Russian media outlets, Telegram channels, and bots on X are spreading claims that a Ukrainian man, whom former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson met during his visit to Kyiv in April 2022, was allegedly killed near Kurakhove. According to the false reports, Johnson had a chance encounter with this man outside a shop on a Kyiv street, and propagandists now claim his name was Serhii Varchuk, suggesting he was a Ukrainian soldier who died on the front line.
This is a fake. Russian sources manipulated the man’s photo. Using the Forensically image analysis tool, Ukrinform’s fact-checking team identified digital alterations through “error level analysis” (which detects edited areas) and “noise analysis” (which highlights untouched parts of the image). The results indicate the photo was doctored using graphic editing software.
Additionally, an examination with FotoForensics revealed that the image had been compressed and modified, reducing its quality to 72%. Typically, an unedited image retains a quality level between 90-100%. Other signs of tampering include blurred areas near the shoulders and neck.
he fake image was designed to resemble the obituary format used by the Ukrainian newspaper Kirovohradska Pravda. However, official obituaries published by the newspaper include a watermark, which is missing from the Russian-forged version.
In a comment to Ukrinform, journalists from Kirovohradska Pravda confirmed that the image circulating in Russian media is fake. “The design does resemble our style, including the background color, frame, and caption format. However, this collage was not created by us. We use a different font and always include our logo — either in white or black. Furthermore, there is no person by this name in the official lists of fallen defenders from the Kirovohrad region,” the newspaper’s representatives stated.
The newspaper also noted that this is not the first time Russian propaganda has manipulated their obituaries to fabricate and spread disinformation.
The goal of this fake news is to exert psychological pressure on Ukrainian society amid Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
Previously, Russian propaganda spread false claims about the creation of a “movement” in Kharkiv advocating for presidential elections.
Andriy Olenin
Source: Russian propaganda fabricates fake news about death of Ukrainian man Boris Johnson met in Kyiv
