The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) arrested four residents of Kiev, suspected of operating on a farm of “worlds” (robots of social networks) to spread misinformation about the summit of the Crimean Platform on social media.

The suspects used 15,000 fake online accounts, so-called “bots”, to write and publish derogatory content about the summit results, posing as regular users of social networks such as Facebook, Instagam and TikTok.

According to the SBU, the alleged cybercriminals were backed by Russia. They received money from Russian territory through electronic payment systems which are banned in Ukraine. According to the National Bank of Ukraine, Ukrainians are not allowed to use Russian online payment systems, such as Webmoney, YooMoney, Qiwi WËallet and Wallet one.

The office of the suspects in the center of Kiev, had 300 modems to access the Internet, several thousand SIM cards of various operators, dozens of mobile terminals and computers containing evidence of this scheme.

Ukrainian intelligence officer during the action

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April 11, 2021 – 23:03

A Ukrainian soldier was killed and another wounded Sunday in a series of shootings with Russian-backed rebels as tensions rise sharply on the country’s eastern border.

Ukrainian authorities have announced that 27 soldiers have been killed in the region alone this year. The news comes after shocking images were spread on social media where Russian tanks, missiles and armored vehicles were being transported by freight trains to Crimea and near the disputed Donbas region.

A senior Kremlin official said Russia would mercilessly crack down on anyone who endangers its citizens in the Donbas region, adding that such a move could bring an “end” to Ukraine. On the other hand, the Turkish authorities have claimed that the Pentagon has requested permission to cross the Bosphorus Strait for two of their warships, which will be headed to the Black Sea. According to Turkish authorities, US ships will remain in the area, so close to the Ukrainian conflict in Donbass, until early May, at least until now.