Russia Accused of Disinformation Campaign in India Over Ukrainian Detainees

Ukrainian Embassy Accuses Russia of Information Manipulation in India

The Ukrainian Embassy in New Delhi has leveled serious accusations against Russia, claiming Moscow is attempting to manipulate information and interfere in India’s internal affairs. In an official statement released Thursday, the embassy alleged that Russian authorities had circulated fabricated claims regarding the detention of Ukrainian citizens in India.

The statement directly criticized Russia’s Foreign Ministry, referring to it as a “Ministry of Propaganda” that “masquerades as its Ministry of Foreign Affairs.” According to the embassy, what Russian officials described as Ukrainian “terrorists” was actually misinformation deliberately concocted by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB).

“This bears all the hallmarks of a deliberate disinformation operation typical of the Russian special services, which systematically use fabrications as a tool of foreign policy and seek to draw India into a political script not of its own making,” the Ukrainian statement declared.

The embassy strongly defended India’s sovereignty, suggesting that Moscow was operating under the “false assumption that it can interfere in the internal affairs of other states and use India as an instrument for advancing its own geopolitical interests.” Such an approach, the statement argued, is “outright insulting to a nation with a millennia-old civilizational tradition, a strong democratic system, and independent institutions.”

Ukrainian officials drew a sharp contrast between India’s judicial system and Russian courts, asserting that “a court in New Delhi is not a branch of Moscow’s Khamovnichesky or Lefortovsky district courts,” which they characterized as venues known for “politically motivated verdicts, grave human rights abuses, and contempt for international law.”

The statement also highlighted the International Criminal Court’s March 2023 arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin over alleged war crimes, including the unlawful deportation of civilians from occupied Ukrainian territories.

Adding weight to their accusations, the Ukrainian embassy referenced statements by Indian police officials that appear to contradict Russia’s claims. They cited Stephen Lalrinawma, Superintendent of Police in Mizoram’s Criminal Investigation Department, who reportedly stated on March 18 that despite enhanced border surveillance, “no suspects had been intercepted” and no terror-related activity had been detected in the state.

“These statements are important because they do not substantiate the allegations being circulated and point to the absence, at this stage, of any established evidence to support them,” the embassy noted.

The accusation comes amid broader concerns about Russia’s international conduct. The Ukrainian statement pointed to Moscow’s alleged use of private military networks abroad, specifically mentioning the Wagner Group, which has been sanctioned by the European Union for human rights abuses and destabilizing activities across multiple regions.

The embassy also criticized Russia’s defense cooperation with Myanmar, noting that Moscow has supplied military equipment to the country despite United Nations resolutions condemning Myanmar’s military coup and calling for an arms embargo. According to the statement, Russia signed a military cooperation program with Myanmar for 2026-2030, delivering six Su-30SME fighter aircraft in March and previously supplying Mi-38T helicopters.

This dispute highlights growing tensions in the geopolitical landscape, with Ukraine seeking to maintain positive relations with India while countering what it sees as Russian disinformation efforts. India, which has historically maintained strong ties with Russia while developing closer relations with Western nations, now finds itself navigating complex diplomatic waters.

The Ukrainian embassy concluded its statement by expressing confidence in India’s legal system while calling for an impartial investigation into the matter. “We call on the competent Indian authorities not to yield to provocations and to ensure an independent, impartial, and fair consideration of the case,” it stated, adding that Ukraine remains ready to cooperate in a transparent investigation.

The Russian government has not yet responded to these specific allegations, though tensions between Moscow and Kyiv continue to run high amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.