Russian Drones Target Sumy With Propaganda Leaflets, Fake Cash Drops

Russian forces dropped propaganda leaflets and counterfeit money over Sumy using drones, in what Ukrainian officials describe as a psychological warfare tactic. Authorities warn civilians not to collect the items, citing the risk they could conceal explosives. The incident highlights evolving propaganda efforts aimed at destabilizing civilian populations amid ongoing attacks in the region. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied A boy rides his scooter in front of the destroyed building of the city hall in the city of Okhtyrka, Sumy region on August 1, 2022, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by Genya SAVILOV / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Russian forces have dropped propaganda leaflets and counterfeit banknotes over the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy , in what officials described as an attempt to conduct psychological warfare, Ukrainian media reported. The materials were released from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) earlier this week, echoing tactics historically used during World War II, now adapted with modern drone technology, as reported by Censor.NET , a Ukrainian media outlet. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . The leaflets contained messages invoking themes of “shared roots” and “brotherhood” between Russians and Ukrainians, including slogans such as: “Our grandfathers were brothers in the trenches.” The statements appear to coincide with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations on May 9, when Moscow typically emphasizes narratives of Soviet unity and wartime legacy. Alongside the leaflets, drones also dropped imitation cash, a method experts say is designed to attract civilians’ attention and encourage them to pick up the materials. Ukrainian military and law enforcement agencies warned residents not to approach or collect any items dropped from drones, noting that such objects could be used to conceal explosive devices or other hazards. However, the use of such tactics is not unusual for the Kremlin . In April , a similar incident was reported in the Chernihiv region, where a drone dispersed leaflets disguised as banknotes bearing QR codes. Other Topics of Interest Zelensky Outlines Tasks for Umerov Ahead of US Talks President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine has outlined three priorities ahead of talks between National Security Council Secretary Rustem Umerov and US officials. These include a new prisoner exchange, advancing diplomatic efforts, and strengthening security cooperation. The talks come as negotiations with Russia remain stalled and Ukraine seeks progress with Western partners. “It is an attempt at provocation. Be careful,” Oleh Hrihorov, the head of the Sumy Regional Military Administration said on Facebook , urging civilians to report such items immediately. Sumy, located near the Russian border, has been subjected to frequent drone and missile attacks since the start of Russia’s full‑scale invasion, with infrastructure and residential areas regularly targeted. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.