European Leaders Deny Having Cocaine on Train to Ukraine

MAY 13·Updated MAY 18

European Leaders Deny Having Cocaine on Train to Ukraine

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Above: Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L), France's President Emmanuel Macron (C) and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (R) pose on board a train to Kyiv, in Shegyni, Ukraine, on May 9, 2025. Image credit: Stefan Rousseau/AFP/Contributor via Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

This is a bizarre conspiracy theory that has emerged, promoted by Russian trolls and even Alex Jones. It can clearly be seen that Macron simply grabs a tissue while the object in Merz's hand is a plastic coffee stirrer.

Establishment-critical narrative

There is no doubt what this video shows. The over-animated expressions of these leaders followed by Macron hiding the tissue and Merz concealing the mini-spoon. This incident merits a full investigation.

Metaculus Prediction

Public Figures

Emmanuel Macron

Friedrich Merz

Maria Zakharova

Go Deeper

The Russia-Ukraine War

Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO

Emmanuel Macron hiding a cocaine pouch in viral video? French media calls claims 'absurd conspiracies'

The Times of IndiaMAY 21

France blasts Russian 'fake news' after Macron is accused of 'hiding cocaine' in photo op with Starmer - as truth behind it is revealed

Daily MailMAY 21

Emmanuel Macron criticised after slowly taking off expensive watch during interview about pension changes

France protests: Macron takes off watch during TV interview

Telegram: View @MariaVladimirovnaZakharova

Watch: French Media Denies Viral Cocaine Rumors Involving President Macron During Ukraine Trip

'This is a tissue': France clarifies after far-right's claim of Macron, others sniffing cocaine

FirstpostMAY 21

Video does not show Macron hiding bag of cocaine from photographers

Russian propagandists spread cocaine rumor about Macron, claiming a tissue in a video from leaders' Kyiv trip is a 'little white bag' Meduza

Wild cocaine conspiracy surrounds European leaders traveling for Ukraine talks as frustrated Macron speaks out: Fake news

New York PostMAY 21

Macrons office hits back at claims he brought cocaine on Kyiv train

France derides Russias false claim of drug use by Macron, Merz and Starmer

France Accuses Enemies Spreading Fake News After Cocaine Bag Claims 2025 05 12

Macron denies bringing cocaine onto Kyiv train

The TelegraphMAY 21

Jihadi Attack in Northern Burkina Faso Kills Over 100, Highlights Escalating Extremist Threat

FirstpostMAY 21

Russia alleges Macron, Merz and Starmer had cocaine party in Kyiv in a veiled statement

Turkiye TodayMAY 21

Emmanuel Macron 'Cocaine' Claims Erupt After Kyiv Meeting

Bias Split Public Figures Controversies

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© 2025 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.19.1

© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.19.1