The Russian side conducted a cyber operation after the Russian capture of Avdiivka, likely aimed at generating panic in the Ukrainian information space and weakening Ukrainian morale, according to a report from the U.S. Institute for the Study of War (ISW) on February 19.

"Ukraine's State Special Communication Service reported on February 18 that Russian actors hacked well-known Ukrainian media outlets and posted fake information on their social media channels. Ukrainian outlets Ukrainska Pravda, Apostrophe, Liga.net, and Telegraf reported on February 18 that their social media accounts were hacked and that hackers posted disinformation, specifically about the alleged widespread destruction of Ukrainian forces in Avdiivka," ISW said in the report.

In addition, the Russian Ministry of Defense on February 19 made new statements about the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Avdiivka in order to sow discontent and distrust in the Ukrainian command, and other Russian sources intensified this information operation.