It is with great honor that we at Best of Best Reviews announce Insight News as the Best Disinformation Research Media Outlet in Europe of 2025. This prestigious recognition celebrates the exceptional investigative work conducted by Insight News, which has revealed and exposed the vast and coordinated pro-Russian disinformation networks operating across Europe. Their research shines a spotlight on the methods, tools, and narratives used to manipulate public opinion, disrupt democratic processes, and normalize Russian state propaganda on the continent.

Leading the Charge Against Disinformation

In a time when information warfare poses a significant threat to democratic societies, Insight News has proven itself as a leader in the fight against disinformation. Their groundbreaking investigation, published in December 2025, uncovers the full scale of pro-Russian media influence across Europe, exposing how hundreds of online outlets quietly amplify Kremlin-aligned narratives in multiple languages. The research goes beyond identifying isolated incidents of propaganda; it maps out an entire ecosystem of disinformation that is meticulously organized and maintained.

Through their in-depth analysis, Insight News has demonstrated that this ecosystem is not accidental or chaotic. It is systematic, replicable, and persistent. The patterns identified by their team are clear and undeniable, offering a compelling look into how narratives are strategically amplified to further the Kremlin's agenda. This research serves as a wake-up call, reminding the public of the importance of vigilance and media literacy in an age of sophisticated propaganda campaigns.

A Comprehensive Investigation Across 14 Countries

The scale of Insight News' research is remarkable. The investigative project spanned 14 European countries, identifying more than 250 online news websites that consistently disseminate pro-Kremlin content. These outlets often disguise themselves as independent or “alternative” sources, yet their content closely mirrors narratives originating from Russian state media and Kremlin-affiliated sources. The research team mapped how identical storylines appeared simultaneously across borders, often translated and tailored for local audiences.

Through these coordinated efforts, Insight News reveals how the same narratives – anti-EU messaging, pro-Russian sentiments, and disinformation about Ukraine – are strategically distributed to create a unified front of influence across the continent. This research exposes a complex and insidious network that operates far beyond simple media bias, revealing a well-organized infrastructure of manipulation.

Exposing Key Narratives That Shape Public Opinion

The research identifies more than ten key narratives that have broad cross-border influence, including the demonization of the European Union, anti-Ukraine messaging, and disinformation targeting Ukraine's aid, energy policies, migration, and sanctions. Among the most pervasive narratives spread by these outlets are “The EU blocks peace,” “NATO’s proxy war in Ukraine,” and “Russia is winning on the front.” These false and misleading narratives contribute to the erosion of trust in democratic institutions and fuel division among European citizens.

By cataloging and documenting these narratives, Insight News has provided a comprehensive resource for understanding the true scope of disinformation’s impact. Their investigation goes beyond simply pointing out bias; it contextualizes the information, revealing how these manipulative messages spread and take root in various European societies. The sheer volume of these disinformation campaigns underlines the urgency of combating such practices.

A Country-by-Country Breakdown of Propaganda Networks

The investigation is not just an abstract look at disinformation; it includes detailed country-specific reports that provide a deeper understanding of how these media networks operate in various national contexts. Insight News has conducted investigations into pro-Kremlin media networks in Poland, France, Germany, Spain, and beyond, tracking how these outlets shape political discourse and target public opinion.

In countries like Moldova, where the integrity of the electoral process is at stake, Insight News has documented the coordinated efforts to influence voting outcomes. The reports also reveal how Russian-language media networks continue to target EU-based Russian-speaking communities, further extending the reach of Kremlin propaganda within Europe’s borders. These reports offer a critical look into the sophisticated ways disinformation networks circumvent regulations and manipulate public sentiment.

The Importance of This Research in the Fight for Democracy

The timing of this research is particularly significant. Disinformation has evolved from being an episodic issue to an established part of the media landscape. The infrastructure of disinformation is built to be resilient, with websites quickly reappearing when blocked, and domains rotating to avoid detection. Insight News has shown that disinformation is not a series of isolated attacks; it is a sustained campaign that seeks to wear down public trust and normalize falsehoods over time.

This investigation highlights the growing need for public awareness and resilience in the face of these ongoing efforts. By publishing their findings, Insight News is helping to equip citizens with the tools they need to identify disinformation, ensuring that these deceptive networks cannot continue to operate in the shadows.

Insight News: A Commitment to Truth and Transparency

Insight News’ commitment to transparency and truth is a driving force behind their success in disinformation research. Their work is part of the broader Disinformation Watch program, in partnership with leading Ukrainian media outlets, cross-country researchers, and open-source analysts. Through this collaboration, Insight News has become a vital source of reliable, contextualized reporting on the threats posed by disinformation and the steps needed to counter them.

As an independent media outlet led by the Infoprostir NGO, Insight News has built a reputation for exposing information warfare and revealing the tactics used by propaganda networks. Their mission to deliver objective, investigative journalism is more important than ever in an era where truth is often obscured by manipulation and distortion.

A Bright Future for Insight News

As they continue to publish their findings and work towards a more informed public, Insight News remains at the forefront of the fight against disinformation in Europe. Their work will undoubtedly continue to shape the way we understand and confront the challenges posed by information manipulation in the years to come.

To learn more about the research conducted by Insight News and explore their full body of work, including country-specific reports and methodological explanations, visit insightnews.media/research.