Center for Countering Disinformation calls fake a video about the “forced return of 40,000 conscripts”
A video is spreading on social media that allegedly claims Ukrainian men of conscription age will be forcibly returned from Poland, Germany, and France. Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) has debunked the claim, stating that the material is fake and that no such decisions or agreements exist.
The video is disguised as a report by a Western media outlet and claims that “over 40,000 people of conscription age will be returned to Ukraine for military service within two months.” To appear credible, the creators used real footage from a meeting of the “Coalition of the Willing” in Paris on 6 January, but overlaid it with fabricated text.
“There are no official statements, decisions, or agreements between Ukraine and EU countries regarding the ‘forced return of 40,000 people within two months,’ nor do such materials exist in Western media,” the CCD emphasized.
The Center explained that the spread of such content is part of a Russian information operation aimed at intimidating Ukrainians abroad, discrediting European partners, and stirring tension between Ukraine and the EU. “Russian propaganda systematically creates fake videos and ‘news,’ imitating the style of Western media to give disinformation the appearance of credibility and amplify its impact,” the CCD added.
Experts urge Ukrainians to verify information through official sources and refrain from sharing unverified videos or news so as not to become part of a disinformation campaign.
