Category USA

FactChecking the Fourth GOP Primary Debate

Christie derided Ramaswamy's plan for ending Russia's war in Ukraine, saying it would concede to Russia "all the land they've already stolen" and keep Ukraine from joining NATO (although Christie misspoke, saying the plan would keep Ukraine out of Russia). In exchange, Christie said, Ramaswamy would trust Russian President Vladimir Putin "not to have a relationship with China."

Ramaswamy shot back, "That's not my deal."
But it seems to be a mostly accurate synopsis of what Ramaswamy had proposed in June and refers to as the "reasonable peace deal."

Read MoreFactChecking the Fourth GOP Primary Debate

Researchers: Disinformation campaign spread after wildfires slowed disaster response

A disinformation campaign that sprung up almost immediately after wildfires ravaged Maui was spread by China and Russia, researchers have concluded. And, they say, that campaign made the government’s response to the disaster even more difficult.

From weather warfare to floating bodies on another island to thousands of missing children to a Maui land grab, experts say online posts about the wildfires might have started as genuine concern. But they also said China and Russia are now using artificial intelligence to amplify false messages and spread fear, division and distrust in government.

Read MoreResearchers: Disinformation campaign spread after wildfires slowed disaster response

Reddit post: damn corrupt americans, only sending weapons in ukraine instead of sending them to hawaii to kill the fires there

Imagine if Biden sent all that aid to Hawaii instead of Ukraine.
Daily reminder: when you read news about "the US sending X billion dollars of aid to Ukraine", they aren't sending them money. They are sending older, used equipment worth X billion, which doesn't cost the US taxpayer a single cent. They might even save money, as the government no longer has to pay for the old equipment's storage, guarding, decommissioning, etc.

Read MoreReddit post: damn corrupt americans, only sending weapons in ukraine instead of sending them to hawaii to kill the fires there

Saving by Spending: The True Value and Cost-Effectiveness of U.S. Aid to Ukraine

While the rising number of billions the United States is spending on aid to Ukraine keeps growing, the cost of aid to Ukraine is almost certain to remain comparatively low when compared to the total cost of U.S. security, is a vital investment in deterring future Russian and Chinese aggression, and is likely to save the United States substantial amounts of national security spending in the future.

Read MoreSaving by Spending: The True Value and Cost-Effectiveness of U.S. Aid to Ukraine

FACT CHECK: No, Zelenskyy Did Not Buy Two Mega-Yachts | Check Your Fact

Verdict: False
There is no evidence Zelenskyy has bought two yachts. [...]

The broker companies that are selling the yachts confirmed to multiple journalists, such as BBC Verify reporter Shayan Sardarizadeh, that the yachts are still for sale.

Read MoreFACT CHECK: No, Zelenskyy Did Not Buy Two Mega-Yachts | Check Your Fact

FACT CHECK: No, BBC News Did Not Publish This Video About Bellingcat Reporting On A Former Ukrainian Official | Check Your Fact

A post shared on X, formerly Twitter, claims BBC News published a video about Bellingcat researchers reporting that former Ukrainian official Alexey Arestovich spent $500,000 on private flights.

Verdict: False
There is no evidence for this claim. BBC News and Bellingcat both denied they made any such report'

Read MoreFACT CHECK: No, BBC News Did Not Publish This Video About Bellingcat Reporting On A Former Ukrainian Official | Check Your Fact

Fact Check: Did Ukraine’s Zelensky Buy a $48 Million Yacht?

The Ruling: False.
Volodymyr Zelensky has not bought a $48.9 million yacht, as confirmed by the broker handling its sale.

There is no evidence a similar purchase has been made elsewhere. Funding to Ukraine is heavily audited and itemized, making it very difficult, if not impossible, for Zelensky to make such a purchase using U.S. contributions.

Read MoreFact Check: Did Ukraine’s Zelensky Buy a $48 Million Yacht?

Manipulation: Ukrainians Failed Counteroffensive Because They Couldn’t Master Western Tanks Says The Telegraph

Propagandists have significantly distorted the article in The Telegraph. On the contrary, the author believes that such statements lack logic. The Telegraph article states that for a successful advance, the Ukrainian military needs not only Western tanks, but also complete air dominance, the latest military technology, and complete freedom of action, including in enemy territory. The author of The Telegraph calls on the West not to reduce the intensity of military assistance to Ukraine, and moreover, to provide Ukraine with the necessary amount of modern precision strike weapons (ATACMS, F-16 fighters, the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Munition (JASSM), etc.).

Read MoreManipulation: Ukrainians Failed Counteroffensive Because They Couldn’t Master Western Tanks Says The Telegraph