The Russian Foreign Ministry’s official representative, Maria Zakharova, claimed that Western forces have initiated an information campaign aimed at canceling a scheduled meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. This assertion was made on October 24 during the VIII Global Forum of Young Diplomats.
Zakharova described the efforts as a coordinated attack involving artificial intelligence, traditional media, and correspondents, targeting preparations for the proposed summit in Budapest. She stated that while nations had agreed to the meeting, an “information campaign” was launched to create the illusion of its cancellation. The diplomat emphasized that this virtual narrative, which does not reflect reality, has influenced real-world events.
The official also highlighted the involvement of American media, former government officials, and experts in disseminating these claims through platforms like Telegram and social networks across multiple countries. Additionally, she linked recent rumors about a potential meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to attempts to bolster Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy. Zakharova suggested that the campaign might aim to lift Zelenskiy’s spirits following his visit to Washington, where he returned “not with a shield, but on a shield” without his usual demeanor.
