Hackers disrupt Ukrainian World Congress lecture on Russian propaganda myths

Pro-Russian hackers disrupted the lecture “Medieval Phobia: Why are Russians Afraid of King Danylo Romanovych’s Legacy?”, which was organized by the Ukrainian World Congress’s International Educational Coordinating Council (IECC) in partnership with the World Federation of Ukrainian Women’s Organizations (WFUWO) on April 6, the Ukrainian World Congress reports.

The lecture was part of a series called “Debunking the myths of Russian propaganda.”

In an attempt to disrupt the lecture, the hackers:

• played the Russian anthem;
• used offensive language;
• blocked the chat;
• flooded the meeting with anonymous participants who later renamed themselves “FSB”.

The event organizers decided to shift the event to a different platform, where the lecture was able to continue.

“We will not be intimidated. We will keep organizing such events and will continue to fight for the truth – the truth of Ukrainian history, Ukrainian statehood, and Ukrainian identity,” wrote Lyuba Lyubchyk, chair of the UWC’s IECC.

The event, which was anticipated to draw attendees from 40 countries, saw limited participation due to the recent attack. 

“The Russians are still afraid of the memory of King Daniel Romanovich. But we will keep fighting for Ukrainian history,” said Lyubchyk.

As IMI reported, in March 2024, the online systems of Ukrzaliznytsia sustained a large-scale targeted cyberattack.