Russian propaganda exploits fringe U.S. commentator to accuse Ukraine of refinery blasts in Romania and Hungary
Russian state propaganda outlets and Telegram channels are spreading a story claiming that the United States allegedly believes Ukraine was “behind” the October explosions at oil refineries in Romania and Hungary owned by the Russian company Lukoil. Propagandists insist that it is supposedly Ukraine — not Russia — that is attacking Europe and NATO member states.
This is false. Russian propagandists are referring to a piece by American far-right conservative columnist Ted Snyder, published in The American Conservative.
The article provides no evidence that Ukraine was responsible for the incidents at industrial facilities in neighboring countries. These conclusions are based solely on the author’s personal opinion and anti-Ukrainian narratives that Snyder promotes in the piece. He also justifies Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and claims that Moscow’s attack on European countries is supposedly impossible because Vladimir Putin has said so.
Similar narratives appear throughout Snyder’s other published work.
Russian media enjoy citing Snyder because his articles portray a version of the world that aligns with the Kremlin’s interests. His texts echo Russian talking points, such as claiming that Ukraine’s Spider Web operation, which destroyed nearly half of Russia’s strategic aviation, allegedly harms only Ukraine, or that the West supposedly prevented Russia and Ukraine from “making peace” in Istanbul, or that Ukraine never captured Chinese soldiers on the battlefield.
The director of the MOL Group plant in Hungary, where one of the explosions occurred, Krisztian Pulay, publicly stated that investigators found no signs of external interference. According to him, the explosion was caused by the ignition of a gas mixture. Company spokesperson Piroska Bakos stressed that speculation about sabotage is “unfounded” and urged people not to spread unverified claims.
In Romania, the incident occurred at the PETROTEL-LUKOIL refinery in Ploiești, where major repairs were underway. The explosion was caused by the buildup of gases resulting from waste leaking into the sewage system.
Thus, Russia is using a little-known American commentator — whose articles appear in niche and far-right publications — as a supposedly “authoritative” U.S. voice promoting Russian narratives.
This fake targets American audiences with the aim of fueling anti-Ukrainian sentiment and undermining support for Ukraine.
As reported by Ukrinform earlier, Russian propaganda is spreading fake news about 'abuse' in Ukrainian army over drinking
Andrii Olenin
First photo: Pixabay
