Russia’s Fake Ad Campaign Claiming India’s Citizens Are Being Recruited to Move to Ukraine Exposed Online

Fabricated Billboard Image Purportedly Spotted in India

According to Главком: A doctored photograph of a supposed advertisement in Mumbai, India, is circulating widely on social media. The fake billboard allegedly urges Indian nationals to seek employment in Ukraine, relocate to start families, and build their futures there. Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) has confirmed that the image is a forgery, created using graphic editing software and artificial intelligence. No such promotional campaign has ever taken place in India.

This fabricated story is part of a broader Russian-led disinformation effort targeting migrant communities. The CCD has repeatedly identified false narratives within this campaign. Official data directly contradicts claims of a large-scale migrant influx into Ukraine:

• In the first four months of 2026, only 3,200 work permits were issued to foreign nationals-a fraction of pre-war levels.

According to the CCD, Russia’s disinformation strategy aims to stoke xenophobia, promote fears of demographic replacement, and artificially create an atmosphere of distrust and instability within Ukrainian society.

Statements from Ukrainian Officials

Nataliia Naumenko, head of the State Migration Service of Ukraine, also addressed the situation. She noted that labor migration existed in Ukraine before the full-scale war, continues today, and will persist after it ends. Naumenko expressed caution regarding citizens of Bangladesh, citing specific risks they pose for Ukraine’s migration system. She emphasized that Bangladesh is a densely populated, impoverished country whose state policy encourages its citizens to emigrate. These remarks highlight the complexity of migration issues and the need for careful handling amid Ukraine’s current circumstances.

The spread of fake news about labor migration to Ukraine underscores the potency of information campaigns designed to destabilize society and provoke public fear. Given recent comments from migration officials, the topic of migration is becoming increasingly urgent in the face of both domestic and external challenges. It is essential for the public to stay informed and critically evaluate the information they receive, especially during wartime and amid active information warfare. Supporting truthful reporting and actively countering disinformation are crucial for maintaining social stability in Ukraine.

In light of the ongoing disinformation efforts, it's crucial to address the broader implications of these false narratives on migrant communities. Recent statements from experts, such as the Director of the Demography Institute, clarify misconceptions about financial support for migrants. To gain further insights into this matter, you can read more about the debunking of these false claims here.