Peculiarities of modern psychological operations in the conditions of the hybrid war

• Main Author: Viktor Aleshchenko
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: National Defence University of Ukraine named after Ivan Cherniakhovsky 2019-12-01
• Series: Sučasnì Informacìjnì Tehnologìï u Sferì Bezpeki ta Oboroni
• Subjects: strategic communications, information-psychological influence, information operation, psychological operation, forces and means of psychological operations
• Online Access: http://sit.nuou.org.ua/article/view/190544

The relevance of the study is determined by the continuation of hostilities in some areas of Donetsk and Lugansk regions, a powerful information campaign aimed at personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the population of territories not controlled by Ukraine, as well as citizens of other countries.  The method of analysis of scientific works and publications investigates psychological operations as a component of strategic communications, determines the peculiarities of psychological operations during annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and occupation of part of Donetsk and Lugansk regions, gives the indicative composition of the units involved in information-psychological operations of Ukraine.  It is emphasized that psychological operations are conducted at strategic, operational and tactical levels, depending on the scope and specific objectives.  Psychological operations have been found to be an integral part of hybrid warfare policy and are coordinated at the state level. The structure of units of psychological operations of the enemy is characterized by the fact that they are basically a full-time and practically unchanged special apparatus of staffs with specific tasks that are implemented through a full range of communication channels.  Attention is also drawn to the fact that the units of psychological operations have a variable structure depending on the tasks assigned to them and the environment in which they will have to perform their tasks.  Suggestions are made to improve the effectiveness of counteracting information and psychological impact.