As it continues its war in Ukraine, Moscow has resorted to the manipulation of maritime navigation data for propaganda purposes, according to the latest briefing from the British Ministry of Defense.
The analysis carried out by the company “Geollect” shows that from 2023 May 14 the data of commercial ships was remotely modified to give the impression of a 65-kilometer-long Russian “Z” symbol in the sea Black, a visible sign in an open tracking software system.
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale offensive against Ukraine, Russian fans around the world have often used the letter “Z” to mean “za pobedu” (for victory). Automatic Identification System (AIS) data is used to track vessels and ensure their safety. The tracks that make up the image show that the ship reached speeds of up to 188 kilometers per hour, further confirmation that they are fake.
According to London, pro-Russian actors are responsible for these actions, possibly aimed at boosting Russian morale in the face of an expected Ukrainian counterattack. But altering AIS data increases the risk of accidents at sea, according to the report.
According to analysts, despite the image being created, the Russian Navy remains vulnerable. It is believed that on May 24 The Russian spy ship “Ivan Khurs” was attacked.
Source: The Delfi
