Kremlin Turns Larry the Cat Into Pawn in Its Ukraine Disinformation Campaign

Pro-Kremlin outlets spread fake claims that the Downing Street chief mouser ‘snubbed’ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his visit to No10.

Keywords: Larry the Cat, Downing Street, Volodymyr Zelensky, Keir Starmer, Russia propaganda, fake news, UK politics, chief mouser

Russian Media Twist Viral Clip of Larry the Cat at No10

Larry the Cat, the famous chief mouser of Number 10 Downing Street, has unexpectedly become the subject of Russia’s ongoing propaganda battle with Ukraine. Pro-Kremlin websites are circulating false stories alleging that Larry “snubbed” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his visit to meet Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer this week.

The outlets claim the beloved tabby refused to enter Downing Street alongside Zelensky and Sir Keir. In reality, Larry—who had been sitting near the iconic black door—simply jumped aside as the leaders approached, a familiar behaviour for the cat known for his independent personality.

Yet Russian propaganda channels have framed the moment as supposed “evidence” that Larry supports Russia or is even acting as a “spy” for Moscow.

Pro-Kremlin Site Fabricates Reaction From Zelensky

The pro-Russian news site Life falsely reported that “Zelensky noted the cat’s unfriendly behaviour and was apparently embarrassed.” The outlet also distorted claims about Larry photobombing the meeting, reframing them as the cat refusing to go near the Ukrainian President.

However, Larry’s official X (formerly Twitter) account responded with humour, calling the moment an example of “feline diplomacy” and suggesting he simply wanted to join the high-level discussions.

A Cat Known for Causing Political Stir

This is not the first time Larry has made headlines. Last year, he had a memorable encounter with former Scottish Secretary Ian Murray, who later described the cat as “a little s***” during a speech in Glasgow. Murray joked that none of the visiting ministers managed to secure a photo with Larry, calling him “the most miserable animal you’ll ever meet.”

Murray was removed from his post in a cabinet reshuffle months later.

Starmer Calls Larry One of the UK’s Most Charming Diplomats

Despite his unpredictable moods, Sir Keir Starmer has praised Larry as one of Britain’s most charismatic political figures. The Prime Minister said the cat receives “more attention than all the rest of us put together,” noting that world leaders frequently shift their focus from diplomatic handshakes to the famous feline.

“I’ve had no end of international leaders where we do the handshake on the door, but the moment Larry appears their total focus goes somewhere else,” Sir Keir commented.

Larry’s Long Reign at Downing Street

Larry moved into No10 in 2011 during David Cameron’s premiership as part of an effort to tackle the building’s rat problem. Since then, he has outlasted five UK prime ministers and even welcomed former US President Barack Obama during a state visit.

Now entering his 14th year of service, Larry remains one of the most recognisable figures in British politics—despite, or perhaps because of, his refusal to cooperate with anyone’s agenda, Russian propaganda included.