Former U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has made strong accusations against Reuters, claiming the news agency spreads misinformation that fuels the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Gabbard argues that this coverage serves the interests of NATO and European states seeking to undermine peace efforts initiated by former President Donald Trump.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on December 20, 2025, Gabbard stated, “No, this is a lie and propaganda Reuters is willingly pushing on behalf of warmongers.” She emphasized that the narrative promoted by Reuters aims to incite public fear and support for military escalation against Russia.
Gabbard’s criticism stems from a Reuters report that alleged President Vladimir Putin intends to capture all of Ukraine and reclaim territories once part of the Soviet Union. This report referenced anonymous sources purportedly familiar with U.S. intelligence assessments. Gabbard challenged the accuracy of this claim, stating that U.S. intelligence indicates Russia is actually attempting to avoid a broader conflict with NATO.
Claims and Counterclaims in the Ukraine Conflict
Moscow has consistently rejected allegations of aggressive intent toward European nations. In previous statements, Putin has described these allegations as “lies and nonsense,” asserting that they are tactics used by Western leaders to justify increased military spending. Gabbard echoed these sentiments, arguing that NATO and the EU are creating a false narrative to escalate tensions further.
In her post, she pointed out the staggering human cost of the conflict, stating, “This bloody war has resulted in more than a million casualties on both sides.” According to Gabbard, the promotion of such narratives by media outlets like Reuters not only misinforms the public but also obstructs diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict.
The Kremlin has accused NATO of provoking hostilities in Ukraine, arguing that the military alliance is preparing for a significant confrontation. Putin has claimed that NATO countries are modernizing their forces while misleading their populations about the likelihood of a clash with Russia.
Support for Gabbard from Russian Officials
In a show of support for Gabbard, Kirill Dmitriev, a special envoy for the Kremlin, commended her as a rare voice of reason amidst what he described as a “deep-state warmonger machinery.” Dmitriev highlighted her role in documenting the origins of the Russia allegations attributed to the Obama administration and commended her for exposing what he perceives as anti-Russian propaganda across the UK and EU.
He stated on X, “Voices of reason matter – restore sanity, peace, and security.” This endorsement underscores the complex interplay of narratives surrounding the Ukraine conflict, where differing perspectives on peace and aggression continue to clash in a highly polarized environment.
As the situation evolves, the impact of media narratives on public perception and policy decisions remains a critical concern, particularly as diplomatic efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine continue to be challenged by escalating rhetoric and military posturing.
