Russian propagandists are attempting to disrupt Ukraine’s mobilization campaign targeting 18-24-year-old volunteers.
Russian media outlets and bots on social networks are circulating photos and videos purportedly from Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense. These materials claim that men aged 18 to 24 are being offered a one-million-hryvnia contract to serve in the Defense Forces. The fake promotion suggests that volunteers could use this money to purchase a “120-year subscription” to Pornhub. Additionally, propagandists have created a video designed to look like a targeted YouTube advertisement, falsely offering access to “exclusive content” on OnlyFans in exchange for signing a military contract.
This is a fabrication. The so-called recruitment flyer was created by Russian propagandists themselves. The soldier depicted in the image is indeed part of an official Ukrainian Ministry of Defense recruitment campaign, encouraging young men aged 18 to 24 to join the Ukrainian Armed Forces. However, genuine promotional materials from the ministry have a distinctly different style.
In the authentic brochure, the soldier is shown standing against the backdrop of the Donbas steppe, accompanied by the slogan: “A generation that decides now.”
Official recruitment ads also feature photographs of active Ukrainian military personnel.
Besides the Ministry of Defense, other state authorities, including regional and district administrations, are promoting the campaign. They distribute official booklets titled “Voluntary Contract 18-24,” highlighting benefits such as 0% mortgage rates, free education, and financial support.
The Russian fake, however, is poorly designed, featuring a white background and meaningless rectangular shapes that serve no purpose.
The video circulated by Russian propagandists is also fraudulent. It has been disguised as a YouTube advertisement, appearing during videos on the French Lofi Girl channel — a popular account that streams music accompanied by anime visuals.
The video was initially spread by the pro-Russian, English-language channel From Russia with Love, which has 5,500 subscribers, and the Russian propaganda website Pravda.EU.
According to Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, Russian propagandists have created a network of 24 websites under the general name “Pravda,” all registered in Russia. These sites specialize in spreading disinformation targeting European countries.
Through such tactics, Russia aims to discredit Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense and sabotage recruitment programs for 18-24-year-old volunteers, ultimately weakening Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
Earlier, Russian propaganda spread false claims that Pentagon analysts allegedly “predicted Europe’s defeat” in a war with Russia within two months.
Andriy Olenin
