AI-generated fake images spread during Ukraine peace diplomacy
AI-generated fake images and videos depicting Trump, Putin and European leaders spread across social media during Ukraine peace diplomacy talks in August 2025, reportedly amplified by pro-Kremlin sources to ridicule European leaders as powerless.
What happened
AI-generated fake images and videos spread widely online during diplomatic consultations between European leaders and Donald Trump at the White House regarding Ukraine peace efforts in August 2025.
One fabricated image purported to show French President Emmanuel Macron and other European officials waiting somberly in a White House corridor with their heads bowed. AI-generated videos depicted Trump and Putin dancing with a polar bear, skiing, eating ice-cream, and brawling on a red carpet.
The Pravda network, a Moscow-based operation, amplified the AI-generated image of Macron and other European leaders, with pro-Kremlin sources ridiculing them as the 'coalition of those in waiting.' Posts in multiple languages including Greek, German and French gained traction across social media.
Reported impact
The fake content clouded diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine and mocked European leaders as powerless mediators.
Tech platforms' monetization incentives for viral posts facilitated the spread of the AI-generated content.
Index analysis
AFP fact-checkers identified visual inconsistencies in the image including Macron that indicated it was AI-generated, and some individuals depicted did not match those in official photographs from the meeting.
Governance controls
NewsGuard reported that pro-Kremlin sources frequently seize on high-profile meetings involving European leaders to spread false claims.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.