French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German politician Friedrich Merz have become the targets of a bizarre online conspiracy theory as they travelled to Ukraine to push for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
The three European leaders were on a diplomatic mission to Kyiv, aiming to pressure Vladimir Putin into agreeing to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire.
However, their trip was overshadowed by viral claims on social media suggesting the trio were seen handling drugs during their journey.
Images of the leaders seated inside a train carriage, taken during a scheduled photo opportunity before departing from Poland, were seized upon by pro-Russian users who alleged Macron was hiding a bag of cocaine and that Merz held a straw used for snorting.
The object in question was, in fact, a cocktail stick — commonly used to hold sandwiches or olives.
French officials responded swiftly, releasing a close-up image of what they confirmed was a tissue, used for blowing one’s nose.
In a strongly worded statement, the French government condemned the claims as “fake news” and accused “France’s enemies, both abroad and at home”, of spreading misinformation to undermine European unity. A follow-up post featuring the three leaders read simply: “This is European Unity.”
Among those amplifying the falsehoods was right-wing US commentator Dinesh D’Souza, a known supporter of Donald Trump.
The leaders’ visit to Ukraine included meetings with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Volodymyr Zelensky, where they issued a united call for peace and warned Moscow of further pressure if a ceasefire was not implemented.
Russia’s Deputy Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev responded bluntly, telling the European delegation to “shove these peace plans.”
However, in a significant development on Sunday morning, Russian President Vladimir Putin signalled openness to restarting negotiations, proposing new talks in Istanbul next week.
President Zelensky cautiously welcomed the move but insisted any progress must begin with a full ceasefire from Monday.
The episode highlights how disinformation continues to shadow diplomatic efforts as the war in Ukraine enters another critical phase.
