Winners of the International OSINT Hackathon: New Opportunities for Ukraine
The international OSINT hackathon, organized by the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, saw five teams triumph. The awards were presented by GUR head Kyrylo Budanov in the presence of jury members. This was reported on the official GUR website.
The winning teams included:
- C4ADS (USA);
- “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 underscores that the resistance to Russian aggression is a shared endeavor of the entire free world,” the GUR emphasized.
Participants showcased analytical materials that are being prepared for integration into the War&Sanctions portal. The intelligence agency explained that all submitted projects have practical significance for future informational and sanction measures against the Russian Federation.
Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov thanked the team representatives and assured that their materials would be transformed into concrete actions against the enemy.
“In times of war, information is a weapon. You have proven that you can wield it at a high level. The data you collected and analyzed will be used to strengthen sanctions against the aggressor. Thank you for your work - it brings us closer to victory,” said Kyrylo Budanov.
Background
It is worth recalling that in May 2025, the GUR organized an international hackathon for OSINT investigators from around the globe. Participants prepared analytical materials for existing sections of the War&Sanctions portal, proposed new thematic areas, and conducted investigations based on data. The works were evaluated and winners determined by GUR representatives and heads of central executive bodies of Ukraine.
The GUR launched the War&Sanctions platform on June 1, 2024, as a means of informational influence on the adversary. In its first year, nine content sections have been launched, ranging from military logistics to information operations and mechanisms of cultural genocide.
In December 2024, the GUR and the Center for Counteracting Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council launched a new section titled “Kremlin Mouthpieces” on the War&Sanctions portal, listing Russian propagandists and media managers.
