France condemns 'fake news' over Macron cocaine accusation

The accusation that Macron's white tissue during a train meeting in Kyiv contained cocaine, made by US radio host Alex Jones and Russian officials like Maria Zakharova, has sparked widespread disbelief. The Elysee dismissed the claim as a simple tissue for blowing one's nose, while Russia accused France of using disinformation to discredit European efforts to end Ukraine's conflict. Both leaders' teams denied any wrongdoing, with Macron's team pointing to photos showing just tissue and Starmer accusing Russia of being desperate to prevent peace. France's Viginum has identified nearly 80 such disinformation campaigns targeting Ukraine since August 2023.