A newly released study claims Russia has developed a broad influence and misinformation network spanning 13 countries across Latin America, using political, economic, and social divisions to expand Moscow’s presence and challenge Western influence in the region.
The report, titled “Russian Influence Operations in Latin America,” was published by the Brazilian independent news agency Agência Lupa in collaboration with the journalist network LatamChequea and the European Commission’s Foreign Policy Instruments.
According to the study, Russia has established what researchers describe as a “sophisticated influence ecosystem” in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela, and other parts of the region. The alleged strategy combines propaganda, disinformation, diplomatic engagement, digital influence campaigns, political partnerships, state media operations, and documented espionage activities.
Researchers identified the Spanish-language operations of Russian state outlets RT and Sputnik as central components of the network, describing them as part of a much larger system designed to shape public opinion and political discourse.
The report argues that Russian messaging has adapted significantly since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, tailoring narratives to local concerns and exploiting anti-American sentiment, distrust of Western institutions, economic frustrations, and historical grievances unique to individual countries.
According to the findings, common themes promoted through these efforts include criticism of the United States, NATO, and the European Union, support for a multipolar world order, promotion of BRICS nations, and opposition to the global role of the U.S. dollar.
Researchers also highlighted concerns over alleged espionage operations linked to Russia in the region. Examples cited in the report include individuals accused of spying in Slovenia, suspected Russian operatives posing as Brazilian citizens, and allegations surrounding a Russian-linked facility in Nicaragua.
Particular attention was given to Venezuela-based Telesur, which the study describes as a platform that amplifies pro-Russian and pro-Chinese narratives throughout Latin America.
One of the report’s authors, researcher Beatriz Farrugia, argued that foreign influence operations are not abstract threats but organized campaigns specifically adapted to local political realities. She said understanding how such systems function is the first step toward countering them.
Influence campaigns rarely succeed by forcing people to believe something entirely new. More often, they amplify existing frustrations, divisions, and grievances already present within a society. That’s why information warfare has become such a powerful geopolitical tool in the digital age.
As governments and researchers continue examining foreign influence efforts, the study is likely to fuel further debate about information security, political manipulation, and the growing competition for influence throughout Latin America.
