President Emmanuel Macron faces unfounded accusations from pro-Russian social media accounts after a seemingly innocent gesture during a train journey with European leaders.

According to the Daily Mail, the French government strongly refuted false claims that Macron concealed cocaine while posing for photographs with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Germany's Friedrich Merz during their trip to Ukraine.

The controversy erupted after footage showed the French president picking up a white item from a table and discreetly placing it under his arm. Pro-Russian social media users quickly circulated conspiracy theories, suggesting the object was an illicit substance rather than what French officials later confirmed was a simple tissue.

European leaders unite for Ukraine peace talks

The incident occurred as the three leaders traveled by train to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Their journey aimed to demonstrate European solidarity and push for a potential ceasefire agreement with Russia.

The European delegation, which included leaders from Britain, France, Germany, and Poland, proposed an unconditional 30-day ceasefire beginning May 12. During their visit to Kyiv, they coordinated with U.S. President Donald Trump to present a united front against Russian aggression.

The Kremlin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded skeptically to the initiative, describing European statements as "confrontational" rather than constructive. However, he indicated that Russia would consider the ceasefire proposal while maintaining its own position.

French government fights disinformation campaign

The Elysee Palace addressed the false allegations head-on through social media. Officials emphasized how attempts to undermine European unity had resorted to transforming an ordinary tissue into supposed evidence of drug use.

The French presidency's X account reinforced their message by sharing an image of the three leaders shaking hands inside the train carriage. They captioned the photo with a clear message about European solidarity.

Investigation revealed that far-right propagandists were responsible for spreading the baseless accusations against France's president.

Diplomatic pressure mounts on Putin

The European leaders threatened Russia with "massive new sanctions" if Putin rejected their ceasefire proposal. This coordinated approach marks a significant shift in Western strategy following months of uncertainty in U.S. policy since Trump's return to office.

Recent developments show improved relations between Washington and Kyiv, including a new agreement giving the U.S. preferential access to Ukrainian minerals deals. This arrangement came after earlier tensions when Trump briefly suspended crucial military aid to Ukraine. The Western allies have repeatedly strengthened sanctions against Russia since its 2022 invasion, though these measures have not ended the conflict.

Next steps in European peace initiative

The controversial tissue incident overshadowed important diplomatic efforts by European leaders to negotiate peace in Ukraine. The delegation's visit to Kyiv resulted in a proposed 30-day ceasefire starting May 12, backed by threats of increased sanctions against Russia if the terms are violated.

French President Emmanuel Macron, along with leaders from Britain, Germany, and Poland, presented a unified message during their Ukraine visit, coordinating with U.S. President Trump to pressure Russia into accepting the ceasefire terms. While the Kremlin's initial response appeared dismissive, they indicated a willingness to consider the proposal, marking a potential turning point in peace negotiations.