Russian propaganda exploits US hurricane response to undermine FEMA and Ukraine support

The document identifies a Russian propaganda campaign that exploited the aftermath of hurricanes Milton and Helene to foster domestic discontent in the US. Russian state-affiliated outlets, including RT and Sputnik, amplified narratives claiming the Biden administration diverted disaster relief funds to Ukraine and migrants. The analysis highlights a strategy of amplifying existing divisive US domestic discourse and the use of AI-generated imagery to portray devastation. The report notes that these campaigns spread largely unchecked on social media platforms, particularly X, to erode trust in democratic institutions and reduce support for Ukraine.

• Russian state-affiliated media promoted three primary narratives following hurricanes Milton and Helene: that the Biden administration prioritized Ukraine over US citizens, that the administration is generally incompetent in disaster relief, and that FEMA is unable to provide aid due to spending on immigrants.
• Rather than creating original disinformation, Russian actors primarily amplify existing false or misleading claims from US domestic sources and public figures, such as Elon Musk and Donald Trump, to give the content a 'veneer of credibility'.
• Russian disinformation campaigns have spread with minimal moderation on social media, specifically on X, where posts often lack state affiliation labels or fact-checks.
• RIA Novosti used its Russian-language Telegram channel to spread AI-generated images depicting fake devastation at Florida's Disney World caused by Hurricane Milton, which were likely sourced from a low-traction X account.

APA

Institute for Strategic Dialogue (2024). Russian propaganda exploits US hurricane response to undermine FEMA and Ukraine support. https://www.isdglobal.org/digital-dispatch/russian-propaganda-exploits-us-hurricane-response-to-undermine-fema-and-ukraine-support/

Chicago

Institute for Strategic Dialogue. Russian propaganda exploits US hurricane response to undermine FEMA and Ukraine support. 2024. https://www.isdglobal.org/digital-dispatch/russian-propaganda-exploits-us-hurricane-response-to-undermine-fema-and-ukraine-support/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Institute for Strategic Dialogue |title=Russian propaganda exploits US hurricane response to undermine FEMA and Ukraine support |date=24 October 2024 |url=https://www.isdglobal.org/digital-dispatch/russian-propaganda-exploits-us-hurricane-response-to-undermine-fema-and-ukraine-support/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{instituteforstrategicdialogue2024russian, author = {{Institute for Strategic Dialogue}}, title = {{Russian propaganda exploits US hurricane response to undermine FEMA and Ukraine support}}, institution = {Institute for Strategic Dialogue}, year = {2024}, month = oct, url = {https://www.isdglobal.org/digital-dispatch/russian-propaganda-exploits-us-hurricane-response-to-undermine-fema-and-ukraine-support/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }