France slams Russian fake claim about Macron, Merz, and Starmer over 'drug' napkin

This was reported by the press service of the Élysée Palace.

“When European unity becomes inconvenient, disinformation goes so far as to make a simple tissue look like drugs,” the statement said.

This is how France commented on the fake story spread by Russian media, particularly the Telegram channel RT in Russian, about the alleged discovery of narcotics near the leaders of the Coalition of the Willing — French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer — on a table in a train en route to Kyiv.

“When the journalists arrived, the President of France hid a white bundle, and the German Chancellor a peculiar spoon. It is noted that at that moment the leaders fell awkwardly silent,” wrote the Telegram channel. Users speculated that the video may have captured a packet of cocaine and, allegedly, a special spoon used to consume it.

In reality, both photos and videos from the train clearly show that it was just an ordinary napkin on the table. Despite this, Russian propaganda continues to spread false claims about drugs.

“This fake news is being spread by France’s enemies, both abroad and at home. We must remain vigilant against manipulation,” the Élysée Palace added.

• On Saturday, May 10, 2025, the leaders of the Coalition of the Willing met in Kyiv. As a result, they supported an unconditional and complete ceasefire in Ukraine for 30 days, which is to begin on Monday, May 12.