AI-Generated Fake Image Spreads in Russian Disinformation Campaign About Ukrainian Historical Figure
Russian propaganda sources spread an AI-generated fake image on social media falsely depicting the sale of soil from the grave of Ukrainian historical figure Eugène Konovalets. Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation verified using specialized analysis tools that the image was artificially created and originated from a Russian anonymous Telegram channel.
What happened
Russian propaganda sources spread AI-generated images on social media depicting transparent soil packages with labels and a price tag of 6000 hryvnias, falsely claiming the soil came from the grave of Eugène Konovalets, a Ukrainian nationalist leader.
The Center for Countering Disinformation verified the image using specialized media analysis services and confirmed it was created using artificial intelligence. The original source of the image was traced to an anonymous Russian Telegram channel.
Reported impact
The false imagery was designed to discredit decisions by Ukrainian authorities regarding the National Pantheon of Outstanding Ukrainians, following Konovalets' reburial on August 18, 2026.
Index analysis
The Center for Countering Disinformation noted this was not the first instance of Russian propaganda exploiting Konovalets' legacy. Earlier, hostile sources had circulated a false exhibition announcement from Lviv claiming to display relics of Konovalets.
Governance controls
The Center for Countering Disinformation publicly debunked the image and identified it as AI-generated Russian propaganda through its Telegram channel.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.