Fake: Zelensky allegedly bought a ranch in Wyoming
Russian propaganda Telegram channels and social media accounts (X, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram) are widely spreading false information claiming that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky allegedly purchased the “Pathfinder” ranch in the state of Wyoming (USA) for an astronomical sum of $79.5 million. This disinformation campaign is a typical attempt to undermine trust in Ukraine’s leadership both among Ukrainians and international partners, by creating the image of a “corrupt elite” enriching itself during wartime. This fake was analyzed in detail by fact-checkers from Gvara Media.
To “confirm” this mythical deal, propagandists are using a specially produced video with Russian subtitles and English voice-over, which allegedly reveals details of the purchase.
An analysis of the “evidence” revealed several key manipulations:
- Fake source: The video refers to the brokerage company Swan Land Company and its website, swanlandco.us, claiming that the first public announcement of the deal appeared there on October 24.
- One-day website: A check of archived versions of the swanlandco.us domain via the Wayback Machine showed clear signs of a “one-day website”: the domain has a very short history, was created specifically for this disinformation campaign, and is currently inaccessible.
- Primary source of propaganda: The claim was widely amplified by well-known Russian propaganda channels that systematically spread Kremlin disinformation.
Fact-checkers from Gvara Media also found an official denial from the brokerage company that had listed the ranch for sale. In a statement published in the Wyoming local newspaper Cowboy State Daily, Swan Land Company categorically refuted online rumors that the “Pathfinder” ranch had been purchased by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The story about Zelensky purchasing a ranch is entirely fabricated and is part of a long-running Kremlin disinformation campaign aimed at creating a false image of Ukraine’s leadership living in luxury at the expense of Western aid. The disinformers used a fake video “proof” and a hastily created bogus website to lend “credibility” to their lies.