative AI for military propaganda. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/russian-use-of-generative-ai-for-military-propaganda