Category Russia

Trump rift opens floodgates of disinformation on Ukraine

Disinformation targeting Ukraine and its leader Volodymyr Zelensky is surging as US President Donald Trump's shift on the war frays relations with Kyiv and threatens to cripple support for the battle-worn nation. [...]

Joseph Bodnar, a researcher at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (archived here), said the Russian influence efforts are focused "on fostering animosity between the Trump and Zelensky administrations."

"Russia wants to convince US negotiators that Ukraine is their enemy, not their partner. It's a means for the Kremlin to extract favorable terms in whatever peace settlement comes."

Read MoreTrump rift opens floodgates of disinformation on Ukraine

Dictator without elections’?: fact-checking Trump’s main criticisms of Zelensky

In mid-February 2025, Donald Trump multiplied his attacks against Volodymyr Zelensky, branding the Ukrainian president a "dictator without elections," questioning the use of American aid to Ukraine, and accusing him of "starting" the war. Here is a look back at these statements, which were false, misleading or unsubstantiated according to AFP's analysis, revealing unprecedented tensions between Washington and Kyiv.

Read MoreDictator without elections’?: fact-checking Trump’s main criticisms of Zelensky

‘Dealmaker in chief’ ‘frustrated’ by Zelensky’s rejection of ‘historic opportunity’ to give up 50% of its mineral wealth to US – Washington Examiner

As reported by AP, the US president stated that it took Bessent a long time to arrive in Kyiv, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was reportedly sleeping and unavailable for a
meeting. [...]

In fact, Zelensky met with Bessent for almost an hour on Feb. 12, as pictures posted on his presidential website confirmed. Zelensky did not sign the deal but promised to "review this document and do our best to ensure that our teams reach agreement very quickly."

Read More‘Dealmaker in chief’ ‘frustrated’ by Zelensky’s rejection of ‘historic opportunity’ to give up 50% of its mineral wealth to US – Washington Examiner

Fact Check: Did Ukraine ‘Psychological Warfare’ Unit Get $140M From USAID?

False. For the $140 million claim to have been true, USAID would have had to have paid out more to this "Psychological Warfare" center than most of its actual spending obligations.

The image used to support the claim was based on a nonexistent article, edited from a real but unrelated story by Fox News, not about Ukraine. The claim appeared on Russian Telegram accounts before it was spread widely by English-speaking commentators on X, formerly Twitter.

Read MoreFact Check: Did Ukraine ‘Psychological Warfare’ Unit Get $140M From USAID?

Fact check: Trump’s false claims on Zelenskyy, Ukraine aid – DW – 02/21/2025

Is Zelenskyy a dictator who is refusing to hold elections?
Is Zelenskyy running low in the polls?
Has the US spent $350 billion on Ukraine?
Can Ukraine-attached spending explain the gap?
Who has spent more on Ukraine: the USA or Europe?

Read MoreFact check: Trump’s false claims on Zelenskyy, Ukraine aid – DW – 02/21/2025

Fact check: Ukraine elections, tax thresholds and viral masked men image | The Independent

Under the terms of Ukraine's constitution, elections cannot be held while the country is under martial law (which was declared by Mr Zelensky in February 2022 following Russia's invasion, and has been extended multiple times by Ukraine's parliament).

Read MoreFact check: Ukraine elections, tax thresholds and viral masked men image | The Independent

Fact check: What is the truth behind Trump’s claims on Ukraine? | Euronews

Zelenskyy is not a 'dictator' with 4% approval rating
The US does not provide Ukraine with more support than the EU
Russia is deploying significant military resources in Ukraine

Read MoreFact check: What is the truth behind Trump’s claims on Ukraine? | Euronews

PolitiFact checks facts on Donald Trump’s Ukraine comments

While answering reporters' questions about U.S. and Russian representatives meeting in Saudi Arabia without anyone from Ukraine present, the president said, "But today I heard, 'Oh we weren't invited.' Well, you've been there for three years. You should have ended it three years. You should have never started it. You could have made a deal."

WMUR's partners at PolitiFact looked into this statement. PolitiFact's Lou Jacobson joins to examine the claims.

Read MorePolitiFact checks facts on Donald Trump’s Ukraine comments

Trump said Zelensky treated gay Cabinet member “rudely.” Photographic evidence says otherwise.

Preisdent Donald Trump told reporters that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky treated out Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent “rudely” when he traveled to the capital of Ukraine and didn't even meet with him. But then photos of the two men meeting were posted online, contradicting Trump's story.

Read MoreTrump said Zelensky treated gay Cabinet member “rudely.” Photographic evidence says otherwise.