Centre of Gravity; Joint Publication (JP) 1-02 defines center of gravity as “those characteristics, capabilities, or sources of power from which a military force derives its freedom of action, physical strength, or will to fight.” In other words, that which if attacked will make you lose (your centre of gravity) or will make you win (enemy centre of gravity). 

When planning how to win a war you try to protect your centre of gravity while attacking your enemy’s. There is only one centre of gravity.

For Russia, its centre of gravity is Putin’s ability to rule. Ukraine knows this, but how do they attack it without engaging in domestic terrorism within Russia? Misinformation. Or, by its other name, propaganda. But how does a country engage in propaganda nowadays? Over the internet and social media.

So what has Ukraine been able to keep alive the entire time, this many days into a war with one of the foremost cyber and traditional powers in the world? Internet connectivity to what seems like the entire country. How did they do it? I am sure we will find out later. The important point is that they are doing it, and both their military and press have been all over social media spreading the “news.”

Think of all the amazing and horrible videos we have seen. Whether it is Russia bombing cities or the Ukraine military taking down Russian aircraft. Also, think about all the war hero stories. The pilot who shot down 6 aircraft on the first day. The grandfather who showed up to fight on the front lines for his grandkids.

I realized something, the west should not care if they are true. Because the intent of this social media campaign is to sow dissent in Russia amongst its people and its oligarchs. And I think it is working.

So if you see a story from Ukraine, share it. Whether good or bad. If it is the Ukrainian people suffering, share it because it makes Russia look bad; their soldiers will question why they are fighting. If it is the Ukrainian people obtaining a victory, share it; it reduces the morale of Russian troops in the area (who we know have phones, as they are trying to get Ukrainian womens’ Tinder connections… I don’t know how Tinder works) and it emboldens the Ukrainian people who need to endure.

That is Ukraine’s center of gravity; their will to fight. In this, they have an advantage. Because Ukrainians are tough as fuck.

Let us use misinformation to take down Russia, who started this whole misinformation thing. Let us end Dezinformatsiya where it began.