The 72nd Psychological and Information Warfare Centre (Ukr. 72-й це́нтр інформаці́йно-психологі́чних опера́цій) is part of Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces. Since 2014, after the Russian takeover of Crimea, the unit has evolved into a key asset of Ukraine operations in the information domain. It is one of four information warfare centres within Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces. The others include the 16th, 74th, and 8th Information Warfare and Psychological Operations Centres.
1 Historic background
The 72nd started out in October 2003 as the Naval Information-Psychological Operations Centre and focused on maritime security threats through psychological operations. It was then based in Sevastopol, Crimea.
The Centre gained more prominence during the 2014 Russian takeover of the Crimean peninsula. It was one of the few units that actively resisted the Russian forces for three weeks despite two Russian ultimatums for surrender. This resistance ended on 23 March 2014, when internal defections compromised their position. Afterwards, 14 unit members switched sides and stayed within the Russian Armed Forces. After the events, the headquarters of the 72nd later relocated to Brovary, near Kiev. [source, source, source]
The Centre is currently active in Ukraine’s fight against Russia. In March 2022, Russia allegedly hit its facilities. However, there is no information to suggest that the unit is not operational. [source]
2 Unit Structure
Recent data about the unit’s organization and structure is not in the public domain. According to one hobbyist website, the accuracy of which we cannot verify, the unit maintains a standing force of 140-150 personnel (many of whom are listed by name and rank). The site also suggests the following departments are typical for such PsyOp units:
- Analytical Department
- Surveillance and Special Operations
- Printed Propaganda
- Department of Information and Communication Technologies [source, source]
2.1 Mission
The lack of openly available and verifiable information does not allow for an accurate assessment of the current operations of the 72nd Psychological and Information Warfare Centre. However, it is reasonable to assume that the Centre’s mission involves studying socio-political sentiments in neighboring countries, particularly Russia, to influence them through various methods in Ukraine’s favor.
This can include monitoring social media, running bots and news channels on platforms like Telegram, identifying sources that contradict the official Ukrainian position, studying information and control structures, or searching for vulnerabilities. Some Russian sources name specific websites and Telegram channels allegedly run by the 72nd, but the ones we have tried to explore are no longer active.
The Centre likely conducts operations to shift public sentiment in target states by disseminating information, which may include targeted messaging through media channels and social networks. Additionally, the Centre is possibly involved in cyberattacks against resources in Russia to gain access to information or disable Russian resources. Although it is difficult to verify the information due to lack of open information, it is reasonable to assume that the centre possesses both offensive and defensive capabilites. [source, source, source]
3 Information Warfare in the Ukraine Conflict
Information warfare is a critical aspect of the conflict in Ukraine, influencing both the course of the war and international relations. Essentially, it involves utilizing all available information-related means to gain influence over various audiences, whether domestic or overseas. It is often integrated with diplomatic, military, and economic efforts to influence behaviors and attitudes. Militarily Information Operations (I/Os) aim to influence adversaries, while Operations in the Information Environment (OIE) extend to actions against relevant actors, including competitors and allies, to gain a competitive advantage. [source]
Ukraine has effectively used PSYOPs to highlight Russian military failures, sow doubt among Russian troops, and gather international support through social media and propaganda. Stories of civilian resistance and symbols of defiance were widely shared to maintain global attention and sympathy. Ukraine also engaged in fabrication of myths, such as promoting the story of the ¨Ghost of Kyiv,” an alleged Ukrainian fighter pilot credited with shooting down multiple Russian aircraft over the city In February 2022. [source, source]
4 Conclusion
The 72nd Psychological and Information Warfare Centre is a key component of Ukraine’s defense strategy, particularly in the context of ongoing hybrid warfare with Russia. Its role in countering Russian disinformation and psychological operations underscores the critical importance of psychological and information warfare in modern conflicts. As the conflict continues, the strategic application of psychological and information operations by units like the 72nd Centre will remain essential in shaping public perception and influencing the trajectory of the conflict – no matter how it ends.