COUNTERING RUSSIAN DISINFORMATION AND CYBER THREATS IN THE TRAINING OF FUTURE TEACHERS OF "DEFENSE OF UKRAINE"

Abstract

Summary. The relevance of this article lies in examining the profound impact of Russian disinformation and cyber threats on Ukrainian society amidst the full-scale war, a crucial component of the Russian Federations hybrid aggression. The authors analyze the key methods of this information warfare, including the use of social media, traditional media, and pro-Russian Telegram channels to undermine national unity, destabilize the country, and discredit Ukraines leadership and armed forces. A particular focus is placed on the vital role of preparing future «Defense of Ukraine» teachers as key specialists in building the youths resilience against these threats.

The studys primary objective is to analyze the core methods of Russian disinformation and cyber threats and to develop practical recommendations for effective countermeasures. To achieve this, the article employs a range of research methods, including systemic analysis, content analysis, the dialectical method, and case studies to illustrate specific disinformation campaigns.

The authors provide a detailed conceptual framework for hybrid warfare, disinformation, information warfare, and cybersecurity, drawing upon the works of leading Ukrainian and international scholars such as V. Horbulin, L. Rudnyk, H. Pocheptsov, M. Senchenko, O. Horbenko, and S. Morozov. A special emphasis is put on the role of social networks as a key battlefield, as well as on the mechanisms behind the spread of fake news, propagandistic narratives (such as «denazification» and «Western puppet»), and manipulative technologies. The article differentiates between fake news (deliberate falsehoods) and propaganda (the selective presentation of facts to serve a specific agenda), providing concrete examples to highlight their manipulative nature. It also addresses the psychological and social consequences of disinformation, noting its ability to exploit internal societal divisions and cause psychological fatigue.

The study concludes that the training of «Defense of Ukraine» teachers must extend beyond military skills to include a deep understanding of media literacy and cyber hygiene. The authors emphasize that countering disinformation is a personal responsibility for every citizen and that the «Defense of Ukraine» subject should become a foundation for shaping a generation resilient to psychological and informational influence. The findings of this research can be used to develop new educational programs aimed at improving the media literacy and cyber resilience of young people, with future research focusing on creating interactive courses and tools for effective fact-checking and analysis.