Russia Deploys Drones for Propaganda Leaflet Campaign in Ukraine

• •Russian drones are distributing propaganda leaflets over Ukrainian territory.
• •The leaflets suggest a decrease in US support for Ukraine, featuring misleading imagery.
• •Ukrainian officials deem the leaflets ineffective but warn of their potential psychological impact.

On April 16, 2026, Russian forces utilized unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to drop propaganda leaflets over Ukrainian territories, specifically in Sumy and Chernihiv. The leaflets contained misleading messages suggesting a decline in Western support for Ukraine, featuring images of US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Ukrainian officials, including Serhii Beskrestnov and Andriy Kovalenko, reported that these tactics represent an expansion of Russian psychological operations (PSYOP). The leaflets are designed to influence public perception and morale among civilians, although they are perceived as ineffective by local authorities. Previous instances of similar tactics were noted earlier in April, where leaflets warned of an imminent offensive. The Ukrainian Center for Countering Disinformation has urged civilians to report any found materials, as they may contain provocative content and QR codes linking to enemy resources. This operation reflects ongoing information warfare amidst the conflict.