Sybiga: Expect More Russian Fakes in the Coming Weeks Due to Strengthening Ukraine's Ties with Gulf Countries
In light of Ukraine's rapidly strengthening connections with Gulf nations, especially amid Iranian aerial threats, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiga has warned of an impending increase in Russian disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining Ukraine's contributions in the region.
In Moscow, there is significant concern regarding the rapid strengthening of Ukraine's ties with Gulf countries, particularly against the backdrop of Iranian aerial terror. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiga stated that under these circumstances, Russia is intensifying its use of fakes and propaganda in an attempt to undermine Ukraine's contributions in the region.
On his social media page on platform X, Sybiga reported that the Russian side is disseminating false information about allegedly affected Ukrainian experts and claims that Ukraine is not fulfilling its obligations. The minister noted that he expects an increase in such disinformation campaigns in the coming weeks, but reassured that this propaganda will not succeed. According to him, Ukraine's partners in the Gulf are well aware of how the country supports the development of modern, high-tech, and economically efficient defense systems.
Sybiga also emphasized that the recent visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky laid a solid foundation for long-term mutually beneficial cooperation in the Middle East. He believes that Russia's activity in the information war is evidence that Moscow recognizes Ukraine's successes and its own failures.
Additionally, the spokesperson for the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, Rustem Umerov, Diana Davityan, on March 28, refuted information regarding an alleged Iranian strike on a warehouse containing Ukrainian drones in Dubai, where 21 Ukrainians were reportedly present. Later, the spokesperson for the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Georgiy Tikhiy, also confirmed that these statements are false in response to journalists' inquiries.
Previously, the Iranian publication Fars reported that Iran allegedly struck a warehouse with Ukrainian drones in Dubai, where, according to their data, 21 Ukrainians were present. This information generated widespread resonance and was perceived as part of a larger disinformation campaign aimed at discrediting Ukraine in the eyes of the international community.
Thus, in light of recent events, it becomes evident that Russia is attempting to exploit any opportunities to undermine trust in Ukraine, while the Ukrainian side continues to actively work on strengthening its international ties and partnerships, especially in the context of cooperation with Gulf countries.