Marjorie Taylor Greene Spreads Falsehoods About Ukraine Protests, Russia Takes Notice

Unprecedented Protests in Ukraine

On July 22 and 23, Ukrainians took to the streets for the first time in over three and a half years, marking the country’s first mass anti-government protests since the full-scale invasion by Russia. Thousands of citizens gathered in cities across the nation, united by a common goal: to urge President Volodymyr Zelensky to veto a controversial bill that undermines anti-corruption reforms. Protesters also expressed frustration with recent government actions targeting key anti-corruption figures.

Despite the clear focus on the legislative changes, some voices attempted to mischaracterize the demonstrations. One such figure was U.S. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who falsely claimed that the protests were driven by anger toward Zelensky over the lack of a peace deal with Russia. Her post on X, which gained over 50,000 likes, spread misinformation about the true purpose of the rallies.

Kyiv Independent reporters who attended the protests on both nights found no evidence supporting Greene’s claims. Instead, protesters chanted slogans like “Veto the law” and carried signs that directly referenced the bill, its parliamentary supporters, and the anti-corruption institutions under threat. One sign read, “12414 is the number of betrayal,” referring to the bill’s registration number, while others simply crossed out the number with an X.

A Call for Transparency and Justice

Vasyl Volotovskyi, a 24-year-old marketing strategist who participated in the protest, expressed his disbelief at how Russian propaganda had infiltrated the U.S. government. He clarified that the protests were not against Zelensky himself but rather aimed at ensuring fair laws that reflect the will of the people. “Myself — and I believe the majority of participants — are actually Zelensky's voters,” he said. “We were there to show our disagreement with his decision, not to rise against him.”

The protests were organized by Dmytro Koziatynskyi, a veteran activist credited with mobilizing the public. In a viral Facebook post, he urged Ukrainians to gather and specifically highlighted the impact of the bill on the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor (SAP). He emphasized that the legislation threatened the independence of these critical institutions.

Clarifying the Peace Process

Contrary to Greene’s claims, Zelensky has not refused to pursue peace. The president recently proposed a new round of peace negotiations with Russia and has repeatedly called for a ceasefire. In May, he suggested a 30-day ceasefire, which Russia has consistently rejected. A new round of talks began in Istanbul on the evening of July 23, highlighting the ongoing diplomatic efforts despite the challenges.

Ukraine has made several concessions during these negotiations, while Russia has maintained its maximalist demands, emphasizing its goal of a “swift victory and the complete destruction” of Ukraine’s government.

Propaganda and Misinformation

Greene’s comments were amplified by pro-Kremlin media outlets, including EurAsia Daily, which had its EU license suspended for supporting Russia’s war of aggression. State-owned RIA Novosti, another outlet linked to Russian propaganda, is also blocked in the EU. These platforms have been accused of spreading disinformation and destabilizing the region.

Some protesters expressed concern that pro-Russian forces would exploit the protests for propaganda purposes. Orysia Khimiak, a 32-year-old activist, noted that transparency is crucial for maintaining support from foreign allies. “I know that pro-Russian powers will use this case for their propaganda,” she said. “We risk losing support and aid from our allies. I hope Mr. President won’t let it happen.”

A History of Controversy

Greene, known for promoting conspiracy theories, has been a vocal opponent of aid to Ukraine. She once tried to amend an aid package to require House members who support Ukraine to fight in Kyiv. The amendment failed to gain traction. In response, Democrat Jared Moskowitz submitted a failed amendment proposing that Greene be appointed as “(Russian President) Vladimir Putin's Special Envoy to the United States Congress.”