Russia Launches First-Ever Anti-Trump Propaganda Drone Leaflet Drop Over Ukraine

Russian forces used unmanned aerial vehicles to distribute propaganda leaflets over Ukrainian territory during a recent drone attack, adding a psychological element to ongoing aerial operations.

According to a Telegram post by Ukrainian Defense Ministry advisor Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov on April 16, Russian drones—identified as “Gerbera” types—were used to scatter printed materials during the strike. “Gerberas are again scattering leaflets. Thank God that the enemy’s propagandists are ‘stupid’ and spread such nonsense,” Beskrestnov wrote.

Images published alongside the report show leaflets featuring US President Donald Trump, with messaging claiming that US support for Ukraine has ended. The materials appear designed to influence public perception by suggesting a decline in Western assistance.

Ukrainian officials say the use of drones for leaflet distribution reflects an expansion of Russian information and psychological operations (PSYOP), combining aerial delivery systems with messaging aimed at civilians. Authorities note that the content relies on manipulated or misleading narratives about international support.

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This is not the first instance of such tactics. Earlier in April, similar leaflets were reported in Nikopol, where Russian messaging warned of a supposed imminent offensive and urged residents to prepare for occupation.

According to Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, those materials also included instructions to avoid civilian transport and stockpile supplies, alongside claims of a rapid crossing of the Dnipro River.

Earlier, on September 6, 2025, Russian forces dropped propaganda leaflets disguised as 100-hryvnia banknotes over Chernihiv, urging civilians to share coordinates of Ukrainian Armed Forces positions in exchange for payment. According to Ukrinform, citing regional police, the materials were distributed by drone, and authorities warned that providing such information constitutes a criminal offense.

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