Russia launched covert influence campaign to undermine pro-Ukraine U.S. candidates, lawmakers say

The Russian government has launched a covert online influence campaign to sway public opinion and undermine pro-Ukraine Democrats and Republicans ahead of the midterm elections, two key Democratic lawmakers warned Wednesday.

Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee Mark Warner (D-Va.) and ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee Jim Himes (Connecticut Democrat) told reporters Wednesday that the findings on Russia were detailed in a classified report on foreign election interference sent to their offices by the U.S. intelligence community earlier this week.

“It’s a carnival out there,” Himes said of Russia’s digital efforts, which he said are aimed at generating “a sense of chaos and anarchy.” According to HimesRussian disinformation operations cover a wide range of topics, from distrust in American institutions to questioning the validity of voting machines.

Warner According to the report, Moscow is using artificial intelligence tools to spread these ideas more quickly and target Americans more effectively.