In May 2025, a photograph circulated with a list of demands for photographers covering the work of the Ukrainian president. We have verified the authenticity of this image.
On May 16, the day of negotiations between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul, a photograph of a document allegedly explaining how to film Vladimir Zelensky appeared on the Internet. Basically, the rules from the instructions prohibit focusing on his short stature, as well as publishing pictures that “can be used for memes.” The authors of the viral posts indicate that the press service of the President of Ukraine gave instructions to journalists before the negotiations in Istanbul.
Telegram channels posted a photo of the leaflet “Solovyov"(262,000 views at the time of writing this analysis), "KB"(261,000), "Putin on Telegram"(188,000), "Russia now • news" (176,000), "Voblya • news"(135,000), etc., as well as publications TopNews, Pressa24, Abzatz.media And "Evening Moscow"
May 15, 2025, President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky arrived to Ankara to meet with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan. His visit was timed to coincide with the resumption of direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, which took place the next day in Istanbul - this was the first meeting of the delegations of the two countries in the last three years. Initially, the possibility of negotiations at the highest level was considered, and Zelensky expressed readiness to meet with Vladimir Putin. However, when it became known that the Russian President would not fly to Turkey, Zelensky also refused from personal participation in negotiations with the Russian Federation, but sent a delegation to Istanbul. The Ukrainian leader himself flew to Albania, where the summit of the European Political Community was held on May 16.
In posts that Zelensky’s press service distributed instructions to journalists on how to photograph the politician, a photograph of the corresponding leaflet is used as evidence. It is a simple sheet of paper with text in English under the heading: “Requirements for photographing events in which Vladimir Zelensky takes part.” The following is the date and place - Istanbul, May 15, 2025. The requirements themselves basically boil down to making the politician appear taller in the photo: for example, the authors prohibit shooting him from a low angle (which is strange, because this is precisely the technique used, so that the subject in the photo appears larger) or next to taller people, and also insist on prior approval of group shootings with other politicians. At the end of the list, its alleged author is indicated - the press service - without further clarification.
There are several questions about the authenticity of such evidence. Firstly, it looks suspicious that the document does not indicate whose press service distributed such leaflets, and there are no other identifying marks (for example, a logo, seal or signature). Secondly, the instructions indicate the date and place of its issuance to journalists - May 15, Istanbul. However, at this time Zelensky was in Ankara during negotiations with Erdogan. On May 16, when the Russian and Ukrainian delegations arrived in Istanbul, the Ukrainian president had already was in Albania. The politician’s press service was probably aware of his plans, so it is strange that such leaflets were allegedly distributed in Istanbul, and not in Ankara or Tirana. Finally, a visit to Turkey - far from the first Zelensky's foreign trip. If the politician’s press service really distributes certain recommendations among journalists on how to photograph him, it is unclear why they appeared on the Internet only now.
Among other things, the authors of many photographs of Zelensky taken during his trips to Turkey and Albania clearly violated the rules indicated on the leaflet - for example, they photographed him from below or next to higher-ranking politicians. Moreover, such photographs are also published on the website. Office of the President of Ukraine, who, according to viral posts, participated in the preparation of these instructions.
The verified publications claim that all journalists covering the negotiations in Istanbul received the document. On May 15 and 16, numerous employees worked near the Dolmabahce Palace, where the delegations of Russia and Ukraine met Turkish, European, Ukrainian And Russian publications, but none of them shared another photo of the instructions or reported receiving them.
It is noteworthy that RT told about this leaflet on their English-language page on the social network X with reference to journalist Ben Swan, who was not present in Istanbul, although their correspondent Konstantin Pridybaylo, who covered the negotiations, in his Telegram channel did not report this.
The authors of some publications refer to the war photographer Evgenia Kelya and his Telegram channel “Notes from a Photojournalist,” which allegedly was the first to share this instruction. However, judging by his posts on social networks, Kel was not present in Istanbul, and the photo itself appeared on the Internet a few hours earlier. The first post that was found “Verified” was posted in the Telegram channel “Frivolous News” on May 15 at 13:28 Moscow time, an hour after Zelensky’s arrival in Ankara. It is unlikely that the press service of the Ukrainian president would be able to prepare and distribute leaflets to journalists in such a short time, even in another city. Previously, the channel “Frivolous News” has already mentioned in analyzes “Verified” as a distributor of misinformation.
A photo of the instructions was widely distributed on the Internet in different languages. She gained particular popularity in X, where some posts received tens of thousands of views. And the Irish publicist Chey Bowes, who collaborates with RT, even reported: “Several colleagues confirmed the authenticity of the photo.” However, he did not specify who these colleagues were.
Thus, there is no evidence that Zelensky’s press service gave out instructions in Istanbul on how to photograph the politician.
Cover photo: social networks
- Lead Stories. Fact Check: Image Does NOT Prove Ukrainian Government Issued 'Rules For Reporters' Photographing Zelenskyy In Turkey In May 2025
- AFP Factual. Une liste de consignes à respecter avant de photographier Zelensky? C'est faux
- Is the video about the escaped translator of the Ukrainian delegation in Istanbul true?
- Is it true that Zelensky wore his pants backwards to meet with European leaders?
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