Deep State: The Ukrainian Map That’s Shaping the War
The war in Ukraine is a complex and constantly evolving conflict. To effectively navigate this chaos, Ukrainians and the world need access to reliable and up-to-date information. Enter Deep State, an interactive map that has become a vital resource for both civilians and military strategists, offering a real-time glimpse into the ever-shifting battle lines.
This online platform, maintained by a young Ukrainian team, provides a detailed picture of the conflict, displaying troop movements, military equipment deployments, and even gamma radiation levels, factoring in the potential consequences of nuclear disaster. Their ambitious project goes beyond simply mapping the physical terrain; Deep State has evolved into a dynamic tool, reflecting the dynamic nature of the war.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Relevance
The brainchild of Ruslan Mykula and Dmytro Pohorilyi, Deep State initially started as a simple map created during the first days of the invasion in February 2022. Both individuals, then in their early twenties, were driven by a fierce desire to provide accurate information amid the rampant misinformation and propaganda surrounding the conflict.
"We realized there was a huge gap in understanding what was actually happening," says Mykula. "We thought, ‘Let’s create something that can be a source of truth in the midst of chaos.’”
With a blend of open-source intelligence and data gathered from Ukrainian military units, they painstakingly built the map, continually updating it with new information. The map quickly gained traction, attracting a growing audience of Ukrainians seeking reliable updates on the war.
Beyond the Frontlines: The Evolution of Deep State
Over time, Deep State has transcended its role as a simple map, evolving into a comprehensive online platform. The team has added a host of features, including:
- Interactive Layers: Users can choose to view various layers overlaid on the map, such as weather patterns, fortified positions, and gamma radiation levels, offering a holistic view of the conflict’s impact.
- Weapon Simulation: Deep State allows users to simulate the effect of various weapons, including howitzers, ballistic missiles, and even nuclear explosions, demonstrating the destructive potential of different weapons systems.
- Easter Eggs: A hidden Easter egg features an animation of Baby Yoda, which can be interacted with to playfully "destroy" Russian units, injecting a touch of humor into the grim reality of war.
The team’s approach to information verification is rigorous. While they still rely heavily on open-source intelligence (OSINT), they have also developed relationships with Ukrainian military units, receiving direct information from the frontlines. While Mykula acknowledges the occasional error, he emphasizes their commitment to accuracy and the importance of verifying information from multiple sources.
"Propaganda is rife on both sides, and we will take no part in it," asserts Mykula. "We want to win. Propaganda will not win."
Collaboration and Funding
Deep State’s growth has necessitated the expansion of their team. They now rely on the contributions of more than 100 paid employees and volunteers to maintain the constant flow of information.
The team collaborates closely with Ukrainian military commanders, sometimes delaying map updates at their request to avoid compromising ongoing military operations. While most of their funding comes from public donations, they also receive government funding, which supports the development of a restricted version of the map for military use and other intelligence activities.
An Unexpected Audience: Russian Soldiers
In a surprising twist, Deep State’s map has also been utilized by Russian soldiers, albeit for a different purpose. The map’s designer included a feature that displays instructions to surrender if accessed from a Russian IP address. In 2022, a Russian prisoner of war confirmed that he had used Deep State’s map to obtain information on how to surrender.
"One of our core objectives was to provide information that could help people understand the conflict and make informed decisions," says Pohorilyi. "We didn’t expect that our map would be used by Russian soldiers to surrender, but we’re glad it’s helping them to understand the situation and make the right decision for themselves."
The Power of Information
The success of Deep State is evident in the growing number of users accessing their information. Their Telegram channel, which now boasts over 700,000 subscribers, publishes original reports about the war, often referenced by established Ukrainian media organizations. However, the map remains their most popular product, used by Ukrainians at home and abroad to stay informed about the ever-shifting frontlines.
Mykula and Pohorilyi, despite their youth and relative inexperience, approach their work with a dedication that is both admirable and inspiring. "We don’t want to disappoint our audience because our projects have become critical for Ukrainians," says Mykula. "If you compare us to other maps, you will see that Ukrainians don’t go to check on them. They come to us."
Deep State’s Role in the Information Warfare
In the digital age, information is a powerful weapon, and Deep State has demonstrably proven its value in the context of a devastating war. By providing a reliable source of information, the team is helping to combat misinformation and propaganda, empowering Ukrainians with the knowledge they need to navigate the complex realities of the war.
"We are a small team, but we are committed to providing accurate information and helping Ukrainians to understand the situation," emphasizes Pohorilyi. "We believe that information is power, and we are doing everything we can to make sure that Ukrainians have the information they need to survive and fight for their freedom."
Deep State is more than just a map; it is a testament to the power of accurate information to influence the course of a conflict. This dynamic platform, built by a young team with unwavering dedication, is shaping the narrative of the war, offering a glimmer of hope and a vital tool for understanding the immense complexities of modern warfare.
