**Russian Propaganda Tries to Smear European Leaders with Fake Cocaine Claims**
A ridiculous claim made by Russian propaganda outlets has been thoroughly debunked by the French Presidential Office. The claims, which suggested that a tissue used by President Emmanuel Macron was actually a “packet of cocaine,” have been met with a sharp response from the Elysee Palace.
The controversy began when video footage of European leaders visiting Kyiv was published. Russian propagandists quickly jumped on the story, claiming to have spotted a suspicious packet and spoon for drugs on the table where Macron sat with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. However, a closer look at the footage reveals that the “packet” in question is simply a used tissue.
In response to these baseless claims, the French Presidential Office released two photos on social media. One shows the tissue itself, with a caption reading: “This is a tissue. For blowing your nose.” A second image displays representatives of European leaders promoting peace and unity.
“This fake news is being spread by France’s enemies, both abroad and at home,” the Elysee Palace said in a statement. “We must remain vigilant against manipulation.”
**A Clear Case of Disinformation**
The claims made by Russian propagandists are a clear example of disinformation tactics. By taking footage out of context and spinning it to fit their own narrative, they attempt to smear European leaders and undermine unity among allies.
“This is not the first time that Russia has resorted to such desperate measures,” said a spokesperson for the French Presidential Office. “When European unity becomes inconvenient, disinformation goes so far as to make a simple tissue look like drugs.”
**A Reaffirmation of Support for Ukraine**
The visit by European leaders to Kyiv was a significant show of support for Ukraine against Russian aggression. The meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy led to an endorsement of an unconditional ceasefire starting on May 12, which Moscow has ignored.
In the face of such blatant disinformation, it’s essential that we remain vigilant and continue to stand in solidarity with Ukraine. As the Elysee Palace stated: “This is European unity, to promote peace.”
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