Paris responds to viral video of Macron 'hiding' white object in Kyiv

Tengrinews.kz – The Élysée Palace has dismissed speculation surrounding a viral video showing French President Emmanuel Macron appearing to hide a mysterious white object during a visit to Kyiv.

The footage, which circulated widely on social media and was picked up by several media outlets, shows Macron discreetly tucking away what looked like a small white packet while in a train compartment with other European leaders. Online users quickly began speculating, some even suggesting it was a packet of drugs.

Ukrainian outlet 'Strana.ua' and others echoed those rumors, fueling the controversy. However, the French presidential office labeled the claims as entirely false.

The presidency urged the public to remain vigilant against manipulation and false narratives.

The incident reportedly occurred as Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz were traveling together by train after a joint visit to Kyiv. According to media reports, journalists entered the leaders’ compartment unexpectedly, prompting Macron to swiftly pocket what appeared to be either a napkin or crumpled paper.

Merz, too, was seen concealing a small object in his hand, which some speculated could be a spoon or stick. The scene led to a flurry of online conspiracy theories.

Florian Philippot, leader of France’s right-wing Patriots party, commented on social media that the three leaders looked 'caught off guard' during what he described as a late-night gathering.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova also weighed in, pushing the cocaine narrative. In contrast, French outlet Libération dismissed the claims, asserting the items were likely a toothpick and a wrinkled tissue.