Battling the echo chamber: Osavul’s fight against Russian disinformation

It is the largest investment in a company exposing disinformation in Europe. The Ukrainian company Osavul has received 3 million dollars (2.78 million euros).

In its latest press release, the company introduces its three European investors: 42CAP, a German venture capital firm, u.ventures, a US-government-backed fund, co-financing Ukrainian and Moldovan projects, and the SMRK Venture Capital Fund, which already assisted with fundraising last year.

Osavul's co-founder, Dmytro Bilash, never intended to work in security. He comes from the business world. He analysed data from companies to create advertising. In 2022, everything changed. Russia launched its full-scale invasion on Ukraine.

Bilash's flat in Kyiv was destroyed by two Russian missiles. He felt compelled to act and wanted to help. A request for support from the Ukrainian government led to the launch of Osavul —a media intelligence organisation that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to expose and combat disinformation.

What began as a small project in 2022 and was later funded through crowdfunding and donations is now involved in EU-funded and NATO projects and attracts millions in funding. Osavul’s headquarters is now in Delaware in the US, where 28 specialists worldwide work for them. Over 500 analysts use Osavul’s data.

Dmytro Bilash, co-founder of Osavul, speaks to Euronews about Russian disinformation. He explains why it has gained such traction in Germany, and offers tips on how fake news can be debunked.

Euronews: Why did you start Osavul?

Bilash: We wanted to help. The full-scale invasion has changed the lives of all Ukrainians. We offered our expertise as analysts, and eventually we were approached by people from the government. The problem of disinformation