Pro-Kremlin Matryoshka bot network promotes Maduro-like capture scenarios involving EU leaders — and Volodymyr Zelensky The “Matryoshka” bot network, linked to a coordinated Russian disinformation campaign, is spreading fabricated videos and claims to destabilize democratic leaders. These narratives leverage the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro to suggest similar operations could occur in Europe and to discredit European politicians. The network also targets Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, aiming to influence upcoming elections.

• The pro-Kremlin bot network “Matryoshka” is using the capture of Nicolás Maduro to spread disinformation.
• Fabricated videos claim European leaders could be abducted using similar methods.
• The disinformation campaign falsely attributes content to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) and other media outlets.
• The network aims to undermine approval ratings of European leaders and influence Armenia’s upcoming elections.
• “Matryoshka” is a coordinated Russian disinformation campaign involving bots, trolls, and anonymous media outlets.
• The operation creates fake content and artificial information waves across multiple platforms like X, Telegram, and Bluesky.
• Bots mimic real users and use logos of Western media to appear credible.