Fake Banknotes Dropped by Russian Drones Carry QR Codes: Inside the New Recruitment Tactic

Evolving Russian Military Tactics

According to Главком: Russian forces have adopted a new method of psychological warfare against Ukraine’s population, using drones to drop counterfeit banknotes embedded with QR codes. These operations have been reported in the Bohodukhiv community in the Kharkiv region, as well as in the Sumy and Chernihiv areas. The fake notes, disguised as folded hryvnia or dollar bills, contain appeals for collaboration and requests for information on Ukrainian Armed Forces positions.

Threat Level and Safety Guidance

The scattered banknotes direct users to Russian Telegram channels and phishing websites. On the reverse side of these leaflets, which mimic 100-hryvnia notes, there are calls to share coordinates of Ukrainian military personnel. Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has noted an uptick in Russian intelligence activities aimed at recruiting Ukrainians, along with an increase in false-flag operations where Russian troops impersonate Ukrainian law enforcement officers.

The SBU urges citizens to exercise caution. Do not scan the QR codes or share any content from these leaflets. Avoid physical contact with them, as they could be part of a psychological pressure campaign or even coated with hazardous substances. If you encounter such materials, report them to the police or the SBU’s STOP Russian War chatbot (@stop_russian_war_bot).

This latest tactic underscores Moscow’s efforts to destabilize Ukraine through psychological manipulation of civilians. The use of counterfeit currency as a tool for coercion poses serious risks to public safety, making it critical for people to remain vigilant and resist provocations. The SBU is actively countering these threats and calls on the public to stay alert and cooperate with authorities.

This recent tactic is part of a broader strategy employed by Russia, which includes various disinformation efforts aimed at undermining critical initiatives, such as the evacuation of children from conflict zones. For more insights into how these campaigns are designed to disrupt humanitarian efforts, read about the latest disinformation strategies targeting child evacuations.