Russian propaganda spreads fake claim that Zelensky 'demands money' from New Pope

Russian propagandists are circulating on social media a fake cover of the German political satire magazine Titanic, featuring a caricature of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Pope Leo XIV. The image depicts the newly elected pontiff seemingly frightened by a phone call from the Ukrainian leader, with the caption: "The New Pope. Same Old Extortionist."

This is a fake. There is no such cover on Titanic's official website or its social media channels.

The falsified cover claims to be from the May issue and bears the code A 4352. However, the actual May edition with that code looks entirely different.

Moreover, the counterfeit lacks the issue number that appears on all authentic copies of Titanic.

The real issue is dedicated to the new German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz.

Pope Leo XIV has expressed support for Ukraine. In his first Sunday blessing, he mentioned countries suffering from war and specifically called for a swift and just peace in Ukraine.

Earlier this week, President Volodymyr Zelensky had his first conversation with the Pope, during which he thanked him for his support of Ukraine. The Ukrainian leader also plans to attend the Pope's enthronement ceremony.

This fake is clearly intended to drive a wedge between Ukraine and the Vatican, while also aiming to discredit both the Ukrainian leadership and the newly elected pontiff.

Russian propaganda frequently pushes the narrative that the Vatican is unsympathetic toward Ukraine and Ukrainians, and that Catholic Church leaders try to downplay or ignore Russia's invasion of Ukraine. For instance, Ukrinform previously debunked a Kremlin-fueled fake claiming that USAID had "deceived" Pope Francis into meeting with the wives of captured Azov Regiment soldiers.

Earlier, Russian propaganda fabricated a story about "Immortal Regiment" demonstrations being broadcast on billboards in Berlin.

Andriy Olenin