Ukrainian intel debunks Russia’s bizarre 'red mercury' hoax
Photo: HUR debunked another Russian intelligence story (armyinform.com.ua)
Ukrainian military intelligence has debunked yet another myth spread by Russian special services — this time about the so-called "red mercury," allegedly found for sale in the Middle East.
That’s according to the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (HUR), as reported via their official Telegram channel.
"Russian special services are offering yet another mysterious black box on the so-called Syrian "black arms market," containing two capsules supposedly filled with dangerous "chemicals." One of the capsules is marked: PU.9424 U, and the other — HG25 P307 9.99 U92," the agency said.
According to intelligence officials, Russia is attempting to revive an old Soviet-era hoax involving "red mercury" — a substance that doesn’t actually exist in nature.
What is known about "red mercury"
"Red mercury" is a fabrication by Soviet intelligence services used in a large-scale disinformation campaign in the Middle East during the 1980s and 1990s.
Created in Moscow and aimed at foreign intelligence agencies, the myth claimed that this modified chemical element could be used to build a "terrifying" bomb.
Russia claims the container they are offering was allegedly purchased from "corrupt officials of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense" for "immediate sale."
What comes with the "red mercury"
Alongside the fake "components" for making a "nuclear bomb," Russian agents in Syria are offering ten capsules allegedly containing "unknown toxic gases." In fact, these are reagents for an outdated chemical reconnaissance device — the same one Russian agents had previously attempted to sell as part of an information operation against Ukraine.
"Russian intelligence services are following the same patterns used by their 20th-century predecessors. Russia is trying to discredit Ukraine and destabilize the situation in the Middle East, particularly in Syria. Ukraine is taking all necessary steps — including through military intelligence — to disrupt these latest hybrid plans by Russia," said Andrii Yusov, a representative of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence.
Russian propaganda
During its full-scale war against Ukraine, Russia has actively used propaganda as a tool of information warfare. The Kremlin regularly issues nuclear threats in an attempt to intimidate Western countries.
Russian media also spread messages about "external control" over Ukraine, alleged "US biolabs" on its territory, and myths to justify the invasion — including claims about "Nazis" and supposed persecution of Russian-speaking people.
Recently, Russia launched a new disinformation campaign against Ukraine, this time falsely claiming that Kyiv is "spreading" radioactive materials — plutonium and uranium — in Syria.
