Russia spreads false claims that the drone crash in St Petersburg was launched from NATO countries including Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, or the Baltics.

On March 3, 2024, Russian propaganda pushed a false narrative accusing NATO countries—Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and the Baltic states—of launching the drone that crashed in St Petersburg. The disinformation appeared aimed at creating noise, fear, and distraction amidst the ongoing political developments surrounding Putin's mid-March power consolidation. An article cited by Russian media alleged that the drone attack originated from NATO territory, a claim dismissed by analysts as baseless and part of a broader propaganda effort.