Category Misconceptions

Was Zelenskyy’s Pennsylvania visit ‘election interference’? Why experts say no

On Sept. 22, 2024, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited a Scranton, Pennsylvania, ammunition plant to thank its workers, with Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro, who was a surrogate for vice president and then-Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris.

Legal experts said that doesn't constitute "foreign election interference," which typically includes "covert, fraudulent or deceptive acts."

Zelenskyy's meeting with Shapiro was not a campaign event for either the governor or Harris.

Read MoreWas Zelenskyy’s Pennsylvania visit ‘election interference’? Why experts say no

PTI Fact Check: 2022 video of Ukrainian marines surrendering in Mariupol falsely shared as recent incident from Kursk region of Russia

A video featuring people in military uniforms walking on a landscape with their hands in the air was recently shared on social media. Those sharing the video claimed that the Ukrainian army surrendered in the Kursk region of Russia.

However, the PTI Fact Check investigated and found that the viral video dates back to 2022 when the Ukrainian marines surrendered in Mariupol and is unrelated to the ongoing conflict in the Kursk region.

Read MorePTI Fact Check: 2022 video of Ukrainian marines surrendering in Mariupol falsely shared as recent incident from Kursk region of Russia

No, Ukraine’s Zelensky did not purchase a $20 million mansion in Florida

As discussions continue surrounding a potential ceasefire agreement in Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has come under fire for allegedly purchasing a lavish mansion in Florida. But as FRANCE 24's Charlotte Hughes explains, this claim is false.

Read MoreNo, Ukraine’s Zelensky did not purchase a $20 million mansion in Florida

No, this video does not show Ukrainian troops surrendering in Kursk

A viral video shared by some internet users claims to show Ukrainian troops surrendering to Russia's forces in the Kursk region. However, as FRANCE 24's Charlotte Hughes explains, the video has been taken out of context and was not, in fact, filmed in Kursk.

Read MoreNo, this video does not show Ukrainian troops surrendering in Kursk

Fact Check: Edited Image Shows European Leaders Taking Off Their Suit Coats In Support Of Ukraine — No Actual Video

Does a viral image authentically show European leaders taking off their suit coats in support of Ukraine during a group picture? No, that's not true: The image is likely a screenshot from a video that was digitally edited, possibly using AI. Actual footage of the moment the group picture was taken did not show anyone taking off their suit and no news outlets reported about it happening at the time.

Read MoreFact Check: Edited Image Shows European Leaders Taking Off Their Suit Coats In Support Of Ukraine — No Actual Video

Fake: ‘Zelenskyy Regime’ is Responsible for Murders and Disappearances of Journalists in Ukraine – RSF

The video is fake. To create it, the propagandists used artificial intelligence. [...]

In a comment to StopFake, RSF noted that propagandists regularly use the organization's logo and branding to spread disinformation. "Six false videos in just over six months: the relentless nature of this Russian propaganda reflects how effective RSF is. This false and misleading content - which uses the credible reputation of RSF to spread untrue information - illustrates not only the dangers of Russian disinformation but the consequences of the inaction of platforms like X, how ineffective the current fight against informational interference is, and how dangerous the news media's passivity in the face of these attacks can be. These videos are not mere anecdotes but part of a massive strategy to influence and manipulate public opinion and legitimise the Kremlin's discourse, particularly on Ukraine. Who benefits from this crime? The Kremlin and its allies,” stated RSF Director General Thibaut Bruttin.

Read MoreFake: ‘Zelenskyy Regime’ is Responsible for Murders and Disappearances of Journalists in Ukraine – RSF