The story is based on the testimony of an “anonymous source” and first appeared on an account that describes itself as a parody account. Zelenska has made numerous public appearances since the claims about her alleged “flight” first emerged.
Pro-Russian outlets are rapidly spreading a report claiming that Olena Zelenska has fled the country, allegedly taking with her €66 million in cash, along with numerous gold bars and jewelry. The act was purportedly motivated by NABU’s preparations to arrest Zelenska. The propagandists spreading the story cite an anonymous “source at the British Embassy” in Kyiv.
In reality, the story is entirely fabricated. First, it was reported exclusively by Russian channels: no credible Ukrainian or Western source reported any preparations for an “escape” — though it stands to reason that if the information were true and known to foreign embassies or intelligence services, the world’s media would have covered this sensation. Second, the story first appeared on May 17th on a pro-Russian account on X that describes itself as a “parody” account and even promises to “ban fact-checkers.” Profiles of this kind consistently publish anti-Ukrainian disinformation, counting on social media users to share it uncritically — which is precisely what happened in this case. Since the alleged “escape,” Zelenska has appeared in public on multiple occasions: on May 21st she joined the president in congratulating Ukrainians on Vyshyvanka Day; on May 20th she met with Australian businessman Andrew Forrest in connection with the work of her charitable foundation; on May 19th the Zelensky couple attended the opening of an Ivan Marchuk exhibition at the Chocolate House; and on May 18th they honored the memory of the victims of the genocide of the Crimean Tatar people.
The fake was most likely spread as part of a broader disinformation campaign targeting Olena Zelenska: propagandists had recently been claiming that NABU was preparing to arrest the first lady. NABU and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office responded swiftly and unequivocally, stating that no procedural actions against Olena Zelenska are being carried out or planned. Both bodies emphasized that such planted stories are part of a systematic campaign by the aggressor state aimed at discrediting Ukrainian anti-corruption institutions and undermining public trust in them.
For similar debunks, see: Fake: Olena Zelenska Received an Israeli Citizen Passport, Fake: Olena Zelenska Spent Over a Million Euros on Designer Clothes, Says Her Stylist and Fake: Ukrainian Media Staged Olena Zelenska’s Meeting with Melania Trump.
