Fake X Account Impersonates Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief, Sparking Disinformation Alert

An impostor account on X, using a paid blue verification badge, pretended to be Ukraine’s newly appointed Commander‑in‑Chief, Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi. The fake profile posted a claim on July 26 about a sweeping “audit of the Armed Forces” and warned that there would be “no untouchables,” a message designed to sow internal friction.

Ukrainska Pravda initially reported the statement before the General Staff confirmed the account was fraudulent and the outlet issued a retraction and apology. Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation identified the episode as part of a broader operation that has also targeted other senior officials, including Defence Minister Major General Yevhenii Khmara and Ground Forces Commander Major General Hennadii Shapovalov. The campaign aims to undermine trust in the military hierarchy and erode public confidence during the ongoing conflict.