Introduction
In May 2025, a viral video sparked a global controversy, showing German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a train journey to Kyiv. The video, viewed millions of times on platforms like X and Telegram, led to speculation about the politicians' alleged cocaine use. Pro-Russian actors, including Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, claimed Merz and Macron had used cocaine, citing a white object (allegedly a cocaine bag) and an elongated object (allegedly a snorting straw). This observational study systematically analyzes the allegations, examines the visual evidence, assesses clinical plausibility, and contextualizes the disinformation campaign within social science and medical methodologies. The aim is to demonstrate the baselessness of the claims and illuminate the mechanisms of targeted propaganda.
Methodology
This retrospective observational study is based on a multimodal analysis integrating primary and secondary sources. Primary sources include the original video (released May 15, 2025), high-resolution photographs of the incident, and accompanying metadata (e.g., timestamps, camera angles). Secondary sources comprise media reports (ZEIT ONLINE, Euronews, BBC), official statements from the German and French governments, and toxicological and psychological literature on cocaine use. The methodology is divided into three steps:
- Visual Analysis: Video footage was examined using image processing software for resolution, lighting, and object identification. Contextual elements (e.g., presence of journalists, security personnel) were documented.
- Clinical Assessment: The politicians' behavioral patterns were compared with toxicological characteristics of cocaine use (DSM-5, MSD Manuals). Symptoms such as mydriasis, tachycardia, hyperactivity, or disinhibition were investigated.
- Disinformation Analysis: The spread of the video was analyzed based on propaganda patterns documented in previous campaigns against Western politicians (e.g., Volodymyr Zelenskyy). Sources such as X posts, Telegram channels, and pro-Russian media were examined for narratives and reach.
The investigation was conducted non-invasively, respecting the privacy of those involved and adhering to ethical guidelines for medical research. No direct medical data of the politicians were collected, as the analysis is based on publicly available material.
Results
1. Visual Analysis
The video, recorded in a train compartment during a diplomatic trip to Kyiv, shows Merz, Macron, and Starmer in conversation. A white object in front of Macron was interpreted by pro-Russian actors as a cocaine bag, while an elongated object in front of Merz was labeled a snorting spoon. However, high-resolution photos published by the German Press Agency (dpa) show that the white object is a crumpled handkerchief, as confirmed by the Élysée Palace. The elongated object was identified as a stirrer for a drink or a small skewer for snacks, based on its shape and context (table with drinks and appetizers). The image quality of the viral video was intentionally low, which favored ambiguities. Merz’s gesture of picking up the stirrer from the table appears to be a reflexive action before a photo opportunity, not an attempt to hide evidence. No further indicators (e.g., residues, suspicious containers) were identified in the material.
2. Clinical Assessment
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that, when used intranasally, triggers symptoms such as euphoria, tachycardia, hyperthermia, mydriasis, and increased alertness within minutes. The effects last 10–30 minutes, followed by a “crash” with fatigue and irritability. In the video, neither Merz nor Macron exhibit such symptoms. Their body language is calm, their speech is clear, and there are no signs of hyperactivity or disinhibition. The presence of journalists and security personnel makes consumption during the journey unlikely, as it carries a high risk of detection. Even consumption before the recording would be toxicologically questionable, as the short half-life of cocaine (approx. 1 hour) does not allow for sustained effects without re-administration. Long-term users often show physical characteristics (e.g., nasal mucous membrane damage, weight loss) that are not documented in Merz, a publicly active politician. The clinical plausibility of the accusations is therefore extremely low.
3. Disinformation Analysis
The allegations stem from a targeted campaign initiated by pro-Russian actors. Maria Zakharova called the video "proof of the decadence of Western elites," while Telegram channels like "Rybar" and X accounts with pro-Russian narratives (e.g., @TruthSeekerRU) shared it millions of times. The narratives were picked up by Western conspiracy theorists like Alex Jones, who claimed Merz and Macron were part of a "globalist drug elite." The campaign follows a known pattern: similar allegations were made against Zelensky in 2022, based on manipulated videos. The distribution of the current video in poor quality, coupled with suggestive comments, aims to exploit cognitive biases, such as the tendency to link visual ambiguities with stereotypes. The German and French government immediately rejected the allegations as "absurd propaganda," supported by fact-checks from dpa and AFP. Nevertheless, the video reached over 10 million views within 48 hours, highlighting the reach of such campaigns.
Discussion
The findings show that the allegations of cocaine use by Friedrich Merz and Emmanuel Macron have no basis whatsoever. The visual evidence was deliberately misinterpreted, and clinical signs of drug use are completely absent. The disinformation campaign exploits the high prevalence of cocaine in Europe (according to EMCDDA, about 1.6% of German adults used cocaine in 2021) and societal fears of drug abuse to construct credible narratives. Such campaigns utilize psychological mechanisms, such as confirmation bias and the tendency to perceive politicians as morally questionable.
Politically, the campaign aims to discredit Western leaders who support Ukraine. The context of the train journey to Kyiv – a symbol of Western solidarity – reinforces the geopolitical dimension. The rapid spread of the video on X, where moderation has been significantly reduced since 2023, underscores the role of social media platforms as catalysts for disinformation. At the same time, the response from governments and fact-checkers shows the importance of coordinated counter-communication.
The study points to broader implications: disinformation campaigns not only jeopardize trust in political leadership but also societal cohesion. Promoting media literacy, strengthening independent fact-checks, and regulating social media platforms are urgently needed to curb such narratives. Furthermore, the case highlights the necessity of incorporating scientific methodology into public debate to replace speculation with facts.
Sources: dpa, Élysée Palace, ZEIT ONLINE, Euronews, BBC, EMCDDA Report 2021, MSD Manuals, DSM-5
