Russian propaganda Telegram channels have spread claims that Ukrainian media allegedly ‘photoshops’ smiles onto injured Ukrainian soldiers in photos with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi. To ‘prove’ this claim, propagandists have shared a manipulated photo, alleging that photo editing is the ‘only tool for creating any kind of victory’ for the ‘Kyiv regime’.  

In reality, this information is false. The original photo, which propagandists edited using graphic design software, was first shared online on March 13, 2022. On that day, President Zelenskyi visited wounded Ukrainian defenders in a military hospital. The sudden reappearance of this photo in early 2025 is already suspicious.  

Moreover, using Google’s reverse image search function reveals that, at the time of its original publication, all media outlets shared the unedited version of the photo. The manipulated version propagated by Russian sources is not found in credible outlets. The original image is still available on the official website of the President of Ukraine.  

By spreading this fake claim, Russian propagandists aim to portray Ukraine as ‘losing at all fronts’ and suggest that Ukrainian authorities are artificially fabricating a ‘victory narrative’. Once again, this tactic seeks to discredit President Zelenskyi and undermine Ukrainians' trust in their government.  

Previously, similar disinformation included claims about Zelenskyi purchasing a €18 million villa and building an underground bunker there, which were also debunked.