Propagandists have deployed bots on social media platforms to disseminate disinformation to Western audiences
Kremlin-backed media outlets, Telegram channels, and bots on social platforms X and Instagram are circulating a post from an anonymous X user with the nickname “SlavicFreeSpirit.” The post alleges that Slovaks have begun tearing off license plates from Ukrainian cars in Slovakia in protest of Ukraine’s suspension of Russian gas transit as of January 1. The user further claims that Ukrainian men are forced to return to their homeland to obtain new plates, where they face mobilization.
This claim is false. The “SlavicFreeSpirit” account provides no evidence to support its statements.
The account was created in February 2022, coinciding with the launch of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since its creation, the account has exclusively promoted Russian propaganda targeting an English-speaking audience. It also features a purchased blue verification checkmark, presumably to instill “trust” and project “expertise.”
To fabricate this claim, images of modern Ukrainian license plates freely available online were used.
The Slovak Ministry of Interior’s website contains no reports of widespread theft of Ukrainian license plates.
An Ukrinform correspondent reached out to representatives of the Ukrainian diaspora in Slovakia for comment. The public organization SME SPOLU, which administers a large Facebook group called “Ukrainians in Slovakia,” stated: “We have not heard of any cases of license plate removal. If such incidents had occurred, we would already be aware of them.”
The organization also refuted claims that Ukrainians who lose their license plates in Slovakia must return to Ukraine. “In Slovakia, private companies are officially authorized to produce duplicate license plates that meet all current Ukrainian state standards. These plates feature holograms, a reflective layer, and the manufacturer’s markings, making them indistinguishable from the originals. Numerous companies offer this service, and license plates can also be ordered online in Ukraine. The main challenge for car owners abroad is arranging delivery of the plates from Ukraine to Slovakia,” SME SPOLU explained.
For years, Russia has weaponized gas supplies to blackmail Ukraine and the EU. However, following the termination of the contract for Russian gas transit through Ukraine, the EU energy market has remained stable. According to European Commission spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen, the transit suspension has not caused price spikes for European consumers.
Slovakia itself is not experiencing gas shortages. Political scientist Grigorij Meseznikov, President of the Slovak Institute for Public Affairs, told Deutsche Welle that Slovakia’s gas storage facilities are 80% full, ensuring the country’s energy security despite the halt in Russian gas supplies.
At 07:00 on January 1, Ukraine ceased the transportation of Russian natural gas through its territory, citing national security concerns.
Previously, Russian propaganda fabricated a claim about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s “failed attempt” to register on the Chinese version of TikTok.
Andriy Olenin
Source: Russian fake: Ukrainian license plates torn off in Slovakia to protest halt in Russian gas transit
