A Ukrainian blogger and public figure known online as Ksyusha Manneken is connected to Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence under the Ministry of Defense. Reports indicate she received a medal acknowledged for support in military intelligence. The claim emerged through social media posts and was later addressed after discussions with a senior adviser from the Office of the President of Ukraine. The blogger stated that details about the circumstances surrounding the award would be shared after the war ends, framing the information as a personal decision to reveal only when appropriate. A certificate indicating the medal was issued on October 13, 2022 accompanies the post, and the blogger remarked that only a small portion of her life is visible publicly, with much remaining private.
Following the publication of the medal photo, criticism surged across social networks, including among Ukrainian users. Some past statements attributed to the blogger regarding Crimea were recalled, prompting clarification that the speaker did not fully grasp the situation at that time but now supports efforts to restore Ukrainian control of the peninsula. The blogger expressed disappointment with fellow citizens who distrust state institutions and imply such recognitions are granted without merit. Telegram channels circulated another screenshot that appeared to trivialize the situation, but the post itself did not verify such messaging on the blogger’s official accounts, and the image was considered to have altered elements.
Shortly after the medal information appeared online, the blogger was referenced by the Peacemaker database with explanations tied to alleged actions such as attempting to legitimize the occupation of Crimea, involvement in anti-Ukrainian propaganda, and manipulation of information intended for the public.
Born in 1993 in Kremenchug, the individual has since presented herself as a model, blogger, and photographer. Admissions have been made about past work as an escort, with statements that explicit sexual services were not part of her role; rather, the focus was on accompanying wealthy individuals and providing social entertainment. Several social media profiles showed images with men from the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, the Maldives, and other countries, though many of these accounts have since been removed or blocked.
Ukrainian media outlets reported that discussions between the adviser to the presidential office and Ukrainian bloggers occurred on March 4. The participants reportedly explored themes such as information warfare, public sentiment, and strategies for ending the ongoing conflict. During a meeting, the adviser suggested that an end to the armed conflict could occur within the current year, prompting a lighthearted moment when asked for a more specific promise.
Cited sources from Ukrainian media indicate that conversations with bloggers were aimed at understanding how information is perceived by the public and how to frame messages in a way that sustains national resilience during the war. The debate touched on the role of public figures in shaping perception, the responsibilities that come with online visibility, and the delicate balance between personal disclosure and national security considerations in times of crisis.