Democracy

Fake: Andriy Parubiy Behind Maidan Shootings, Odessa Trade Union Arson, and Ukraine Coup | StopFake

Kremlin outlets have amplified claims tying former parliamentary speaker Andriy Parubiy to the Maidan shootings, the May 2014 Odessa fire, and an alleged coup in Kyiv. In reality, there is no evidence linking Parubiy to either the killings of protesters or the Odessa tragedy. Nor was there a coup in 2014: Ukraine's government was formed through a legitimate process that Moscow itself formally recognized at the time.

Read MoreFake: Andriy Parubiy Behind Maidan Shootings, Odessa Trade Union Arson, and Ukraine Coup | StopFake

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

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

Fact check: No, Zelenskyy doesn’t have 4% approval as Trump claims; it’s over 50%

In reality, respected polls in Ukraine show that Zelenskyy has over 50% approval among Ukrainians. The most recent, published by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) in early February, showed that 57% of respondents said they trusted Zelenskyy.

Read MoreFact check: No, Zelenskyy doesn’t have 4% approval as Trump claims; it’s over 50%