Russian propaganda fabricates false claim that over 80% of Ukrainians watched 'direct line' with Putin

Propagandists faked Reuters video with phony survey and fabricated magazine cover

Pro-Kremlin media outlets, pro-war Telegram channels, and bots on the social media platform X are circulating a fake video bearing the logo of the British news agency Reuters. The video falsely claims that 83% of Ukrainians watched a "direct line" event featuring Russian dictator Vladimir Putin on December 19, allegedly citing the Oxford Internet Institute.

This claim is entirely fabricated. There is no such news or video on Reuters' official website, social media channels, or the Oxford Internet Institute's platforms.

The most recent study published by the Oxford Internet Institute, titled "A Look Back at the 'Year of Elections 2024' from a Digital Perspective," was released on December 18 -- the day before Putin's event. No reference to Ukraine or the alleged survey is mentioned in that study.

It is important to note that the fake video was created by editing clips from Putin's press conference, which was broadcast by Russian state media, using video editing software. The propagandists added misleading information and the Reuters logo to make it appear authentic.

Russian propaganda is also spreading a fabricated cover of the American magazine The Nation through Telegram channels, bots, and media outlets. The cover depicts Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a caricature style alongside Putin, accompanied by the caption: "Unequal duel. Volodymyr Zelensky failed to win, everyone is once again talking only about Putin. As well as Zelensky himself."

This cover is a complete fake. It does not exist on The Nation's official website or social media accounts.

The propagandists claim the issue will be published in January 2025. However, The Nation's actual January issue has already been announced, featuring a completely different cover. The real cover showcases a map of the United States with the caption "Code Red," addressing U.S. elections.

This is not the first time the Russian Federation has fabricated stories to bolster Putin's image. Similar fakes have been propagated in previous years, including a false claim that Ukrainians watched Putin's press conferences or "direct lines."

In 2023, Ukrinform debunked a fake story about a Zaporizhstal employee who allegedly reported a colleague for watching Putin's address to the Russian Federal Assembly.

Such narratives are aimed at "glorifying" Putin not only within Russia but also abroad, including in Ukraine. The Kremlin seeks to project an illusion that Ukrainians trust Putin more than their own government, an unfounded claim rooted in propaganda rather than reality.

These fabrications reflect the Kremlin's persistent attempts to manipulate public opinion and promote false narratives. Ukrinform continues to expose such disinformation, including recent debunking of claims like the supposed opening of a ski resort in Kyiv during the war.

Andriy Olenin