Bulgarian Mechanic Confronts Propaganda Misidentification

For nearly a decade, Bulgarian mechanic Nikolay Gentchev has been confronting a bizarre narrative surrounding his identity. Pro-Russian websites have repeatedly published his photo, falsely claiming he was killed by a mob in Odesa, Ukraine, after protests ousted a pro-Kremlin leader in 2014. “When they published my photo for the first time, my friends called me to ask if I was alive,” the 42-year-old from Kazanlak stated. Despite his assertions that he has never visited Odesa or Ukraine, this misinformation continues to spread, influencing perceptions of Bulgarians in the region.

The false story emerged following real violence in Odesa in May 2014, when clashes between pro-Russian and pro-Ukrainian activists resulted in over 40 deaths, primarily from a fire at the Trade Unions House. This incident has been manipulated to frame Ukrainians as adversaries of Bulgarians, according to Nikola Tulechki, a disinformation expert at the data analysis firm Data for Good. He noted that the ongoing narrative is part of a broader Russian effort to depict Ukrainians as aligned with fascism.

Disinformation’s Enduring Impact

The narrative surrounding Gentchev resurfaced again in late November 2023, with a Facebook post claiming: “Do you remember the Bulgarian burned alive in Odesa on May 2, 2014 by people from Euromaidan and the Banderites?” This reference to Ukraine’s 2014 protest movement and the controversial nationalist figure Stepan Bandera reflects the pervasive impact of Russian propaganda in Bulgaria. The country, once a staunch ally of the Soviet Union, remains susceptible to narratives that exploit historical ties and cultural proximity to Russia.

Despite being a target of misinformation, Gentchev has shared pro-Kremlin views on social media, often criticizing European politicians. “It was really tough,” he remarked regarding the emotional toll of being misidentified. On January 1, 2024, Bulgaria adopted the euro, a move Gentchev described as “absurd,” expressing skepticism about the benefits of EU membership.

Gentchev’s views highlight a complex relationship with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He downplayed the human toll of the war, stating, “I don’t know, I wasn’t there, I didn’t see anything. You can’t trust journalists.” This sentiment reveals a broader issue in Bulgarian society, where trust in media is low, and Russian narratives have found fertile ground.

The Role of Russian Influence

The influence of Russian propaganda extends beyond social media into political discourse and education in Bulgaria, where it is echoed by politicians and public figures. Tulechki pointed out that this disinformation campaign aims to foster distrust towards the West, complicating Bulgaria’s position as a NATO and EU member.

Despite the challenges posed by misinformation, Gentchev maintains a large social media presence, with 5,000 followers. His posts often reflect anti-European sentiment and a belief that Bulgaria’s arms industry, primarily supplying the Ukrainian military, is necessary for national security. “If it’s not us producing these weapons, someone else will,” he explained, underscoring the complex dynamics of the arms trade amid ongoing conflict.

The situation of Nikolay Gentchev serves as a striking example of how disinformation can shape personal narratives and public perception, illustrating the broader implications of propaganda in the context of international relations and national identity. As misinformation continues to circulate, the challenge remains for individuals and societies to discern fact from fiction in an increasingly complex media landscape.