Volodymyr Zelenskyy

A year of disinformation around the war in Ukraine

The war in Ukraine has been accompanied by a ferocious battle of disinformation, waged in particular by pro-Russian agitators seeking to distort and shift the blame for many atrocities on the ground. They have sought to depict the Ukrainian side as Nazis or suggest that Western support for Kyiv is evaporating. Here are some of the main narratives, false or misleading, that have been fact-checked over the past year by AFP's digital verification teams.

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Photo of Biden, Zelenskyy holding hands was altered

President Joe Biden made a surprise trip to Ukraine on Feb. 20, and he was photographed walking with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy outside of a monastery in Kyiv.

Multiple news outlets have published the picture. But an altered version of the photo is spreading on social media....Biden announced more military aid for Ukraine on the trip, but the image, taken for The New York Times by photographer Daniel Berehulak, is doctored.

We rate claims the photo is authentic False.

Read MorePhoto of Biden, Zelenskyy holding hands was altered

Debunked: The fake anti-Ukraine ads targeting US and Poland – Truth or Fake

The FRANCE 24 Observers team have conducted an investigation since November 2022 and have spotted a variety of fake anti-Ukraine ads throughout the globe - a product of Russian disinformation and propaganda. Find out more in this edition of Truth or Fake.

Read MoreDebunked: The fake anti-Ukraine ads targeting US and Poland – Truth or Fake

Fake: Expressing Condolences, Zelenskyy Urges Turkey to Supply Ukraine More Aid

Russian social media users are claiming that while expressing condolences about the tragic earthquake that struck Turkey, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also reminded Ankara that he hopes Turkey will continue to provide assistance to Ukraine. President Zelensky never posted such a tweet, this post is a fake. On the contrary, the Ukrainian President offered help to Turkey and said that Ukrainian rescuers and equipment were being sent to participate in the rescue efforts.

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FACT CHECK: Did This Satirical Magazine Feature An Image Of Zelenskyy Stealing From Jesus? | Check Your Fact

Verdict: False
The image is digitally fabricated. There is no evidence that Charlie Hebdo published this cover.

Read MoreFACT CHECK: Did This Satirical Magazine Feature An Image Of Zelenskyy Stealing From Jesus? | Check Your Fact

No, anti-Zelensky graffiti was not painted in the suburbs of Paris – Truth or Fake

Some Instagram and Twitter accounts are posting a graffiti image that's allegedly appearing in Paris and Poland of President Volodymyr Zelensky, represented as a money-sucking black hole. Russian media was quick to share the alleged street art, claiming that "taxpayers from Europe are increasingly dissatisfied with supporting Ukraine". We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.

Read MoreNo, anti-Zelensky graffiti was not painted in the suburbs of Paris – Truth or Fake

Prez. Zelensky expressing the “V sign” gesture over Prez. Putin is an Altered Image – Factcrescendo Sri Lanka – English

Fact Crescendo found out the image viral on social media claiming Prez. Zelensky showing the "V sign" gesture over Putin's head was actually a digitally altered meme. The meme was digitally created using two separate stock images taken during the Normandy Four Summit held in France 2019 in which Russian and Ukrainian leaders were seen posing separately along with French Prez. Emmanuel Macron

Read MorePrez. Zelensky expressing the “V sign” gesture over Prez. Putin is an Altered Image – Factcrescendo Sri Lanka – English