DISINFO: Soros fully controls Ukraine
SUMMARY
Billionaire George Soros took control of Ukraine. Soros gained significant influence during the change of Ukrainian presidents and governments. Soros openly intervened in the political struggle and provoked internal conflicts in Ukraine.
RESPONSE
Baseless conspiracy theory and recurrent disinformation narrative claiming that Ukraine became a puppet of the US, the EU or the West because they fomented a coup. Ukraine is a sovereign and independent state with a democratically-elected President and parliament. You can find here several disinformation cases on Ukraine being under foreign control.George Soros is a frequent target of pro-Kremlin disinformation and conspiracy theories, as summarised in this article. Ukraine is furthermore not subject to an "internal conflict", but a Russian, state-led aggression. Regarding the claims about George Soros, it's ridiculous to suggest one person can 'gain control' of a sovereign state. Ukraine is a democracy and the electorate decides who is "in control". Mr Soros did found the "Open Society Foundation", inspired by Karl Popper’s concept of the “open society”, which aims to promote civil society, the rule of law, human rights and liberal democracy around the world by funding civil society groups. The International Renaissance Foundation is a Ukrainian NGO founded by Soros; it played an important role in supporting civil society during the Euromaidan protests. The foundation ensured that legal aid was made available throughout the crisis to civic activists, protesters, and journalists; supplied victims of violence with medical care; enabled civil society solidarity and organisation; supported channels like Hromadske TV in independent, live reporting about events on the Maidan; and documented cases of torture, beatings, and police and abuse by the courts. However this in no way can be linked to taking control of a society or country. See previous cases alleging that George Soros will buy all banks and land in Ukraine and that he will soon gain control of the country.