A false rumour spread by a dubious AI-powered website caught the attention of leading politicians.

A website founded by a former US Marine who now lives in Russia has fuelled a rumour that Volodymyr Zelensky purchased two luxury yachts with American aid money.

Despite the false claim, the disinformation plot was successful. It took off online and was echoed by members of the US Congress making crucial decisions about military spending.

It was an incredible assertion - using two advisers as proxies, Mr Zelensky paid $75m (£59m) for two yachts.

But not only has the Ukrainian government flatly denied the story, the two ships in question have not even been sold.

Despite being false, the story reached members of the US Congress, where leaders say any decision on further aid to Ukraine will be delayed until next year.

  • Transporter Room 3
    24·
    6 months ago

    So either the people in the US government who believe and repeat this are bought and paid for bad-faith actors who are working to promote foreign, hostile interests, and therefore guilty of treason

    Or

    They are so unbelievably idiotic that they fall for easily disproved lies coming from hostile territory.

    Either way, they have no place in government and should be removed.