Category Misconceptions

No, BBC journalist Jeremy Bowen did not ‘stage’ a Ukraine report – Truth or Fake

A screenshot from a BBC report is circulating heavily on social media, with claims that the reporter is pretending to be on the frontlines whilst a woman stands casually in the background with a shopping bag. What's true and what's fake? We explain the details in this edition of Truth or Fake with Vedika Bahl.

Read MoreNo, BBC journalist Jeremy Bowen did not ‘stage’ a Ukraine report – Truth or Fake

Despite claims, Jackson, Mississippi, did get funding for its infrastructure. But it’s not a fix-all

When the Instagram post was shared, Congress was considering legislation that included $20 million in funding for Jackson, Mississippi's water infrastructure. The legislation passed Sept. 30.

Much more funding will be needed to completely address the problems in Jackson.

Our ruling
An Instagram post says Ukraine got $12 billion more in funding but Jackson, Mississippi, has not received any.

At the time the Instagram post was shared, Congress was considering legislation to provide money to both Ukraine and Jackson. The legislation passed Sept. 30 and was signed into law the same day, allocating $20 million to Jackson for its infrastructure.

Much more funding will be needed to fully address the city's problems. But though the city might not have the money in hand yet because the funding was just approved, it's misleading to say the city was completely ignored.

The claim contains an element of truth but ignores critical facts that would give a different impression. We rate it Mostly False.

Read MoreDespite claims, Jackson, Mississippi, did get funding for its infrastructure. But it’s not a fix-all

Video shows bombing in Syria in 2021, not Russian suicide bomber opposed to military call-up

After Moscow announced in September 2022 that it would call up some 300,000 reservists to fight in Ukraine, a video was viewed tens of thousands of times in social media posts that claim it shows a suicide bombing in Russia that targeted a recruitment officer. The claim, however, is false. While there were protests against the "partial" mobilisation in Russia, this video has circulated since at least 2021 in reports about a bombing in Syria.

Read MoreVideo shows bombing in Syria in 2021, not Russian suicide bomber opposed to military call-up

FACT CHECK: Does This Image Show Russian Conscripts With Mosin-Nagant Rifles? | Check Your Fact

An image shared on Facebook allegedly shows Russian conscripts with 19th-century era Mosin-Nagant bolt-action rifles.

Verdict: Misleading
While the image does feature the rifle, the photo is from a 2020 parade. It has nothing to do with the current conflict in Ukraine.

Read MoreFACT CHECK: Does This Image Show Russian Conscripts With Mosin-Nagant Rifles? | Check Your Fact

Debunking claims that Izium mass graves are Ukrainian propaganda – Truth or Fake

Pro-Russian accounts on social media are falsely claiming that certain civilian graves found in Izium date from before the Russian occupation. In this edition of Truth or Fake, we debunk claims that the graves were staged by Ukrainian authorities.

Read MoreDebunking claims that Izium mass graves are Ukrainian propaganda – Truth or Fake

Is Gazprom threatening to keep Europe cold this winter? Why this video is likely fake

Global media outlets widely shared a video they attributed to Russian state energy company Gazprom in articles published on September 6, 2022. The video, which was circulated online by pro-Russian users, showed the company halting its flow of natural gas to Europe. However, our journalists investigated the origins of the video and discovered that it likely wasn't made by Gazprom.

Read MoreIs Gazprom threatening to keep Europe cold this winter? Why this video is likely fake