Ukrainian Researcher Studies Russian Disinformation from Tokyo

Maya Sobchuk, a 24-year-old researcher originally from Kyiv, now finds herself far from her war-torn homeland while still fueling the fight against disinformation. Having spent her childhood in Los Angeles after her family relocated for new opportunities, Maya maintained a strong connection to her roots by frequently returning to Ukraine and retaining proficiency in Russian, taught by her linguist mother.

Her commitment to understanding the mechanics of information warfare was ignited in February 2014, when demonstrators in Kyiv rallied against a pro-Russian government. Witnessing the passion and tragedy as hundreds perished and political upheaval ensued left a profound impact on her, prompting Maya to focus her academic pursuits on the intersection of politics, cyber operations, and disinformation.

Over the years, her academic journey led her to study international politics and the realities of cyber defense at a U.S. university, and later furthered her research across the globe—from the Czech Republic during Ukraine’s invasion, to Taiwan amidst Chinese pressures, and Georgia after a Russian military confrontation. Now anchored at the University of Tokyo’s Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, she dedicates her time to monitoring Russian online tactics while also educating Japanese high school and university students about Ukraine’s struggles.

Maya's observations extend beyond mere academic inquiry. She is alarmed at the changing geopolitical landscape, particularly critiquing the United States' approach to leveraging strategic resources in exchange for aid to Ukraine. Her reflections underscore the broader implications for national security and democracy, suggesting that if Ukraine were to fall, it could lead to a diminished global standing of freedom—an outcome that could resonate even more acutely in regions like Japan.