Russian forces scattered leaflets disguised as 100-hryvnia banknotes ($2.42) across a Chernihiv district on the morning of 6 September, urging residents to share coordinates and assist in directing artillery fire at Ukrainian Armed Forces positions in exchange for money, according to Chernihiv region police.
“These leaflets were dropped by Russians using a drone,” police reported. The fake currency contained calls for locals to collaborate with Russian forces by providing intelligence on Ukrainian military movements and positions.
Law enforcement dispatched an investigative team to the scene immediately after discovering the propaganda materials. Police have registered the incident and are determining appropriate legal charges for the case.
The Chernihiv police issued warnings about criminal liability for collaborating with Russian forces, specifically highlighting penalties for “spreading information about the location and movement of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.” Authorities instructed residents to destroy any Russian leaflets they encounter.
The incident represents another attempt by Russian forces to recruit local informants through monetary incentives, using deceptive materials designed to resemble legitimate Ukrainian currency. Police emphasized that cooperation with occupying forces carries severe legal consequences under Ukrainian law.