Ukraine debunks Russian claim of 'US plan to replace Zelenskyy' due to Kursk operation

The Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security SPRAVDI has noted that Russians are promoting a statement by former CIA employee Larry Johnson, claiming that the US might consider "removing" Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy due to the Ukrainian Armed Forces' operation in the Kursk region.

This is an attempt by the enemy to bolster a recent disinformation campaign by Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service, suggesting that the US plans to "replace" President Zelenskyy with "someone else."

To enhance their propaganda, the Russians are using statements from former CIA analyst Larry Johnson, who was convicted of child molestation, former UN inspector Scott Ritter, and others.

"These individuals have no connection to political circles or intelligence agencies and have been working for Russian propaganda for years, leveraging their past affiliations and willingness to disseminate any information," noted SPRAVDI.

The Center explained that the Russians aim to reinforce narratives about "external control" and destabilize the situation within Ukraine with such disinformation.

Russian disinformation

It should be noted that Russia is actively waging a war against Ukraine not only on the battlefield but also in the information sphere. Russian propagandists frequently create fakes, often targeting Ukrainian leadership.

For instance, in March, the enemy spread misinformation suggesting that the Ukrainian Armed Forces had a plan to remove President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from power.

The goal was to undermine the legitimacy of the Ukrainian president among Ukrainians.

Additionally, in late April, the Russians fabricated a claim that Ukraine was planning to start peace negotiations with Russia in June, with the implication that Zelenskyy had "initiated" this.