France’s Élysée Palace was forced to issue a denial after Russian officials claimed French President Emmanuel Macron was handling cocaine during his recent Ukraine visit with UK and German leaders.
At a Glance
- Video footage showing Macron picking up a small white object from a conference table sparked unfounded claims it was cocaine
- The Élysée Palace clarified that the object was simply a tissue for personal use
- Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova publicized the claims as part of an apparent disinformation campaign
- Sir Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz were also targeted in the allegations
- France attributed these disinformation efforts to Russia’s GRU intelligence agency
Russian Allegations Target Western Unity
A seemingly routine diplomatic visit quickly descended into international controversy after footage emerged showing French President Emmanuel Macron handling a small white object during a train journey to Ukraine. The video, which also featured British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, became the focus of Russian propaganda efforts aimed at undermining Western support for Ukraine. The object, which the French government confirmed was simply a tissue, was characterized by Russian officials as evidence of drug use by European leaders.
Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, claimed the footage showed Macron with a “bag of cocaine” and that a coffee stirrer visible in the video was actually a “spoon” for drug use. These allegations appeared orchestrated to create division among Western nations and cast doubt on the decision-making capabilities of leaders who have been steadfast in their opposition to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The timing of the allegations coincided with renewed pledges of support for Ukraine from these European powers.
France’s Firm Response to Disinformation
The French government responded swiftly and directly to counter what it called a deliberate disinformation campaign. The Élysée Palace issued an unequivocal statement confirming that the object was “a tissue. For blowing your nose.” French officials went further, attributing the spread of these false claims to actors working against France’s interests and the broader European unity on Ukraine. The palace’s response reflects a more aggressive approach to combating Russian propaganda efforts.
“When European unity becomes inconvenient, disinformation goes so far as to make a simple tissue look like drugs. This fake news is being spread by France’s enemies, both abroad and at home. We must remain vigilant against manipulation,” stated the French government.
France’s Foreign Ministry specifically identified Russia’s GRU intelligence agency as the primary source behind such disinformation campaigns. According to French officials, these operations serve a dual purpose: gathering intelligence for the Kremlin while simultaneously undermining Western societies by fostering distrust in their leadership. Jean-Noël Ladois, France’s new international spokesperson, has been particularly vocal in confronting these Russian tactics, representing a shift toward more direct counter-messaging.
Pattern of Russian Propaganda Tactics
This incident follows a well-established pattern of Russian disinformation targeting Western leaders who oppose Putin’s Ukraine invasion. Similar baseless allegations about drug use have previously been directed at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European figures. The repeated use of such tactics appears designed to create doubt about the judgment and character of leaders advocating for continued military and economic support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.
“[The GRU] infiltrates French digital networks with two aims: collecting intelligence for the benefit of the Kremlin and destabilizing our society by creating distrust,” said the French Foreign Ministry.
Macron himself has been a frequent target of Russian disinformation operations, with previous false claims circulating about his personal life and political affiliations. The latest allegations came as Macron, Starmer, and Merz were in Ukraine to reaffirm their commitment to supporting the country against Russian aggression. During their visit, the leaders called for a ceasefire and threatened additional sanctions on Russia should the conflict continue, demonstrating precisely the kind of Western unity that such disinformation campaigns seek to undermine.
