Joint Efforts Against FIMI: Ukraine and Italy Share Experience
March 28, 2025
Disinformation doesn’t stop at borders. It targets public trust, spreads confusion, and weakens democratic institutions. Ukraine faces daily attacks — not only from Russian weapons but also from Russian propaganda. But this is not a fight Ukraine faces alone. Countering Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) has become one of the main challenges for the entire democratic world. Strong international partnerships, built on shared strategies and practical cooperation, are essential in this effort.
From 18 to 20 March 2025, the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) Ukraine organised a study visit to Rome for representatives of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD), a body of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine. The visit helped establish closer connections between Ukrainian and European experts and institutions working on similar challenges.
The study trip focused on four goals: exchanging best practices, building partnerships, informing policy, and improving training. The aim was to draw lessons from European experience to support Ukraine’s efforts — and to help Europe better understand the reality Ukraine faces.
“At EUAM, we believe that communication is not just a tool — it’s the foundation of meaningful cooperation. That’s why we work to bring the CCD and EU institutions closer together in shaping and delivering effective approaches to countering disinformation,” said Oksana Ushakova, EUAM Strategic Communications Officer.
Over three days in Rome, the CCD team met with government officials, international organisations, academics, and civil society representatives — all addressing the same threats in Italy. At the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, discussions focused on information exchange and aligning with international standards. With the European Commission’s office in Rome, talks centered on tackling Russian disinformation narratives about Ukraine that circulate in the Italian media space.
At LUISS Guido Carli University, the CCD presented its latest analytical report, Russia’s information influence in Italy. The report revealed key narratives, influencers, and strategies used to shape public opinion in favour of the Kremlin.
“It is important to realise that Russian propaganda threatens not only Ukraine but also Western countries, undermining their stability and democratic values. To effectively counter these challenges, joint, proactive actions with European partners are needed,” said Karolina Tymkiv, Deputy Head of the CCD.
Karolina Tymkiv also expressed gratitude to the European Union Advisory Mission to Ukraine for organising the visit, noting that it gave the CCD’s staff an opportunity to share their experience with Italian colleagues and strengthen ties to combat Russian disinformation more effectively.
This visit is just one part of a wider effort. But every conversation, every shared insight, and every new partnership brings Ukraine and Europe closer to a safer, better-informed society — one where truth has the final word.
