US EditionFrench Presidency Denounces Viral 'Cocaine Video' as Disinformation
- On May 11, 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron and European leaders Friedrich Merz and Keir Starmer traveled by train to Kyiv for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- This trip took place during a three-year conflict initiated by Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, a period marked by Russian-linked groups disseminating false information aimed at undermining Ukraine and the countries supporting it, such as France.
- A viral video showing the leaders with a white object on the table led to false claims they were using cocaine, with the French presidency identifying the object as a crumpled tissue and denouncing the claims as disinformation.
- French authorities criticized the spread of false information that exaggerated a napkin as contraband during moments when European solidarity is challenged, while the Viginum agency has identified nearly 80 Russian disinformation operations since 2023.
- The incident highlights ongoing efforts by Russia and allied far-right figures to undermine support for Ukraine through coordinated misinformation aimed at discrediting European leaders and their peace initiatives.
227 Articles
227 Articles
Colorado Springs Gazette
Denver GazetteMacron responds to ‘disinformation’ spread by viral video
French President Emmanuel Macron said France’s enemies were behind a “disinformation” campaign that involved a video of him. While on a train to Kyiv, Ukraine, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a video showed Macron…
'Blatant hoax': France slams Macron cocaine claim, blames Russia
Condemning “fake news” and accusing Russia of seeking to undermine efforts to bring peace to Ukraine, France has slammed false claims on social media that European leaders including President Emmanuel Macron were seen taking drugs on a train.
Cocaine or handkerchief?: France criticizes Macron's accusation of drug use and blames Russia
France, by condemning “false news” and accusing Russia of attempting to undermine efforts to bring peace to Ukraine, has harshly criticized the false claims on social media that European leaders, including President Emmanuel Macron, were seen using drugs on a train.The accusation was made extensively in X by figures such as the American radio presenter and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, but was then also propagated by Russian officials, includi…
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