Kremlin-affiliated X accounts launched a “high” information operation effort from July 13-15, 2025, with 176 posts observed, to undermine support for future Western sanctions on Russia and U.S. weapons for Ukraine following President Trump’s meeting with the NATO chief on July 14.
The messaging primarily focused on disparaging Trump’s remarks regarding U.S. policy on the Russia-Ukraine war. Specifically, 55% of the posts addressed the threat of further U.S. sanctions, while 36% focused on plans for more U.S.-made weapons for Ukraine. The Kremlin aimed to portray Western sanctions as ineffective, costly, and divisive, threatening global economic growth, and unpopular internationally. Additionally, U.S. arms packages were framed as war profiteering that would prolong the conflict. Analysts suggest Moscow is attempting to conceal the harm Western sanctions inflict on the Russian economy and sow division between the U.S. and Europe by questioning who bears the greater cost of sanctions and arms provisions. The “scattershot” nature of the criticism suggests Moscow is still determining the most effective narratives to erode support for Western sanctions.
