Fact checks: from across the internet
Ukraine Fact Check presents fact checks on Ukraine in two different ways. Our team works to:
1. index and tag existing fact-check articles from reputable sources from across the internet;
2. compile and publish original fact check articles, based our team’s own research into a subject.
Below, you can find the fact-check articles published by other websites across the internet.
Disclaimer: Ukraine Fact Check was not involved in producing the articles listed below. The information presented in them may be incorrect, incomplete, or misleading. As with any other type of article, read with a critical eye, check sources, and seek other opinions before making up your mind on important topics.
FBI director didn’t confirm Joe Biden bribery investigation
Claim: “FBI director Wray confirms Joe Biden is under criminal investigation for Ukrainian bribes by the U.S. attorney in Delaware then tries to backpedal.”
Verdict: FBI director didn’t confirm Joe Biden bribery investigation.
There is a continuing investigation in Delaware into Hunter Biden, the president’s son. Wray did not say that Joe Biden is also being investigated. He said he would not say who is or isn’t being investigated, or for what, as part of the FBI’s long-standing policy.
FACT CHECK: No, Orthodox Relics From Kyiv Will Not Be Auctioned In France On October 1 | Check Your Fact
A post shared on Facebook purports Orthodox relics from Kyiv, Ukraine are set to be auctioned at the Osenat Auction House in France on Oct. 1.
Verdict: False
An Oct. 1 auction listed on Osenat’s website focuses on “The Interiors of Versailles,” not Orthodox relics from Kyiv, as the post suggests. An Osenat spokesperson denied the claim’s validity in an email to Reuters.
Manipulation: Presidential Office of Ukraine Threatens Poland With Relations Severance
In a recent interview Ukrainian Presidential Office adviser Mykhailo Podolyak did make a statement about competition with Poland, but only in the context of post-war free trade and market economy. He noted that Ukraine and Poland have different positions on some economic issues, but this does not threaten relations between the two countries.
Fake: West Preparing to “Liquidate” President Zelensky
An article in the American publication Politico examining Kyiv’s plan if Russia assassinates President Volodymyr Zelensky has given rise to a wave of Russian fakes claiming the West is fed up with the Ukrainian President and plans to “liquidate” him. There is absolutely nothing in the article about removing Zelensky, it simply examines possible scenarios in the event of a Russian assassination attempt on the President of Ukraine.
Fake: EU to Create Ukrainian Refugee Battalions for Ukrainian Armed Forces
Deportation of men liable for military service to Ukraine has no legal basis, and Ukrainian diplomatic missions cannot do so. This narrative is another Russian disinformation.
Fake: Ukraine to Set Military Conscription Age As Early As 20
Ukraine has no plans to lower the conscription age to 20 years. Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) Secretary Oleksiy Danilov publicly stated that no changes in mobilization should be expected.
PolitiFact | ‘Zero response’ for Maui, Hawaii claim is false; government aid came hours after wildfire started
Claim: “There has been zero response from local, regional or federal officials” to aid people affected by the Maui, Hawaii, wildfires.
Verdict: ‘Zero response’ for Maui, Hawaii claim is false; government aid came hours after wildfire started
Fake: US General Called F-16 Fighters Useless for the Armed Forces
The US Air Force in Europe and Africa commander James Hecker did not call F-16 useless for Ukraine. The general noted that American fighter jets will provide additional capabilities to the Armed Forces on the battlefield, but will not be a panacea in the fight against the invaders.
Fake: France Congratulates Ukraine on Independence Day With a Map without Crimea
The photo on the billboard is fake. Moreover, the picture used captures a traffic stop in Denmark’s capital Copenhagen, and not in France. French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking at the Crimea platform on August 23, once again emphasized that France does not recognize Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian territories.
Fake: Azov Commander Captured Again
The Azov brigade commander of the Ukrainian National Guard Denys Prokopenko with a call name Redys was not captured again. After the false information spread, the Azov press service published his photo and dedicated it to the National Ukrainian Flag Day.
Fake: 10 Thousand Poles Dead in Ukraine Since the War Began
The information about 10,000 Poles allegedly dying in Russia’s war against Ukraine is baseless. The publication in Myśl Polska, which is cited by the Russian media, does not exist. This was announced by the media’s editorial board.
Fake: Ukraine Asks Interpol to Return those Who Flee Mobilization
Ukraine has not asked Interpol to help track down Ukrainians who are evading mobilization. There is a more compelling reason for Ukraine to work with Interpol: to bring suspected collaborators who fled Ukraine to justice.
Fake: Kyiv Throws a ”Makhachkala on Fire” Party
The Kyiv club did not plan to hold a “Makhachkala on fire” party to celebrate the gas station explosion in the Russian city of Makhachkala. There is no such poster on the club’s website and in its social media. The club representatives refuted the information spread on social networks.
FACT CHECK: Post Claims To Show French Villa Bought By Ukraine Defense Minister | Check Your Fact
A video shared on X, the website formerly known as Twitter, claims to show a French villa that was bought by Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleskii Reznikov for his daughter.
Verdict: False
There is no evidence that Reznikov bought this house.
FACT CHECK: Did Zelenskyy Belly Dance In A Sparkly Gold Costume? | Check Your Fact
A post shared on social media purportedly shows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dancing.
Verdict: False
The claim is inaccurate. The video is not of Zelenskyy.
FACT CHECK: Image Claims To Show Russian ‘Meat Cubes’ Used To Transport Dead Soldiers | Check Your Fact
Verdict: False
The image shows leftover pet food in the Belgorod region, not dead Russian troops.
FACT CHECK: Video Claims To Show Russian Soldier Exploding After Hitting Tank With Artillery Shell | Check Your Fact
A video shared on Twitter claims to show a Russian soldier exploding after hitting a tank with an artillery shell.
Verdict: Misleading
The explosion is edited in. There is no evidence the soldier died during this.
What we can VERIFY about bans on cluster bombs and whether using them is a war crime
Cluster munitions that the U.S. is sending to Ukraine are banned in more than 100 countries. The use of cluster bombs can be a war crime in some cases.
Countries that haven’t ratified the Convention on Cluster Munitions treaty, such as the United States, Russia and Ukraine, can use cluster bombs without violating international law.
However, there are some cases where the use of cluster bombs by any country could violate international law and be considered a war crime. These include attacks that indiscriminately target civilians.
FACT CHECK: DID 45,000 UKRAINIAN TROOPS REACH THIS MAJOR UKRAINIAN CITY?
A video shared on Facebook claims 45,000 Ukrainian troops reached Melitopol, Ukraine.
Verdict: False
Ukraine’s offensive has not yet reached the city.
No evidence that test of US nuclear missile was done to threaten Russia
Claim: Joe Biden launched unarmed nuclear bombs as a “Russia threat.”
Verdict: No evidence that test of US nuclear missile was done to threaten Russia.
The Air Force described it as routine. News reports on the testing did not mention Russia.