From false claims about a Ukrainian assassin shot in Alaska to baseless reports of Russia declaring the sale of the territory to the U.S. illegal, misinformation has surrounded the summit between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. Disinformation watchdog NewsGuard reported that “malign actors” are flooding the internet with falsehoods, particularly around the summit aimed at addressing the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Among the unfounded claims was the story of a supposed Ukrainian sniper, Stefan Orestovych, who was allegedly killed by American soldiers in Alaska, a claim without any evidence. This false narrative originated from Real Raw News, a site known for publishing fabricated claims.
Additionally, Trump critics falsely alleged that Putin had signed a decree making the U.S. purchase of Alaska illegal, mocking Trump for hosting a leader linked to the territory. Pro-Kremlin accounts were also spreading a fake “People’s Republic of Alaska” flag, reinforcing a narrative that Alaska should belong to Russia, a claim that dates back decades.
The article emphasizes how easily misinformation spreads, particularly during high-profile events, exacerbated by reduced content moderation on tech platforms. The summit, initiated by Trump at Putin’s suggestion, is especially significant for European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has resisted pressure to surrender any territory seized by Russia.
