Did the Ukrainian First Lady Seek Asylum in a Secret European Country?

After a period of inactivity on Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska’s official X account and related pages, fake reports and manipulated media began circulating online, falsely alleging that she had fled Ukraine to take refuge in an undisclosed European country. 

Misbar investigated the viral claims and impersonated content that caused confusion online.

BBC Did Not Report on Ukrainian First Lady’s Alleged Attempt to Flee Ukraine

On April 4, 2025, a digitally manipulated video, masquerading as BBC News, falsely claimed that the First Lady had failed in her attempt to flee Ukraine and was said to be "unavailable to the media" for this reason. 

A thorough search of BBC’s official website and digital platforms found no trace of such a video or report. Furthermore, no credible Ukrainian or international news agencies or media outlets have published any information supporting the claim that the First Lady left the country for an unknown destination.

On April 3, 2025 — just one day before the altered video was released — Olena Zelenska’s verified social media accounts shared live images of her during an official meeting with Jacques Gerber, the Swiss Government Commissioner for Ukraine, clearly confirming her presence and activity in Ukraine. 

Altered Photos of Britain's Leading Newspapers Speculate on the Refugee Status of Ukrainian First Lady

Along with the altered video, three manipulated front-page images of British newspapers — The Scotsman, Western Mail, and The Sun — began circulating on April 9. 

These fake covers, which were taken from the April 8, 2025, releases of these newspapers, falsely suggested that the publications were questioning the status of the First Lady, claiming she might be hiding in a European country after fleeing Ukraine, and speculating about the destination where she had taken refuge.

Misbar conducted a close investigation and found that the headlines and images had been digitally altered. 

The real front page of The Scotsman, where Olena Zelenska's headline and picture were supposedly placed, actually featured Scottish golfer Robert MacIntyre, who reunited with his father, Dougie MacIntyre, for the Par 3 Contest at the Masters Tournament. 

The original cover story of The Western Mail reported that former Wales and “British & Irish Lions” fly-half Dan Biggar would retire from professional rugby at the end of the season, noting that the 35-year-old was set to end his illustrious 18-year career with French club Toulon.

The Sun's actual front-page story reported that Celebrity Big Brother (a reality TV show) had secured a top British comedian for a surprise appearance. With celebrities like Mickey Rourke and Patsy Palmer joining the cast, this season was poised to be one of the most star-studded yet.

Russia–Ukraine War Enters Fourth Year Amid Continued Peace Efforts

As the Russian-Ukrainian war entered its fourth year, Russian missiles struck Kryvyi Rih, President Zelenskyy’s hometown, killing at least 18 people, including nine children, on April 4. Russia's defense ministry later claimed it had targeted a meeting of military commanders but provided no evidence.

On the same day, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said it would take weeks to determine whether Putin is serious about peace, noting that the decision lies with the Russian president.

On April 1, Putin called up 160,000 conscripts, the highest since 2011, as part of plans to expand Russia’s military to 2.39 million in the coming years.

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