Category Fact checks / debunkings

Fake: Ukrainian Intelligence Chief Budanov Felt Into a Coma

The website of the German media Stern has no articles about Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov falling
into a coma and being hospitalized in Germany. In addition, neither the
press center, nor the medical service of the Bundeswehr, nor the German
Defense Ministry, nor the Berlin police were able to provide any
information regarding the hospitalization of the head of Ukrainian
intelligence. According to Ukrainian authorities, Kyrylo Budanov is well
and performing at his job. In addition, the intelligence office published
several videos with the head of intelligence already after the missile
attack on Kyiv on May 29. This, according to the Russian media, was the
cause of Budanov being seriously injured.

Read MoreFake: Ukrainian Intelligence Chief Budanov Felt Into a Coma

Claim that a Mexican cartel has weapons sent to Ukraine lacks evidence

An U.S. podcast host misrepresented a Mexican TV newscast by saying that a Javelin the United States sent to Ukraine ended in the hands of a Mexican cartel.

That's not what the Spanish-speaking anchor said.

Experts also say the supposed cartel member is carrying an AT4, not a Javelin.

A TikTok video claimed to show a cartel member in Mexico carrying a Javelin that the U.S. sent to Ukraine.

We found no evidence that a Mexican cartel obtained U.S. weapons destined for Ukraine. Experts told PolitiFact that the man in the video is carrying what appears to be an AT4 weapon, not a Javelin.

We rate this claim False.

Read MoreClaim that a Mexican cartel has weapons sent to Ukraine lacks evidence

No, Ukraine’s military is not camouflaging tanks as houses

An October 2020 article from the news outlet RBC-Ukraine said the car was decorated to look like a Ukrainian village house. The car motor was hidden, and the driver's seat was built into the floor. Side mirrors that would normally be on a car were replaced with cameras inside the structure, RBC-Ukraine reported.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, there have been numerous false and misleading claims about the war and both countries' military units.

We rate the claim that a Ukrainian tank is using a house as camouflage False.

Read MoreNo, Ukraine’s military is not camouflaging tanks as houses

Fake: Germany’s Rheinmetall Shares Fall Drastically After Ukraine’s Failed Counteroffensive

Data from the Frankfurt Stock Exchange data shows that the value of
Rheinmetall group's shares fluctuated, and no sharp drops have been noted.
The Ukrainian military highly appreciates the quality of German weapons,
and Rheinmetall AG is planning to increase production, as demand for its
products is growing, driven by the Russian war in Ukraine.

Read MoreFake: Germany’s Rheinmetall Shares Fall Drastically After Ukraine’s Failed Counteroffensive

Fake: Ukraine Wins the Scythian Gold Case Due to Nazism and Occultism in Europe

Ukraine is the legal owner of the Crimean museums exhibits, which is confirmed by international law and multiple decisions of various courts. In Ukraine, the process of accumulating historical artifacts is not ideological.

Read MoreFake: Ukraine Wins the Scythian Gold Case Due to Nazism and Occultism in Europe

No, this video is not ‘proof’ that Ukraine destroyed the Nova Kakhovka dam – Truth or Fake

A viral video on Twitter purports to show "clear indication that Ukraine was the original culprit" behind the collapse of the Nova Kakhovka dam. Even though both Russia and Ukraine are blaming each other for the destruction of the dam, the video in question is not recent and has nothing to do with the dam breach. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.

Read MoreNo, this video is not ‘proof’ that Ukraine destroyed the Nova Kakhovka dam – Truth or Fake

Video shows Russia blew up farm machinery, not Leopard 2 tanks – Truth or Fake

Russia's ministry of defence published a Telegram video allegedly showing its "successful destruction" of several Ukrainian tanks, including Leopard 2 battle tanks. But analysis of the video shows several holes in this argument, and the "tanks" share more similarities with agricultural machinery. Vedika Bahl explains in this edition of Truth or Fake.

Read MoreVideo shows Russia blew up farm machinery, not Leopard 2 tanks – Truth or Fake