Russian fake: Grenade replicas being sold in Ukraine as 'charms against military recruiters'

Pro-Russian media outlets, Telegram channels, and bots on X (formerly Twitter) are circulating a screenshot allegedly taken from the Ukrainian online marketplace OLX. The post claims that hand grenade replicas are being sold for UAH 2,500 as protective talismans against military recruiters. The caption further suggests the items are to be used as a "last argument" when encountering Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Center (TRSSC) officers.

This claim is entirely false. No such listing has ever existed on OLX. A search for "оберіг від ТЦК" ("charm against TRSSC ") yields no results on the site.

The image featuring grenades was digitally manipulated. A grenade missing its pin and fuse was artificially inserted using graphic editing tools.

Moreover, the supposed seller — listed under the username vova050152XXXX — is also fictitious. Using the Getcontact app, it was revealed that the phone number in question actually belongs to a woman named Maryna, not the alleged male seller.

Russian propaganda frequently fabricates fake ads on Ukrainian online platforms to spread disinformation. Ukrinform had previously debunked similar fakes, such as so-called "magical charms" allegedly being sold to help Ukrainians avoid mobilization.

The purpose of such disinformation is to sow division within Ukrainian society and shift attention away from resisting Russian aggression, instead attempting to pit Ukrainians against each other.

Earlier, Russian propagandists also spread false claims alleging Ukrainian troops were looting in the border areas of the Sumy region.

Andriy Olenin