🚨 DISINFORMATION ALERT 🚨
April 16, 2025
Russian state-controlled media outlet RIA Novosti – along with several other Kremlin-affiliated propaganda websites, such as Pravda and TopWar, and social media channels – has once again published a blatant piece of disinformation — this time falsely claiming that Ukrainian paratroopers from the 95th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade are plotting to overthrow President Volodymyr Zelensky and “march on Kyiv.”
The report, released today, alleges that “veterans and officers” from the elite brigade have expressed readiness to “act against Zelensky,” and called on both military personnel and civilians to join them in a supposed coup. The alleged source of this information is an anonymous figure from what RIA Novosti vaguely describes as the “anti-fascist underground.” This is a complete fabrication. Multiple informed sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the topic, confirm that no such declaration has been made by any members of the 95th brigade, nor is there any movement or inclination within the Ukrainian Armed Forces to move against their democratically elected leadership.
Classic Kremlin disinformation playbook
The timing and nature of this lie fit squarely into the Kremlin’s well-documented disinformation playbook. By fabricating internal dissent within Ukraine’s military, Russia aims to:
- Undermine morale among Ukrainian forces, especially as they continue resisting the ongoing Russian aggression and reclaiming occupied territories.
- Create confusion and distrust among the Ukrainian population and international supporters.
- Portray Ukraine as unstable, delegitimizing its leadership and war effort on the global stage.
This tactic is neither new nor unexpected. Russian propaganda machinery has frequently attempted to sow division within Ukrainian society and military ranks, often inventing imaginary uprisings, coup attempts, or statements of disloyalty by Ukrainian soldiers.
The truth about the 95th Brigade
The 95th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade is one of Ukraine’s most respected and battle-hardened units, known for its role in key defensive and offensive operations since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Far from turning on their leadership, these soldiers remain fully committed to defending Ukraine’s sovereignty and democratic institutions. Additionally, the 95th is regarded as one of the most prestigious and capable units in the Ukrainian military. It gained international recognition for its daring raid behind separatist lines during the war in Donbas, where it inflicted heavy losses on both separatist and Russian forces.
Disinformation spreads beyond Russia
Alarmingly, this piece of Kremlin-generated disinformation has already been picked up and republished without verification by at least two Macedonian media outlets: Sloboden Pečat, a prominent news portal and daily newspaper, and the online media outlet Kumanovski Muabeti. Both reproduced the RIA Novosti narrative, without offering any form of fact-checking or context. The uncritical reproduction of such fabrications not only helps amplify hostile propaganda, but also misleads readers and contributes to the broader destabilization efforts targeting Ukraine and its international allies. This incident highlights the urgent need for responsible journalism and media literacy, especially in regions vulnerable to Russian influence operations.
Truth remains the most powerful tool for defending democratic societies
Today’s fabrication by RIA Novosti is part of a wider and ongoing campaign of hybrid warfare that uses media as a weapon. By planting lies, amplifying conspiracy theories, and manipulating emotions, the Kremlin seeks to destabilize Ukraine from within – and weaken international resolve to support it. This latest lie should serve as a reminder that media literacy, fact-checking, and international solidarity are essential tools in resisting the Kremlin’s manipulative narrative warfare. No amount of propaganda can erase the truth on the ground: Ukrainian forces remain united and resilient in the face of aggression. President Zelensky continues to enjoy the support of the military and the majority of the Ukrainian people, who have demonstrated extraordinary resolve in defending their country. As has been said many times before: this is not just a war of weapons – it is a war between truth and lies. In the face of disinformation, verified truth and evidence remain the most powerful tools for defending democratic societies. Xhabir Deralla
In cooperation with the CIVIL Disinfo Monitoring Team
