Russian intelligence services have launched another disinformation campaign against Ukraine, attempting to accuse it of spreading radioactive materials in Syria, according to the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense.
Information is being circulated in Syria about the alleged sale of military equipment supposedly “purchased” from Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense. The fabricated "equipment" includes a crudely assembled container containing capsules labeled PU.94244U (plutonium) and U.92 (uranium), although the contents of the capsules are unknown.
Ukrainian intelligence noted that, in typical Russian propaganda fashion, the container and its contents were poorly made. The items feature illegible Cyrillic text, blue tape attaching a fake Ukrainian Defense Ministry logo, and glaring errors in labeling—such as “PU 94244U,” which refers to a rare plutonium isotope found in only a few grams across the Earth's crust. The container also inexplicably includes a mechanical wristwatch.
Russian actors are also reportedly attempting to sell a Soviet-era chemical reconnaissance device, allegedly “purchased” from Ukrainian defense personnel who were supposedly conducting radiological, chemical, and biological protection activities in Syria.
A video promoting this fake “sales offer” is marked with the Arabic date “March 13, 2025 (Thursday).”
Ukrainian intelligence points out that this is not the first such attempt. In 2023, a blog post by the user smoug1985 claimed that a Ukrainian plutonium container had been intercepted. At that time, Russian sources alleged they had thwarted a supposed U.S. intelligence operation aimed at accusing Russia of using chemical weapons in Syria.
Moscow has been preparing the groundwork for this disinformation since 2023, reusing old props for its latest provocation.
“This is an attempt by the Kremlin to damage Ukraine’s reputation in front of Syria’s new government, Ukraine’s international partners, and the IAEA,” said Andriy Yusov, a representative of Ukraine’s military intelligence. “The aggressor state continues to manipulate global nuclear safety issues, and the free world must respond firmly.”
