Russia’s alleges Macron, Merz and Starmer had cocaine in Kyiv; French media calls it ‘conspiracy theory’

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) and France's President Emmanuel Macron (C) listen to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during a trilateral meeting on board a train to Kyiv, in Shegyni, Ukraine, on May 9, 2025. (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / POOL / AFP)

A controversial claim by Russia's Foreign Ministry has ignited a diplomatic row after spokeswoman Maria Zakharova suggested that top Western leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, were under the influence of drugs during their recent visit to Ukraine.

In a Telegram post on Sunday, Zakharova referenced a widely circulated video from the leaders’ Friday meeting in Ukraine. According to Türkiye Today, she wrote, “A Frenchman, an Englishman, and a German” had used cocaine and failed to remove the paraphernalia before journalists arrived.

“The fate of Europe is being decided by utterly dependent individuals,” she added. “It’s as if the Almighty Himself is lifting the veil on this putrid spectacle.”

The Russian official also took aim at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, describing him as an “unstable cocaine addict.” She claimed, per Türkiye Today, that a Western diplomat had once told her drug use among European leaders was seen as “normal.”

The allegations stem from a viral video filmed inside a train cabin en route from Poland to Kyiv. In the footage, Macron appears to quickly grab a small white item from a table as reporters enter, while Merz and Starmer sit nearby. Some social media users claimed the item resembled a bag of cocaine, and speculated that Merz was holding a straw or spoon-like object used in drug consumption.

However, French media outlet Libération dismissed the speculation as unfounded, labelling the rumours “conspiracy theories.” The report, cited by Vin News, stated there is “no evidence” to support any drug use claims. It clarified that the item in Macron’s hand was a handkerchief, and what Merz was holding was simply a drink stirrer.

NEW: French media is shutting down social media rumors that French President Emmanuel Macron was caught with a bag of cocaine during a trip to Ukraine.The moment was caught during a train ride from Poland to Ukraine when reporters entered the room.Macron was meeting with the pic.twitter.com/RMoKQ5VkUt

Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) May 11, 2025

Accusing social media of spreading disinformation, Libération wrote: “There is nothing suspicious in the video.”

As of now, the Élysée Palace, as well as the German and British governments, have not issued public statements on the matter.

Macron, Starmer, and Merz had travelled to Kyiv together on Friday via train from Poland, a standard route for visiting Western dignitaries, to express solidarity with Ukraine amid its ongoing war with Russia.