Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continuously exposes Bulgaria’s susceptibility to Kremlin’s propaganda machine, an understudied aspect of which is the gender dimension. Gendered disinformation involves misogynistic abuse and violence that employs false and misleading information to target individuals based on their gender identity. Female refugees and migrants from Ukraine have been specifically targeted by these campaigns, with narratives that hyper-sexualize, dehumanize, and undermine their contributions to society. By shaping perceptions of gender roles, disinformation contributes to a hostile environment that erodes solidarity and support for both refugees and female residents from abroad. Furthermore, despite Bulgaria’s legal obligations to support refugees, the inconsistent implementation of these measures, especially in disinformation-prone areas, highlights the real-world impact of these narratives.

This analysis examines the disinformation campaigns which exploit themes of sex, gender, and national identity to marginalize and exclude women and minorities, thereby reinforcing misogyny, homophobia, and transphobia within society.