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.
Satellite images show civilian deaths in Ukraine town while it was in Russian hands
April 5 (Reuters) – Satellite images taken weeks ago of the town of Bucha in Ukraine show bodies of civilians on a street, a private U.S. company said, undercutting the Russian government’s claims that Ukrainian forces caused the deaths or that the scene was staged.
Maxar Technologies provided nine images taken of Bucha on March 18, 19 and 31 to Reuters. At least four of the images appear to show bodies on one of the town’s roads, Yablonska Street. The city was occupied by Russian forces until about March 30.
FACT CHECK: Did The Washington Post Publish An Article About Weapons Going From Ukraine To Hamas? | Check Your Fact
Verdict: False
There is no evidence that the Washington Post published this article. A Washington Post spokesperson denied the claim.
New York billboard with messages on Israel, Ukraine is fake
A video spread across social media purports to show an animated digital billboard in New York City with the slogan “Stand With Israel” pushing aside the words “Stand With Ukraine” in November 2023. But the clip is doctored, the latest in a wave of disinformation about the conflicts involving the two countries; the company that owns the sign said it has run no such message, and images AFP and others captured of the display show an advertisement for a movie.
No, NATO has not urged Ukraine to surrender, despite what social media posts claim | AP News
CLAIM: The North Atlantic Treaty Organization has called on Ukraine to surrender to Russia.
AP’S ASSESSMENT: False. The 31-nation alliance has made no such call. The organization in a statement pointed to comments its secretary general made this week stressing that NATO remains committed to supporting Ukraine and that any decision to negotiate peace would be up to the Eastern European nation.
Fake: EU Admitted Russia’s Victory in Ukraine
The pro-Kremlin media took Josep Borrell’s quote out of context. In fact, the diplomat had no doubts about the prospect of the war ending in Ukraine’s favor and did not admit Russia’s victory over the Ukrainian forces.
Fake Video: Ukrainian Phone Scammers Steal Money from Israelis
The video report spreading online is fake, and the story about the Ukrainian scammers is itself made up. The Times of Israel did not publish such information on its website or its social networks.
Fake: Ukrainians Asked To Contribute to Repaying National Debt on Diya App
Ukrainian citizens were not offered to pay the state debt in the app of public services Diya. In a comment to StopFake, the press service of the Ukrainian Digital Transformation Ministry stated that they never sent such messages.
Fake: Video Ad Encourages Gays to Join the Armed Forces
The video, which the Russian media presented as an official promotional campaign of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, is fake. This compilation of footage from random sources was broadcasted only by propaganda sources.
Fake: Kyiv Says Ukraine Will Restore Gaza After War
Ukrainian Minister of Economic Development Yulia Svyrydenko did not make such a statement. The quote was spread only by pro-Russian outlets and social media netizens. Ukraine condemns the rocket attacks and aggression of Hamas against the population of Israel, and calls for every effort to de-escalate the conflict to seek peace and protect civilians.
Did Zelenskyy Ask the US for ‘Credit’ to Fight War Against Russia?
During a Nov. 5, 2023, interview on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” program, Zelenskyy did say: “If you can’t give us some financial support […] give us a credit, and we will give you back money after the war.” However, he did not ask for a loan, which is different from asking for a line of credit.
This video is not an Israeli advertisement to ‘recruit Ukrainian soldiers’
Is the Israeli army trying to recruit Ukrainian soldiers into its ranks? This is what some pro-Russian accounts are suggesting by sharing a video they say is an Israeli advertisement, in which a young Ukrainian soldier talks about his decision to join the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). However, the original video actually shows an Israeli soldier, and the Ukrainian voice has been added digitally.
Fake: Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry Blackmails Germany to Get Weapons
Ukraine is preparing for a possible return of massive missile attacks by Russia on the country’s energy system. In this context, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba noted that it is important for Ukraine to receive additional air defense equipment from its allies on the eve of winter.
Is Vladimir Putin Dead?
Rumors of Putin’s death and his various health crises have circulated for years. We have frequently debunked them here at Snopes.
Fake headline spreads unsubstantiated claim on Ukraine-Hamas link
Social media posts claim The Washington Post published an article suggesting Ukraine sent weapons to Hamas following the Palestinian Islamist movement’s bloody October 2023 attack on Israel, which sparked a war in the region. This is false; the headline is fabricated and there is no evidence of such aid.
No evidence Ukraine issued postage stamp honouring Nazi – barcode for 2022 stamp marking six months of war with Russia – Africa Check
Images have been circling social media in Africa claiming “the Ukrainian Postal Service is now issuing stamps with the face of the WW2 Wafen SS Nazi Galicia cretin Yaroslav Hunko.” However, Ukraine has never published stamps with Hunko’s face on them.
This IDF advertisement recruiting Ukrainian soldiers is fake – Truth or Fake
In a video that’s been digitally altered using artificial intelligence, social media users claim to show an advertisement from the Israel Defense Forces, starring a Ukrainian soldier who brags about the benefits of joining the Israeli army. We debunk this video in this edition of Truth of Fake.
No, Ukraine’s president didn’t surrender to Russia over the weekend, despite social media claims | AP News
False. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not surrender as social media posts claimed on Saturday, and the country remains at war with Russia. In a Sunday interview, Zelenskyy rejected the idea of peace negotiations and dismissed the notion that the two sides were locked in a stalemate.
A 2021 video shows Putin celebrating a WWII anniversary, not promising to aid Palestinians | AP News
CLAIM: A video shows Russian leader Vladimir Putin announcing Russia will send “help to Palestine” in the latest Israel-Hamas War.
AP’S ASSESSMENT: False. The video is from 2021 and shows Putin speaking at Russia’s Victory Day military parade. He doesn’t make any references to the Middle East conflict in the speech, but rather talks about the defeat of Nazism. Russia has so far issued carefully calibrated criticism of both sides in the Israel-Hamas war.
FACT CHECK: Is Vladimir Putin Using Drones And Ammunition From Iran And North Korea? | Check Your Fact
Verdict: True
Putin is using attack drones from Iran. While it has not been definitively proven that North Korea is supplying ammunition to Russia, experts and media outlets have said it is likely happening.
Did Putin Say Russia Was Helping Palestinians by Fighting the US in Ukraine?
Claim: In October 2023, Vladimir Putin said, “There is no way to help the Palestinians except by fighting those behind their conflict, and we are fighting them in Ukraine.”
Rating: Correct Attribution