Russian Propaganda Falsely Claims Ukrainian Stores Adopt ‘Conventional Units’ Pricing

Russian propaganda channels have been caught spreading digitally manipulated images falsely claiming that a major Ukrainian electronics retailer has abandoned the national currency due to economic instability.

The fabricated photos, circulated widely on Telegram, purportedly show announcements from Foxtrot, one of Ukraine’s largest electronics chains, stating that due to currency fluctuations, product prices would now be displayed in “conventional units” rather than Ukrainian hryvnia. The posts included images of supposedly updated price tags meant to demonstrate Ukraine’s alleged economic collapse.

A detailed analysis of the images, however, reveals multiple inconsistencies proving they were manipulated using graphic design software. The supposed in-store announcement featured altered text and modified elements of a promotional display that originally appeared in 2020, long before the current claims emerged.

One particularly telling fake shows a PlayStation DualShock 4 controller with an altered price tag. Technology experts note that this specific controller belongs to the previous generation of Sony consoles and has largely been replaced by the DualSense controller since 2020. The propagandists incorrectly referred to the device as a “joystick” rather than the industry-standard terms “gamepad” or “controller,” further indicating the fabricated nature of the content.

Verification through Foxtrot’s inventory systems confirmed that the product code displayed on the manipulated price tag doesn’t exist in the retailer’s catalog, and the DualShock 4 is no longer even offered for sale on the company’s official website.

Additional inconsistencies appear in other circulated images allegedly showing smartphone price tags. These fakes display an incorrect website address for the retailer (www.foxtrot.ua instead of the actual www.foxtrot.com.ua) and use price tag designs that don’t match Foxtrot’s current visual branding, which features distinctive yellow labels and the company’s “Khoch” promotional slogan.

Both online and in physical Foxtrot locations throughout Ukraine, all merchandise continues to be priced exclusively in hryvnia, with no evidence supporting claims about a switch to alternative pricing methods. Such a move would not only damage consumer confidence but would directly violate Ukrainian law. In 2012, the Ukrainian parliament explicitly banned displaying prices in foreign currencies when advertising goods and services to protect the national currency and provide transparency for consumers.

This disinformation campaign appears to be part of a broader Russian strategy to undermine confidence in Ukraine’s economic stability. By suggesting that major retailers are abandoning the national currency, the propaganda attempts to foster public distrust in Ukrainian financial institutions and government, potentially triggering panic among the population.

Economic experts point out that while Ukraine faces genuine economic challenges during wartime, the national banking system has shown remarkable resilience. The National Bank of Ukraine has maintained relatively stable exchange rates through various monetary policy tools, despite the immense pressures of financing defense efforts.

This isn’t the first time Russian propaganda channels have spread fabricated economic stories about Ukraine. Similar disinformation tactics have targeted Ukraine’s agricultural exports, energy infrastructure, and foreign aid relationships. Another recent example included false claims about Ukrainian animal feed allegedly “infecting” livestock in France, a story that was debunked by both Ukrainian and French agricultural authorities.

Media literacy experts recommend that consumers verify information through multiple reliable sources before sharing potentially divisive content, especially during times of conflict when disinformation campaigns typically intensify.