Russian propaganda has launched a new video fake to discredit the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Enemy Telegram channels are spreading a clip in which a so-called “Ukrainian soldier”, tied to a tree, is allegedly being punished by his commanders “for drinking”.

This was flagged by fact-checkers from the Center for Countering Disinformation under Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council.

This is a fake, analysts say. Deepfake detection services confirm that the man’s face was generated by AI. In reality, such “punishments” are a typical practice in the Russian army itself. There are numerous videos online showing Russian soldiers being tied up and beaten for disciplinary violations.

Such videos, spread by hostile Telegram channels, are aimed at Ukrainians who are hesitant about mobilization, relatives of service members, and residents of frontline regions. By showing alleged “punishment” for drinking in the form of being tied to a tree, the enemy seeks to sow fear and distrust toward military command and to discourage people from serving.

For the international community, through translated versions, a narrative is being created that “both sides are equally brutal”, which blurs the moral distinction between the aggressor and the victim and reduces support for Ukraine.