At the international OSINT hackathon organized by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, five teams emerged victorious. The awards were presented by the head of GUR, Kyrylo Budanov, alongside jury members. This was reported on the official website of GUR.

Among the winners were:

• C4ADS (USA);
• Team "Omega" (Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University, Ukraine);
• DeepStateUA (Ukraine);
• Eyes on Russia (Centre for Information Resilience, UK);
• OSINT for Ukraine (Netherlands).

“The international composition of the winners highlights that the fight against Russian aggression is a collective effort of the entire free world,” the GUR noted.

Participants presented analytical materials that are set to be integrated into the content of the War&Sanctions portal. Intelligence officials explained that all submitted projects hold practical significance for upcoming informational and sanction measures against the Russian Federation.

Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov expressed gratitude to the team representatives and assured that the materials they prepared would be transformed into real actions against the enemy.

“In times of war, information is a weapon. You have proven that you can handle it at a high level. The data you collected and analyzed will be used to enhance sanctions pressure on the aggressor. Thank you for your work – it brings us closer to victory,” said Kyrylo Budanov.

Background

It is worth noting that in May 2025, GUR organized an international hackathon for OSINT investigators from around the world. Participants prepared analytical materials for the existing sections of the War&Sanctions portal, proposed new thematic areas, and conducted investigations based on data. The works were evaluated, and winners were determined by GUR representatives, heads of central executive authorities, and state institutions of Ukraine.

GUR launched the War&Sanctions platform on June 1, 2024, as an element of informational influence on the opponent. Within a year of its operation, nine content sections have already been launched: ranging from military components to information operations and mechanisms of cultural genocide.

In December 2024, GUR and the Center for Countering Disinformation under the National Security and Defense Council launched a new section called “Kremlin Mouthpieces” on the War&Sanctions portal, listing Russian propagandists and media managers.