A viral image circulating on social media falsely depicts European leaders seated in a White House corridor, allegedly waiting for a meeting with former US President Donald Trump. The image appeared after several leaders traveled to the U.S. on August 18, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was accompanied by notable figures such as French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. This gathering aimed to bolster support for Ukraine amidst ongoing tensions with Russia, particularly following Trump’s recent discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The misleading image, shared online with captions implying the leaders displayed submissiveness to Trump, has received significant attention. Social media commentary framed their posture as one of humiliation, suggesting they were like “vassals at the court of the Mad Emperor.” Some users likened the scenario to schoolchildren waiting outside a principal’s office, indicating a power imbalance perceived in the relationship between the leaders and Trump. This portrayal has been amplified by established pro-Russian accounts that aim to diminish the credibility of the European leaders’ visit.
However, a detailed investigation revealed that the image is not authentic. Analysis from multiple AI detection tools indicated that the image appeared to be AI-generated. Through reverse image searches, Euroverify was able to locate a higher-quality version of the image, which revealed inconsistencies such as distorted hands and extra feet—hallmarks of AI-generated visuals. Claims that the individuals depicted were the leaders present at the meeting fell flat when compared to actual attendees, further dispelling the image’s credibility.
Critical scrutiny also noted that the viral image was posted online the day prior to the meeting—August 17, which raises concerns about its authenticity. The absence of the image from established news outlets covering the event further contributed to doubts about its legitimacy. While some social media users mocked the obvious flaws typical of artificial intelligence imagery, others provided detailed explanations about its inauthenticity in forum discussions.
The Ukrainian Center for Countering Disinformation publicly denounced the photo as a fabricated piece of Russian propaganda. This body, part of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council, clarified that the image was intended to undermine European leaders and lessen the perceived importance of their role in diplomatic negotiations with the U.S. since the onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The episode underscores the ongoing threat of misinformation, particularly in the context of geopolitical tensions. With Russia ramping up disinformation campaigns, the proliferation of manipulated images and narratives poses a significant challenge to public understanding. The climate of misinformation requires vigilance and critical analysis to differentiate between fact and fabrication, especially when significant political dynamics are at stake.
