Russian disinformation campaign accuses Zelensky of spending millions on cars

Kate Atkinson October 15, 2024
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Zelensky isn't splurging on beachside mansions, luxury cars or Hitler's Mercedes, despite claims. Image by AP PHOTO

WHAT WAS CLAIMED

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is spending millions on cars and real estate.

OUR VERDICT

False. The claims are based on fake news articles.

AAP FACTCHECK – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has spent millions on cars and beachside property in the US, according to claims online.

This is false. The claims are based on fake stories published by websites linked to a Russian disinformation campaign. 

New Zealand preacher and anti-vaccination activist Billy Te Kahika repeated the false headlines in an October 7 Facebook video.

"Why is it that he has gone from being virtually an ordinary man, a Ukrainian, who was a comedian, he had no money. To now suddenly being a very, very wealthy man," he says of Zelensky.

"How does that happen? How does he get to buy his wife a Bugatti car? How does he get to buy real estate in Miami? How is that? Because he's not calling the shots … he's a comedian, he's an actor, and he's acting a part," (23 minutes). 

Screenshot of a Facebook post by Billy Te Kahika
A social media influencer with 28k followers is spreading misinformation about Volodymyr Zelensky. (AAP/Facebook)

Reports of Zelensky purchasing a Bugatti car and investments in Florida real estate previously appeared on websites posing as local news outlets. 

In June 2024, French website Verite Cachee reported that Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska purchased a Bugatti Tourbillon (misspelt in the story as "Turbillon") for almost 4.5 million euros during a trip to Paris.

The story included a copy of a supposed invoice as evidence. 

However, in an Instagram statement the car company called the report "fake news" and said no such transaction existed. 

Reuters and USA Today both debunked the story, pointing out anomalies and spelling errors in the invoice. 

There is also no evidence Zelensky bought real estate in Miami.