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NAFO: The Online Army Fighting Against the Russian Invasion
The war in Ukraine is often discussed in terms of physical battles, but there is another front in the conflict that is less discussed – the internet. Russia’s overall strategy involves a vast disinformation campaign, but over the last year, an army of shitposters has started fighting back. It’s a loosely organized but extremely online coalition that calls itself NAFO — short for the North America Fellas Organization — and it’s fighting a meme war against the Russian invasion.
Who is NAFO?
NAFO is less of a group than a movement. They are united by a distaste for Russian propaganda and a love of “fellas,” which are crudely photoshopped Shiba Inus dressed as Ukrainian soldiers. NAFO started as a joke when an artist named Kama started giving out fellas as a reward for charitable donations. But it quickly blossomed into something much bigger, and somehow more serious.
What is their strategy?
NAFO fights its disinformation counter-offensive in the comments by shaming propagandists, galvanizing Ukraine supporters, and raising money for charity. It’s an effective strategy. Last summer, NAFO memers ran Russian diplomat Mikhail Ivanovich entirely off Twitter. Major government figures have also taken notice.
Who supports NAFO?
NAFO is a movement that has received support from individuals and governments alike. Ukraine’s Defense Ministry has reposted NAFO memes and thanked the group for their service. The legion of self-identified fellas includes US Rep. Adam Kinzinger, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis. US Army Major General Patrick J. Donahoe even used a fella as his Twitter avatar for a while.
Is NAFO a government-funded operation?
There is speculation that NAFO is a CIA funded psy-op promoted by Russian trolls and propaganda outlets, but most credible observers recognize it as a grassroots movement.
What has NAFO accomplished?
NAFO has had success in raising money for charity, as well as shaming propagandists and defeating Russian disinformation campaigns. They even raised money and paid the Ukrainian military to paint their memes on a tank, now affectionately known as the Superbonker 9000.
How can one become a fella?
To become a fella, simply donate to Ukraine and send proof to NAFO’s hotline, and they’ll make you a custom fella of your own.
Conclusion
NAFO may have started as a joke, but it is now a group dedicated to fighting Russian disinformation campaigns. Their unique approach to combat this has been successful, and their efforts have been recognized by governments and major figures alike.
FAQs
What does NAFO stand for?
NAFO stands for the North America Fellas Organization.
What is a “fella”?
A “fella” is a crudely photoshopped Shiba Inu dressed as a Ukrainian soldier.
What is NAFO’s strategy?
NAFO fights its disinformation counter-offensive by shaming propagandists, galvanizing Ukraine supporters, and raising money for charity.
Is NAFO a CIA-funded operation?
There is speculation that NAFO is a CIA-funded psy-op promoted by Russian trolls and propaganda outlets, but most credible observers recognize it as a grassroots movement.
How can I become a fella?
To become a fella, donate to Ukraine and send proof to NAFO’s hotline, and they’ll make you a custom fella of your own.
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