Pro-Kremlin social media accounts are amplifying false narratives surrounding the recently released Jeffrey Epstein files, falsely alleging Ukrainian involvement in sex trafficking to discredit Kyiv and bolster pre-existing disinformation campaigns. The coordinated effort, identified by researchers at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) and reported by AFP, seeks to exploit the controversy surrounding the files to advance Russian geopolitical interests.
The surge in disinformation coincides with the release of documents related to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who died in a New York jail cell in while awaiting trial. While the files have implicated numerous high-profile individuals globally, Russian-linked accounts have seized on the opportunity to propagate claims that Ukraine is a hub for sex trafficking, a narrative Moscow has long promoted.
According to the ISD’s analysis, some posts circulating on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and TikTok claim the Epstein files reveal Russian President Vladimir Putin was actively working to protect Ukrainian children from exploitation, framing Russia’s actions as humanitarian intervention rather than the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian citizens. One post on X, viewed over three million times, explicitly stated the files “confirmed… Putin didn’t kidnap children from Ukraine, instead [he] evacuated them to protect them from being sold into child sex trafficking.”
This disinformation campaign directly contradicts documented evidence. Kyiv reports that Russia has unlawfully transferred nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children across the border since the full-scale invasion began in . Moscow acknowledges taking some children, justifying the transfers as measures to ensure their safety – a claim widely disputed by international observers and Ukrainian authorities.
The effort extends beyond simply re-framing existing narratives. Some accounts are even suggesting Epstein attempted to contact Putin to enlist his help in combating child sex trafficking, further attempting to portray the Russian leader as a protector of children. The ISD reported a significant spike in related posts – over 15,000 on X within a two-day period – indicating a coordinated push.
Researchers emphasize that while direct attribution to the Russian state remains unproven, the Epstein file release provides a convenient pretext for amplifying existing disinformation. “They are just trying to saturate the information space with all of this to see if it sticks,” said Olga Tokariuk, co-author of the ISD report. Liana Sendetska, another author, noted the release “plays into their hands” as a means of bolstering previously circulated false claims.
The disinformation campaign isn’t confined to Russian-language platforms. The ISD identified over 150,000 posts on X between and focusing on the themes of saving children and falsely portraying Ukraine as a center for human trafficking. This activity peaked around the anticipated third anniversary of the invasion, suggesting a deliberate attempt to exploit key dates for maximum impact.
Notably, the narrative has gained traction among some political figures in the United Kingdom and Europe. The ISD report highlights the involvement of British and European politicians, including acting Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), in amplifying these claims. This suggests a deliberate effort to broaden the reach of the disinformation beyond Russia’s immediate sphere of influence.
The Urban Scoop media platform, established by British anti-migrant activist Tommy Robinson, released a documentary last year featuring Andrew Bridgen, a former Conservative Member of Parliament. Bridgen, who was expelled from the Conservative party for making controversial comparisons between Covid vaccines and the Holocaust, used the platform to make unproven allegations regarding Ukrainian child trafficking, and also appeared alongside U.S. Radio host and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones.
Researchers suggest the involvement of British officials is strategic, recognizing the United States’ strong support for Ukraine. “The U.S. Is one of the strongest supporters of Ukraine,” Tokariuk explained, implying that targeting audiences in countries providing aid to Kyiv could undermine international support for Ukraine’s defense.
The exploitation of the Epstein files underscores the evolving tactics employed in modern disinformation campaigns. By leveraging a pre-existing scandal and adapting it to fit a pre-determined narrative, pro-Kremlin actors are attempting to sow discord, undermine trust in Ukrainian institutions, and justify Russia’s ongoing aggression. The situation highlights the urgent need for increased vigilance and robust fact-checking efforts to counter the spread of false information in the digital age.
