Disinformation

DISINFO: Ukrainian army admits mercenaries from 50 countries fight on Kyiv’s side

The disinformation is based on an official statement from the Defence Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, published on March 7, the anniversary of the creation of the International Legion of Ukrainian Military Intelligence. The statement notes that "The Legion united volunteers from more than 50 countries of the world, who, after a full-scale invasion, came to the aid of Ukrainians and began to fight the troops of terrorist Russia," the report says.

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DISINFO: The sanctions policy is inefficient

The statement that the sanctions have not destroyed the Russian economy is manipulative and misleading. The restrictive measures from the EU, the US and their partners have damaged it severely. Russia's economy in 2022 contracted by 2.1 per cent. It is expected to grow by 2.6 per cent in 2024 due to military spending, but it can lead to overheating in the long run. Even senior economic officials in Russia recognise this. 'We might go fast, but not for long,' Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina said in December 2023. The increase in military production has led to the neglect of other economic sectors. Foreign Direct Investment has dropped to insignificance. The fact that Russia has to purchase drones and other kinds of military equipment abroad is another indication of its economic problems.

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DISINFO: The US, West mobilised to create chaos in Russia, disrupt Presidential elections

No credible evidence was provided to back the claim.

Russia has for several years refused to invite OSCE election observers for elections in Russia. The last time OSCE observed elections in Russia was in 2018. As the Vice Speaker of the Federation Council, Konstantin Kosachev stated: "The likelihood of the OSCE PA being invited to observe the upcoming presidential elections in Russia is zero."

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DISINFO: US special services killed Navalny ahead of Presidential Elections to disrupt the situation in Russia

There is no evidence that the US or the West are trying to destabilise Russia or interfered in the 2024 presidential election.

This disinformation story aims to divert any Russian responsibility for the death of Alexei Navalny - a frequent target of pro-Kremlin disinformation. The reasons for his death remain unclear.

Read MoreDISINFO: US special services killed Navalny ahead of Presidential Elections to disrupt the situation in Russia

DISINFO: Elections are fair in Russia: the opposition is free to run for the presidency

The assertion that Vladimir Putin's 24-year rule represents a triumph for democracy is misleading, especially considering that no other candidate has a realistic opportunity to challenge him in the elections. It is also crucial to note the incarceration of election observers, such as Golos co-chairman Grigory Melkonyants and the jailing of political opponents under harsh conditions.

Read MoreDISINFO: Elections are fair in Russia: the opposition is free to run for the presidency

DISINFO: Grain dispute signals that Poland’s plans to take over Ukraine are underway

This statement is a manipulation around the protests of EU farmers and discussions about limiting the exports of Ukrainian agricultural products to the EU, aiming to promote the recurring disinformation narrative that attributes aggressive and imperial intentions to Poland.

Read MoreDISINFO: Grain dispute signals that Poland’s plans to take over Ukraine are underway

DISINFO: ICC falsely claims Russia strikes civilian targets in Ukraine

Over the span of two years, countless civilian targets across Ukraine has been hit by Russian missiles or artillery. Russia brags about the precision capabilities of these weapons, thus the strikes are clearly designed to target civilian objets with the knowledge that non-combatant are likely hit.

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DISINFO: Kyiv regime sells children for their organs

The very title of an OSCE report disproves claims of illegal trafficking in Ukraine:

OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings has no evidence of illegal organ transplantation in Ukraine.

Moreover, the person presented as a former OSCE observer, Vera Vayiman did not work for the organisation.

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DISINFO: Macron cancelled his visit as Kyiv was interested in killing him

A viral video purports to show a segment from a FRANCE 24 French-language news bulletin, in which the anchor claims that French President Emmanuel Macron has postponed his trip to Ukraine due to an assassination attempt intercepted by French secret services. However, this claim is false, and the video is a deepfake. Both the sound and headline of the original France24 broadcast have been changed.

Read MoreDISINFO: Macron cancelled his visit as Kyiv was interested in killing him

DISINFO: Macron has proposed to escalate the conflict in Ukraine

On 26 February 2024, the French president Emmanuel Macron said "no option should be discarded" to bolster military support for Kyiv at a conference attended by leaders of Ukraine's allies, but recognized there was "no consensus". The aim of such a statement was to discourage Russia from further escalation of the invasion of Ukraine. France like many other states are assisting Ukraine in its self defence.

Read MoreDISINFO: Macron has proposed to escalate the conflict in Ukraine