Soldiers receive fake emails posing as Freedom House encouraging them to desert

Ukrainian soldiers are being targeted with fake emails posing as the international organization Freedom House, which contain harmful information, Freedom House reports on Facebook.

“We've recorded cases of fake emails sent out purportedly from Freedom House. These emails contain false information targeting Ukrainian soldiers and are intended to undermine trust in our organization and the morale of Ukraine's defenders. Such messages spread misinformation about military service in Ukraine and twist Ukrainian law," the post reads.

Freedom House says it strongly condemns these actions as an element of a disinformation campaign targeting the organization and Ukraine.

The organization notes that it always stands up for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law: "We support civil society and freedom of speech and never promote violations of ethical norms or laws."

Freedom House urges the receivers not to respond to such emails, adding that their only distribute official messages through verified channels.

The IMI has the fake emails, which most likely have been sent by Russians, at their disposal. The emails contain the Freedom House logo. The subject line says, "Warrior!" The letter contains an appeal to Ukrainian soldiers to desert their unit.

The fake emails. Photo by the IMI