Viral Conspiracy Theory Targets European Leaders, Alleges Cocaine Use on Train to Ukraine

A fabricated controversy has erupted online, fueled by conspiracy theorists who are falsely accusing European political leaders of engaging in cocaine use during a train journey to Ukraine. The incident, triggered by video footage of French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz en route to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, has spread rapidly across social media platforms, garnering millions of views and prompting official denials.

The controversy centers on a video and accompanying photographs taken on May 9, 2025, depicting the leaders traveling by train to Ukraine for discussions regarding the ongoing conflict with Russia. In the footage, Macron is seen reaching for a white object on the table in front of him, an action that has been seized upon by conspiracy theorists as evidence of illicit drug use.

Alex Jones, a prominent figure in the American conspiracy theory landscape, has been at the forefront of disseminating the false narrative. Jones shared an image, allegedly altered to resemble a bag of cocaine, further amplifying the unsubstantiated claims.

In a social media post, Jones misidentified the video’s context, claiming it depicted the leaders returning from Kiev (Kyiv) rather than traveling to Ukraine. He asserted the presence of "a bag of white powder" on the table, alleging that Macron quickly concealed it while Merz hid a spoon. Jones concluded his post by baselessly accusing the leaders of being "completely cracked out," citing Zelensky’s supposed history with cocaine use.

However, detailed examination of high-resolution photographs from Getty Images reveals that the alleged "bag of white powder" is, in reality, a napkin or tissue. The images provide a clear view of the object, dispelling the conspiracy theorists’ assertions.

The image shared by Jones, which appears to more closely resemble a bag of cocaine, is suspected of being digitally altered. Experts suggest that Jones may have utilized AI image upscaling tools to enhance the image’s clarity and create a glassy sheen, thereby distorting the object’s appearance.

Jones also claimed that Merz concealed a spoon, but photographic evidence suggests that the object is more likely a goldish-colored clip or zip-tie, possibly used to organize the binders on the table.

The viral conspiracy theory has gained significant traction online, with Jones’s post accumulating over 26 million views. This widespread dissemination of misinformation has prompted the French president’s office to issue a formal denial, reiterating that the object in question was simply a tissue.

Notably, Jones’s social media posts have not been flagged with Community Notes, a crowdsourced fact-checking program, highlighting the challenges in combating misinformation on social media platforms.

The proliferation of this false narrative is particularly concerning given the history of misinformation surrounding Ukraine. Jones and other far-right figures have consistently promoted conspiracy theories aimed at undermining the country and its leadership, often aligning with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s interests.

Jones has previously expressed admiration for Putin and even hinted at the possibility of relocating to Russia. His history of spreading misinformation and his pro-Russia stance raise serious questions about his motives in targeting European leaders with unsubstantiated accusations of drug use.

This latest conspiracy theory echoes previous attempts to discredit Ukrainian President Zelensky with similar accusations. By extending these baseless claims to Zelensky’s allies, conspiracy theorists seek to further erode public trust in democratic leaders and undermine international support for Ukraine.

The spread of misinformation on social media platforms like X, particularly since Elon Musk’s acquisition of the site, has created an environment where conspiracy theories can thrive. Musk’s decision to reinstate previously banned individuals, including neo-Nazis, anti-Muslim bigots, and conspiracy theorists like Alex Jones, has further contributed to the platform’s role as a breeding ground for false and misleading information.

It is crucial to critically evaluate information encountered online, particularly when it originates from sources known for spreading conspiracy theories. Fact-checking, verifying information with reputable sources, and considering the potential biases and motivations of those sharing information are essential steps in combating the spread of misinformation. The incident underscores the need for increased vigilance and media literacy to counter the harmful effects of online conspiracy theories.