Russian media spreads fake news about massive traffic jams to leave Kyiv amid reports from the US
5 March 01:22
The Russian media are once again trying to spread panic. The media are actively spreading fake information about massive traffic jams on the way out of Kyiv. Russian propagandists are trying to create the impression that the news from the United States is causing panic among the population, but there is no such mass movement of the population, and most Kyiv residents continue to live their usual lives, Komersant ukrainskyi reports
Russian media are trying to spread panic again
Recently, the Russian media have been actively spreading information about allegedly massive traffic jams on the outskirts of Kyiv, linking it to the victories of the aggressor country Russia on the frontline, strikes on infrastructure and panic among Ukrainians. Headlines such as “Ukrainians are leaving Kyiv en masse” or “Huge traffic jams in de-energized Kyiv” became part of the information campaign.
The spread of news about the alleged mass exodus of Kyiv residents from the city against the backdrop of fighting and threats from Russia is an attempt by the Russian media to manipulate information and sow panic. Propagandists are trying to create the impression that the situation in Ukraine is critical and that mass evacuations are the result of a serious threat. In reality, there are no such massive population movements, and most Kyiv residents continue to live their normal lives.
Fake: “Massive traffic jams due to panic in Kyiv”
The Russian media claim that many kilometers of traffic jams have formed on the outskirts of Kyiv due to the massive flight of residents caused by the news of the Russian army’s attack and the power outage. As evidence, they cite Google Maps data on traffic on the Bolshaya Okrugnaya Road and the E-95 highway. They also mention “an increase in the number of road accidents” and “panic flight, like in 2022”.
Reality: In Kyiv, traffic jams are a daily routine, especially in the morning and evening when Kyiv residents are going to work or returning home. According to Google Maps, traffic in the city is indeed difficult, but this is not due to the mass evacuation. The large ring road and the E-95 highway are regularly congested due to logistics, work travel, and seasonal factors, not because of a “panic flight.”
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Therefore, large traffic jams on the outskirts of the city are not abnormal and do not indicate any emergency. This is a common phenomenon for a metropolis that happens every day. There are no official reports from the Ukrainian authorities about a mass exodus from the city.
Was there a panic in Kyiv on March 4, 2025?
Russian sources paint a picture of chaos: allegedly, due to power outages and attacks on infrastructure, Kyiv residents “lost their nerve” and the situation “got out of control.” However, the real facts show otherwise.
Yes, there are periodic power outages in Ukraine due to shelling, but there is no evidence of mass panic or abnormal outflows in Kyiv. Local residents are used to such conditions and continue their daily lives.
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What is known about the threat from Russia?
Reports of “victories of the Russian Armed Forces” and “strikes on military targets” are part of Russian propaganda, which often exaggerates the scale of events.
Currently, the situation in Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine is not such that it causes mass evacuation or panic.
As of March 4, 2025, official Ukrainian sources do not confirm a critical situation in the capital that could provoke a mass exodus.
The threat from Russia remains, but military forces and infrastructure are working to protect the country. Ukraine’s defense forces are in control of the situation, and speculation about a “threat to Kyiv” remains just information noise.
Why do Russian media spread fake news?
Such narratives are an attempt to destabilize Ukrainians and create the illusion of chaos. Traffic jams, which are commonplace in a big city, are presented as something extraordinary.
In reality, there is no evidence of a “mass flight” or “Kyiv in a panic” – neither in local government reports nor in social media posts from Kyiv residents themselves.
The panic being spread in the Russian media is unfounded. Ukrainians should remain calm and not be influenced by fake news that aims to sow panic and uncertainty.
