Speaking on the latest edition of the Sky News Ukraine War Diaries podcast, Ilyas Verdiev says that while millions of people around the world rely on mainstream digital news platforms to report on the war, these places are avoided by many Ukrainians. They fear that online platforms have been infected by Russian disinformation efforts. Subscribe to Ukraine War Diaries on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and Spreaker “This fake news war is huge these days,” Ilyas explains. “Obviously the internet has swallowed us up. “Telegram is more like a social network. It has become very popular in post-Soviet countries.”

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Telegram is a messenger service that has become a popular alternative to Facebook-owned WhatsApp. Many organized groups, including political activists, use the platform’s broadcast capability as a form of newsletter for subscribers and supporters. Image: IT worker Ilyas says Ukrainians are turning to encrypted services to escape Russian disinformation “The great thing about Telegram is that it’s encrypted and considered secure,” Ilyas explains. The 40-year-old is working in the war to secure Ukraine’s digital infrastructure. “You have to filter everything you subscribe to and all the news you read.” Encrypted instant messaging platforms have grown exponentially in recent years. Telegram says it has more than 700 million users worldwide. And Ilyas explains that in Ukraine, citizens are increasingly trying to overcome misinformation. This led the IT specialist to seek reliable independent reports. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 0:16 Ilyas Verdiev shares his views on life in a war zone “There’s one channel I keep reading,” he continues. “This guy is from Kyiv. He is very good at analysis. “In the beginning, even before the full invasion, he was writing about the possible war, [that] it won’t be fast and you have to prepare for it. “Those words helped me to be more realistic about the situation.” From the creators of Sky News’ award-winning StoryCast, Ukraine War Diaries is a weekly podcast that follows those living on Europe’s new front line and those who have escaped it. Producer: Robert Mulhern Digital promotion and additional writing: David Chipakupaku