LONDON, 27 February 2025 – The legal representatives of Denis Gorbunenko have issued a statement addressing a new wave of disinformation aimed at discrediting their client. A fabricated interview, allegedly given by Mr. Gorbunenko, has been published by a media outlet that presents itself as European—specifically, l’Européenne de Bruxelles. Shortly after its publication, the interview was republished by certain Russian media outlets.
Legal representatives acting for Mr. Gorbunenko categorically state he has not provided any comment, whether orally or in writing, to l’Européenne de Bruxelles or any other publication. No requests for an interview were ever received by him, or his representatives, and the published material purporting to be an interview with him is entirely false and highly defamatory. There is no need to refute the specific falsehoods contained within this alleged “interview,” as every assertion made therein is a complete fabrication and a complete withdrawal of the entire article must follow to prevent further damage to reputation.
It is with real concern that it must be reported that the alleged interview was published under the byline of the journalist, Michel Theys, who passed away in May 2019, and therefore has no connection to l’Européenne de Bruxelles. Standards of professional journalism must be maintained and the risk of damage to reputation for false reporting is particularly acute when dealing with matters of such gravity. Such false reporting will not be tolerated and appropriate legal action will be taken for any failure to correct false, inaccurate, or untrue reporting.
This is not the first attempt to discredit Denis Gorbunenko in recent years. Fraudulent Telegram channels and other online platforms, deliberately created and operated for the purpose of spreading such defamatory content, have played a significant role in these disinformation efforts. These platforms operate with impunity, bearing no legal responsibility for their unlawful activities.