A viral video circulating online that appears to show soldiers overseas burning a book associated with the U.S. president has been identified as staged, according to Ukrainian officials and cybersecurity analysts.
Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation said the footage was not created by Ukrainian forces, but instead orchestrated by Russian operatives as part of an ongoing disinformation campaign aimed at influencing public opinion abroad.
Cybersecurity experts and Western intelligence agencies have documented Russia’s frequent use of falsified or manipulated content to create confusion, provoke emotional responses, and undermine trust in institutions. Staged videos are a known tactic used to spread misleading narratives during periods of political tension.
The footage in question, which is grainy and lacks clear identifying details, was reportedly filmed in an undisclosed location and quickly gained traction on social media platforms. Analysts say the ambiguity of the setting and language barriers can make such videos more believable to outside audiences.
Disinformation researchers warn that foreign actors often rely on audiences not taking the extra step to verify content. The goal, they say, is to exploit gaps in public knowledge and sow division through emotionally charged and easily shareable content.
Officials recommend approaching viral political videos with caution, particularly those emerging during high-stakes geopolitical moments. Viewers are encouraged to question the origin and potential motives behind such content, and to rely on verified sources for information.
