Debunking Russian fakes. Eulenspiegel cover with “reaction” of Zelenskyy about conflict between India and Pakistan

Pro-Russian channels often spread fake covers of international magazines to share their narratives. 

Since May 8, the image of the supposedly new cover of the satirical German magazine Eulenspiegel with the “reaction” of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian president, to the conflict between India and Pakistan. 

Our fact-checking team analyzed the “cover.”

What happened?

On May 8, Telegram channels “Bear,” “Shkvarka 2.0,” “To je náš svět,” “War Digital News,” and others shared the post with an image of the supposedly May cover of the satirical Eulenspiegel magazine. 

This cover features a caricature of the Ukrainian president and his “reaction” to the conflict between India and Pakistan.

“The money spent on these missiles could have been sent to Ukraine. So that I could steal them,” Zelenskyy’s “words” are quoted in the image.

Post with an image of the supposedly May cover of the satirical Eulenspiegel magazine in pro-Russian Telegram channels

The Russian network of disinformation online resources “Truth” also shared the news with this image to influence a foreign audience, including those in the Czech Republic (czechia.news-pravda.com) and Italy (italy.news-pravda.com), with X social media accounts (1, 2) promoting the topic for their Russian-speaking readers.

News with an image of the supposedly May cover of the satirical Eulenspiegel magazine on sources to influence a foreign audience.

Analysis

The image shared in the post contains information about the issue number of the “copy” of Eulenspiegel “5/2025” which means that it should correspond to the May 2025 issue of the outlet.

Information about the issue number of the “copy” of Eulenspiegel “5/2025.”

We checked copies of Eulenspiegel magazine on the official website, available in the “Ausgaben” section. We haven’t found an identical or similar cover.

Copies of Eulenspiegel magazine on the official website.

The May 5/2025 issue of the magazine has a different image and is dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

May 5/2025 issue of Eulenspiegel magazine on the official website.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs outlined the country’s official reaction to the escalation of the conflict between India and Pakistan. They talked about the peaceful resolution of the conflict, called for restraint, and urged to pursue diplomatic dialogue.

Conclusion: Fake 

Author: Anna Ormanzhy

Translation to English: Elza Diachenko