Russian lawmaker dismisses viral video as artificial intelligence hoax

The Russian Embassy in Kazakhstan has dismissed claims that former boxing world champion and current member of the Russian State Duma, Nikolai Valuev threatened post-Soviet republics, describing the video circulating online as a deepfake.

The embassy statement noted that the video, which allegedly shows Valuev advocating the use of a “whip” against post-Soviet nations and commenting on forthcoming “special operations,” is fabricated, Caliber.Az reports, citing Kazakh media.

“A careful review reveals that the facial expressions and lip movements do not correspond with the spoken words, a clear indication of neural network–assisted video manipulation,” the embassy said. It added that while private individuals might make such statements, government officials or MPs would never do so.

Valuev himself also refuted the claims, stating, “The video has nothing to do with me. It is encouraging to see how rapidly technology is developing, but this was done using artificial intelligence. I often discuss AI and the creation of such fake videos. Apparently, AI has taken offense at me.”

According to the embassy, the deepfake was produced using an earlier congratulatory video of Valuev as source material.

By Vafa Guliyeva