In fact, the Ukrainian president offered to help the U.S. fight the massive wildfires raging in California. Volodymyr Zelensky instructed Ukrainian rescue teams to explore the possibility of participating in the aftermath of these disasters. The alleged quote from Zelensky does not exist and has been fabricated by propagandists.
Social media users are sharing information claiming that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky allegedly “called on Los Angeles authorities not to be distracted by non-existent problems and to focus on providing financial assistance to Ukraine.” This “quote” is accompanied by a satellite image showing the extent of the fires in California.
In fact, this quote does not exist; it was fabricated by propagandists to discredit the Ukrainian president and undermine confidence in the Ukrainian government. Such fake news creates an image of a corrupt leader who allegedly uses international aid for personal gain. StopFake found no evidence of such a statement by the Ukrainian president.
Instead, Volodymyr Zelensky offered to help the U.S. fight the wildfires in California and never referred to them as “false problems.”
“The situation there is very serious, and the Ukrainians can help the Americans save lives. This is being worked out, and we have offered our assistance to the American side through the appropriate channels,” Zelensky said in a speech on January 12. He added that 150 Ukrainian rescuers were ready to provide the necessary assistance.
The wildfire situation in California remains critical. The fires, which began on January 7, have engulfed a large area of Los Angeles County, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. According to the latest reports, the death toll has risen to 16 and more than 12,300 structures have been damaged. Approximately 180,000 people have been forced to leave their homes due to the threat of fire.
Previously, StopFake debunked the fake claim that Zelensky allegedly bought an 18 million euro villa and was building an underground bunker there.
