Fake Video Claims Strained Relations Between France and UAE

A fake video claiming tension between France and the UAE after Telegram CEO Pavel Durov's detention in Paris was likely created by Russian operatives. The video falsely asserted that the UAE canceled a major arms deal with France. This disinformation aims to create divisions between political allies.

A fake video that claimed tensions between France and the United Arab Emirates after the detention of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov in Paris was likely produced by Russian operatives, according to an analysis by The Associated Press. This comes despite Moscow's efforts to maintain crucial ties with the UAE.

The video, which began circulating online on August 27 and bore the logos of Al Jazeera, falsely claimed that the Emirati government halted an $18 billion arms deal with France. Al Jazeera refuted the attribution, stating that the footage was fake.

France remains a key backer of Ukraine, while Russia likely remains interested in the role of Telegram in the ongoing war. Disinformation campaigns like this appear aimed at creating divisions among political and security partners.

(With inputs from agencies.)