The Ministry of Defense Denies Spreading Fake Information About Umerov’s Statement on Telegram
On Wednesday, May 7, a large wave of disinformation once again swept through Ukrainian social networks — this time, false information appeared on Telegram channels controlled by pro-Russian sources, claiming an alleged official statement by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov regarding a tragic event in Kharkiv, supposedly connected to the death of a Ukrainian drone developer resulting from a car explosion. However, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine officially refuted these reports, categorically denying any involvement of the minister in spreading such information. According to the military department, the source of this fake news are Telegram channels that, in their effort to attract traffic and increase trust in false claims, disseminate untrue information citing supposed words of the head of the defense ministry. The messages allegedly pertain to an explosion in Kharkiv that led to the death of a Ukrainian UAV designer — a Ukrainian specialist who made significant contributions to the development of drones for the Ukrainian army. However, the Ministry of Defense explicitly stated that Umerov did not make or distribute any such statements. The ministry emphasized that Rustem Umerov does not have official accounts on Telegram or other social media platforms that would allow him to communicate directly with the public through these channels. “This is targeted disinformation, which is a characteristic element of modern information warfare conducted against Ukraine by Russia — in various forms, from fake news to cyberattacks,” the Ministry of Defense stressed. Military officials also urge Ukrainians to be highly cautious when reading and sharing information online. They remind the public that before spreading any material, it is important to verify its source, refer to official statements, and resist panic caused by unverified reports. In the context of active hostilities and the ongoing information tsunami created by Russian propaganda, such vigilance is especially relevant. The spread of fakes in contemporary Ukraine has become a serious problem, as they can not only deceive the public but also negatively impact the morale of Ukrainian military personnel and civilians. Therefore, the Defense Ministry leadership reiterated that official information only comes from verified sources, and unconfirmed rumors circulating online should not be trusted. It is worth recalling that the problem of spreading fakes within the framework of hybrid warfare with Russia has become a typical element of modern information confrontation. While Ukrainian soldiers are fighting on the frontlines, Russian propagandist resources actively spread false information to sow doubt and division in society. The main method of countering such information attacks is systematic source verification and a critical attitude towards every message circulated. The Ministry of Defense called on Ukrainians to be conscious and responsible when consuming news. “We urge citizens to verify information through official sources, avoid panic, and refrain from spreading unverified data — this is vital for our security and the integrity of the country’s information front,” the department’s statement reads. Only through such efforts can Ukraine protect itself from the destructive consequences of disinformation campaigns and maintain the morale and defense capacity of the Ukrainian people. Overall, in modern warfare, the concept of “information hygiene” is acquiring special significance. Overcoming the streams of fake news and gaining an accurate picture is possible for every Ukrainian if they responsibly approach the messages appearing online. This is one of the main weapons in the fight for truth and the country’s independence.