In the information space of Bulgaria, measures have been taken to reduce the influence of Russian propaganda. This was announced by Bulgarian Defense Minister Todor Tagarev during a briefing in Odesa, Ukrinform reports. The minister noted that Bulgaria currently does not have a developed concept of combating Russian propaganda, which is a problem.

"We are building our strategic communication capabilities and working with our allies to minimize the influence of Russian propaganda, which, unfortunately, works quite powerfully in our country," Tagarev admitted. The Bulgarian minister added that the country is working against disinformation, but it requires the combined efforts of the government and society.

According to the Fund for Humanitarian and Social Research - Sofia (FHSI), in the second quarter of 2023, Russian propaganda in the Internet media of Bulgaria increased more than three times compared to the same period last year. For the period from June 1 to June 30, 2023, 105.741 propaganda articles were detected. Whereas during the five months of last year, this number reached about 36.000.

Much of the misinformation comes from so-called "mushroom sites" (short-lived, fast-growing sites that spread fake news and are controlled by what FHSI calls the "fake news reprint machine").

The main thesis spread by "mushroom sites" is that Russia will win the war in Ukraine, and Russian President Putin still has the support of the entire society. Both statements are untrue, but presented as facts in propaganda publications.