The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, ignited by Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, has intensified concerns about the support Moscow is receiving from authoritarian regimes such as China, Iran, North Korea, and Belarus. While Western officials have highlighted military support, the collaboration in the information realm has garnered less scrutiny. This oversight could have serious implications, as the conflict underscores the critical role of information warfare in contemporary military engagements.
Russia has demonstrated a keen understanding of the information battlefront, investing substantial resources into disinformation campaigns aimed at destabilizing its adversaries. This strategy has not gone unnoticed by China, which has developed its own sophisticated information capabilities. The growing cooperation between these nations poses significant challenges for Western policymakers, who must adapt to a new landscape of information warfare.
A recent meeting between Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Chinese Premier Li Qiang in November 2025 highlighted the deepening ties between Moscow and Beijing in the information sector. During the annual summit held in Hangzhou, both leaders committed to enhancing collaboration on media initiatives, countering disinformation, and promoting shared cultural values. This partnership reflects a shared vision of the information sphere as a vital element of national security strategies.
Russia’s expertise in information operations has been pivotal in reshaping the political dynamics across Europe. The Kremlin is recognized as a pioneer in utilizing multimedia information strategies to achieve foreign policy objectives. Meanwhile, China has faced accusations of engaging in similar tactics, aimed at exploiting societal divisions in Western democracies and bolstering support for anti-establishment movements.
The impact of these information operations is evident. Support for far-right political parties has surged across Europe, with many of these groups often expressing sympathetic views towards Russia. Their agendas may differ, but they benefit significantly from coverage on Kremlin-affiliated media platforms, which amplifies their messages and narratives.
One notable aspect of the cooperation between Russia and China is the increasing presence of Russian state media on platforms like TikTok. Reports indicate that these efforts include coordinated campaigns utilizing artificial intelligence technologies. Ukrainian disinformation watchdogs have accused the Kremlin of using TikTok to disseminate content aimed at demoralizing the Ukrainian populace and undermining resistance efforts. Allegations suggest that Moscow has employed AI to create videos featuring “ordinary Ukrainians” delivering negative messages about the war.
Additionally, Russian authorities are reportedly using Chinese social media platforms to recruit Chinese citizens for the conflict in Ukraine. The proliferation of recruitment advertisements within China’s tightly regulated social media environment has led some analysts to interpret this as implicit approval from Beijing.
The information ecosystems of both nations appear to be engaging in significant cross-promotion. Russian media outlets are actively promoting war-related content on Chinese platforms like Weibo, while Chinese state media amplify Kremlin narratives, often blaming the West for the conflict and framing sanctions as counterproductive. Both governments employ similar rhetoric, characterizing the invasion as a defensive measure against Western provocations.
As the cooperation between authoritarian regimes in the information domain expands, Western leaders must recognize that information warfare has become a pressing national security threat. A comprehensive response is essential, signaling that information offensives will be treated as violations of sovereignty. The European Union and NATO should work together to establish clear diplomatic, legal, and economic boundaries in this domain.
To effectively defend the information space, collaborative initiatives between governments and civil society are crucial. Drawing lessons from Ukraine’s wartime experiences and recent electoral developments in Romania and Moldova can provide valuable insights. Enhancing accountability for hostile information operations is paramount; Western governments must be prepared to publicly disclose attacks and impose tangible repercussions.
Since the onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, an authoritarian axis has emerged that is redefining coordinated information operations across media platforms. The West’s response must be equally systematic and robust. Existing tools and frameworks can be leveraged, but Western governments must now exhibit the necessary political resolve to counter this evolving threat.
William Dixon serves as an associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, focusing on cyber and international security issues. Maksym Beznosiuk is a strategic policy and security analyst with expertise in Ukraine, Russia, European security, and EU-Ukraine relations.
