Russian propaganda ‘outgunned’ by social media rebuttals

A file photo of Zelenskyy speaking to the nation in Kyiv, Ukraine. Russian state media is spreading false claims that Zelenskyy has fled Kyiv in what experts say is an effort to discourage Ukrainians and erode support for Ukraine around the globe. — Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP

Russian state media is spreading misinformation about the location of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in what analysts said is an attempt to discourage resistance fighters and erode support for Ukraine around the globe.

A story published by the Russian News Agency Tass this week quoted a Russian lawmaker saying Zelenskyy “hastily fled” Kyiv for Lviv in far western Ukraine, despite photos and video clips showing him leading Ukraine’s defence from its capital.