Russian trolls stir controversy with fake news at Euro 2024 match

A provocation occurred during Ukraine's first match at Euro 2024, most likely organized by Russian internet trolls. The Nexta Agency reported that Romanian fans displayed the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) flag in their section. Internet users quickly clarified that there was no flag at the match and that it was typical fake news.

The Ukrainian national team, reached the Euro through playoffs. Coach Serhiy Rebrov's team first defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-1 in the semifinals. The final match ended with the same result against Iceland.

The Ukrainian national team, competing in Group E at the Euro, played their first match against Romania. Our eastern neighbours had to acknowledge the superiority of Coach Eduard Iordănescu's team. Romania won 3-0.

During Ukraine's match at Euro 2024, Russian internet trolls became active. They did it so convincingly that the Nexta Agency spread the information on platform X. Romanian fans were said to have displayed the DPR flag in the stands.

Also during the match, an unpleasant incident occurred: one of the Romanian fans carried the flag of the DPR separatists into the stadium – reported the Nexta Agency.

It turned out to be a Russian provocation. Fans of both teams reported no flags or other incidents related to the war in Ukraine. Romanian fans declare that almost the entire country supports Ukraine in the battle against the Russian aggressor.

A video also circulated on social media in which Romanians were supposedly chanting the name of the Russian dictator. Internet users intervened and proved that it was fake news by posting the video with the original sound.

Thanks to the swift reaction of internet users, Russian propaganda was quickly detected and stopped. Ukraine will play at least two more matches at Euro 2024 (against Belgium and Slovakia). Russian trolls will likely be active during these two matches.

The Donetsk People's Republic is an unrecognized state created on 12 May 2014 by pro-Russian separatists on the territory of Ukraine. Russia annexed these territories and declared them its own on 30 September 2022.