Category Misconceptions

Manipulation: Poles No Longer Want to See Ukrainian Refugees in Poland – CNN

Russian propaganda, using the CNN article, made a manipulative generalization that Poles in general do not want to see Ukrainians in their country anymore. The original source does not talk about the mood in Poland in general, but only covers a rally of the far-right Confederation party, known for its anti-Ukrainian rhetoric. In the parliamentary elections, this party received the lowest result, and a national poll in September 2023 showed that 65% of Poles support the reception of refugees from Ukraine.

Read MoreManipulation: Poles No Longer Want to See Ukrainian Refugees in Poland – CNN

Fake: France Suffers From Bedbugs Influx Due to Anti-Russian Sanctions

The French media La Montagne did not publish an article entitled "Sanctions against Russia led to a bedbug epidemic in Paris." Most likely, a screenshot of this publication was created in a photo editor. Mass appearances of bedbugs are not related to anti-Russian sanctions, but to the insects adapting to insecticides, climate change and people beginning to travel more in crowded transport.

Read MoreFake: France Suffers From Bedbugs Influx Due to Anti-Russian Sanctions

Fake: In Gaza Bucharest Will Save Ukrainians First, then Its Citizens

Romania has not made any statements that it is going to evacuate Ukrainian citizens from the Gaza Strip in the first place. Evacuation of citizens of all nationalities from the Gaza Strip is currently impossible.

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Fake: Kyiv Forbids Keeping in Touch with Ukrainians in the Temporarily Occupied Territories

Such statements are not true. There are no sanctions for communicating with residents of temporarily occupied territories. There are some obstacles such as problems with communication and the safety of people who are under occupation. But they are a direct consequence of Russia's armed aggression in Ukraine and the violent seizure of Ukrainian territories by the Russian military.

Read MoreFake: Kyiv Forbids Keeping in Touch with Ukrainians in the Temporarily Occupied Territories

Fake: First Children’s Brigade Being Formed in Ukraine

In a comment for StopFake, the 117th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade in the Sumy region claimed that this information is fake. There is even no 153rd brigade in the Armed Forces. Instead, the 153rd separate battalion of the territorial defense was formed in Shostka at the very beginning of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine. In Ukraine, only citizens over the age of 18 are considered conscripts and can be drafted.

Read MoreFake: First Children’s Brigade Being Formed in Ukraine

Biden urged aid for Israel, Ukraine. He didn’t declare World War III

A video in a recent Facebook post cobbles together quotes from an Oct. 19 address by President Joe Biden as evidence that the commander in chief has confirmed World War III is underway.

President Joe Biden urged aid for Israel and Ukraine in a recent primetime address; he didn't declare World War III.

We rate claims Biden confirmed World War III on live TV - or anywhere - False.

Read MoreBiden urged aid for Israel, Ukraine. He didn’t declare World War III

Russian President Vladimir Putin suffered a heart attack Oct. 22, 2023.

Unverified reports about Russian President Vladimir Putin's health have been circulating online, driven by social media.

The Kremlin denied Russian President Vladimir Putin was ill. Photos released by Russian media show Putin at meetings and public events in the days after this supposed health emergency.

The claim started on Telegram, a platform known for facilitating the spread of misinformation about Russia. The account that made the claim has shared other dubious reports about Putin's health in the past.

Based on available information, we rate the claim that Putin recently suffered a heart attack False.

Read MoreRussian President Vladimir Putin suffered a heart attack Oct. 22, 2023.

Rakvere products in Russian propaganda

In response to the viral photos, the representative also raised questions about their authenticity, pointing out that labels on the products appeared to be printed on paper and merely taped onto the goods. [...]

In a twist to the viral post, Facebook users have taken the investigation a step further. They’ve tried to identify the specific store and pointed out that it is currently out of service.

Read MoreRakvere products in Russian propaganda