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No, French pilots did not ‘accidentally’ paint a Russian flag during Olympic flyover – Truth or Fake

Social media users are sharing a viral video that purports to show French pilots painting a Russian flag in the sky, instead of a French one, during Marseille's Olympic flyover event. We explain if this was an accident or rather an optical illusion, in this edition of Truth or Fake.

Read MoreNo, French pilots did not ‘accidentally’ paint a Russian flag during Olympic flyover – Truth or Fake

Russian propaganda usurps RFI report and French armed forces website – Truth or Fake

Russian disinformation has created a fraudulent report purporting to come from our sister radio station RFI, insinuating that "Ukrainian soldiers sent for tuberculosis treatment in France" are responsible for France's recent rebound in the disease. Meanwhile, French authorities have taken down a fake French armed forces website, which invited French citizens to enlist in Ukraine. We explain in this edition of Truth or Fake.

Read MoreRussian propaganda usurps RFI report and French armed forces website – Truth or Fake

Moscow concert hall attack: Fake claims continue to point fingers at Ukraine – Truth or Fake

Even though the Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for last week's deadly Moscow concert hall attack, Russia's President Vladimir Putin, pro-Russian social media users and bots are continuing to insist that Ukraine was involved in the atrocity. We debunk all the false claims for you in this edition of Truth or Fake.

Read MoreMoscow concert hall attack: Fake claims continue to point fingers at Ukraine – Truth or Fake

FAKE: The French battalions are heading towards Romania, preparing for deployment to Ukraine

This information has not been confirmed. French troops cannot enter Ukrainian territory without the permission of the Ukrainian government. Moreover, "FranceNews24" is not a reliable source of information. There are no contact details or information about the owners or team of the publication on the "FranceNews24" website.

Read MoreFAKE: The French battalions are heading towards Romania, preparing for deployment to Ukraine

DISINFO: Ukraine Commander-in-Chief’s stepson asks Putin for Russian passport

Ukraine's Centre for Countering Disinformation said Ivan Syrskyi is the son of Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrskyi's ex-wife. Colonel-General Syrskyi did not adopt Ivan, which is why Ivan is not his stepson. Ivan and his mother have been living in Australia for 14 years. Oleksandr Syrskyi does not communicate with them and is not responsible for the actions of his ex-wife's son. Ivan Syrskyi is a private person and his actions cannot be attributed to the Ukrainian authorities.

In the video, issued on 20 February 2024, Ivan Syrskyi did not ask Putin to grant him Russian citizenship or say he wanted to cast a ballot. Answering a question in the Russian Consulate General in Sydney whether he was planning to ask for a Russian passport, he said: 'I am planning.' He also said: 'Glory to Russia' and some other phrases, without mentioning Putin. Ivan Syrskyi actually asked for Russian citizenship in 2021. This was 3 years before Oleksandr Syrskyi was appointed Commander-in-Chief.

Read MoreDISINFO: Ukraine Commander-in-Chief’s stepson asks Putin for Russian passport

FRANCE 24 video edited to spread fake news about Ukraine’s Zelensky – Truth or Fake

An extract from FRANCE 24's sister French-language fact-checking show that's circulating on social media appears to support the claim that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has misappropriated funds to buy himself luxury yachts - an unfounded accusation that has repeatedly resurfaced. But the video has been edited: the journalist in it was in fact debunking, not affirming, the allegation.

Read MoreFRANCE 24 video edited to spread fake news about Ukraine’s Zelensky – Truth or Fake

Russian disinformation campaign ‘Matryoshka’ targets Yulia Navalnaya – Truth or Fake

Hours after the death of Alexei Navalny, viral posts started circulating on social media showing his widow, Yulia Navalnaya, in the arms of other men. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.

Read MoreRussian disinformation campaign ‘Matryoshka’ targets Yulia Navalnaya – Truth or Fake