Russian Deepfake Campaign Falsely Attributes Anti-Ukraine Remarks to Willem Dafoe

The Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) has reported the circulation of fabricated statements online, created by Russian propagandists, falsely claiming that Hollywood actor Willem Dafoe made offensive remarks about Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on January 13.

After reviewing the original video, the CCD confirmed that the actor’s comments were solely about the movie he was promoting.

"Propagandists replaced the original audio with a fake recording created using deepfake technology," the CCD explained, identifying the effort as part of a Russian propaganda campaign.

"This is another example of disinformation aimed at discrediting Ukraine and its leadership," the CCD stated, emphasizing the use of advanced manipulation techniques like deepfakes to influence public opinion.

The agency urged the public to remain vigilant and verify information before sharing it.

"Russian propaganda continues to evolve, and it is crucial to counter these false narratives to ensure accurate information prevails," the CCD added.

Previously, Russian forces created informational confusion about the presence of North Korean troops and their involvement in the war with Ukraine.