Debunking warfare narratives: the role of commercial satellites in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict

Over the past three decades, information warfare has emerged as a critical component of international conflict. With the proliferation of technology and media networks, various stakeholders have exploited their capabilities to manipulate public perception. The ongoing Russo-Ukrainian conflict underscores the potency of these tactics, as they deepen societal divides and obstruct efforts at conflict resolution. Disinformation spans a wide gamut, from denials of human rights abuses to personal defamation. A primary challenge in countering disinformation lies in its tenacity, bolstered by confirmation bias—a tendency to dismiss evidence that contradicts existing beliefs. Against this backdrop, we delve into the potential of commercial satellites, which operate outside of state domains, as a means of countering falsehoods through textual and visual evidence. Utilizing an online survey targeting citizens in Russia, we assess the impact of disinformation campaigns on attitudes towards the war and its leaders and evaluate the efficacy of commercial satellites as a debunking instrument.