Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.10, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Ukraine Fact Check ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Latest articles by our team](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/news/) - [Did NATO promise not to expand eastwards?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/did-nato-promise-not-to-expand-eastwards/) - The claim of a broken NATO promise does not stand up to scrutiny. NATO never adopted any policy promising not to expand, and it could not have done so without formal consensus among its members - a fact of which the Soviets were fully aware. No treaty or official commitment exists, and it is not even clear that such assurances were ever made or discussed. The Soviet leader himself later stated that all agreed terms were fully honored by NATO. - [Is Ukraine's counteroffensive "stuck", or just a slow starter?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/is-ukraines-counteroffensive-stuck-or-just-a-slow-starter-its-way-too-soon-to-tell/) - As of the time of writing (August 1, 2023), it far too soon to judge the ultimate success of Ukraine's current counteroffensive. Anyone making confident predictions at this point in time is just guessing. As unsatisfying as it might be, we will just have to wait and see. - [Submit a link or resource](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/submit/) - Send us a link Want something fact-checked? Know of a resource that you think would be useful? Send it to us! Examples: News articles, videos, official statements and reports, infographics, and more. - [Fact Check Roundup: Trump's Zelensky claims and more](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/fact-check-roundup-trumps-zelensky-claims-and-more/) - We take a look at the viral claims made by President Trump and others about Ukraine over the last two weeks. - [Bucha massacre: Satellite evidence and timeline](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/bucha-timeline/) - The timeline of events in Bucha is critical to understanding events around the 2022 massacre. Many narratives about Bucha hinge entirely on the order of events, and on the dates of certain pieces of evidence. In this article, we lay out several viral claims about the Bucha massacre, and show how each is either debunked or strengthened by the timeline of documented events. - [Fact vs Fake tip #3: Look for Emotional Manipulation.](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/fact-vs-fake-tip-3-look-for-emotional-manipulation/) - Fact vs Fake tip #3: Look for Emotional Manipulation. Fake news and propaganda often use emotional language to sway opinions. If the article is trying to make you angry, afraid, or smug – be skeptical. Activating your emotions doesn’t prove a piece of news is fake, but it is a sign to take an extra-careful look. - [Fact vs Fake tip #2: Is it the whole story?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/fact-vs-fake-tip-2-is-it-the-whole-story/) - Fact vs Fake tip # 1: Is it the whole story? Cross-reference information. Don't rely on a single source. Check the facts against multiple other sources, especially those that have a different viewpoint. If a claim is true, multiple sources should verify it. - [Fact vs Fake tip #1: Check the source](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/fact-vs-fake-tip-1-check-the-source/) - Fact vs Fake tip #1: Check the source. Before you take any story at face value, check where it's coming from. Is it a reputable outlet with a history of accurate reporting? Or is it a site you've never heard of, that is pushing sensational stories? - [No, Ukraine is not taking money from Hawai'i relief](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/no-ukraine-is-not-taking-money-from-hawaii-relief/) - In the wake of the devastating wildfires on Hawai’i in August 2023, viral posts falsely claimed that the US government would only provide $700 in aid each to affected households. In fact, the federal government responded quickly to the horrific disaster in Maui, conducting extensive rescue operations and providing aid far in excess of $700 per household. - [No, weapons for Ukraine were not used in French riots](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/weapons-for-ukraine-not-used-in-french-riots/) - A false rumor on Twitter has been traced by the BBC back to pro-Kremlin propaganda channels. The deliberately misleading Twitter post falsely claims that weapons possibly among those sent to Ukraine were used against police in the recent riots in France (summer 2023). The attached image shows a fabricated “screenshot” of a non-existent news article. - [Fake news: No evidence of 'baby factories' in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/fake-news-no-evidence-of-baby-factories-in-ukraine/) - Sick: BBC's fact-checking team have traced false claims of "baby factories" in Ukraine back to a notorious online hoax factory. "Who would possibly lie about something like that?" you might reasonably ask yourself. Depressingly, we have the answer to that question. - [Deadly Kramatorsk missile was Russian - not Ukrainian](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/deadly-kramatorsk-missile-was-russian-not-ukrainian/) - On June 28, 2023, a Russian missile hit a crowded restaurant in the Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk. 13 people died in this attack, including at least 3 children and a leading Ukrainian poet and author (as of July 3). As with pretty much every major strike on civilians, to add insult to injury, false stories immediately began being circulated by pro-Russian influencers online. - [No, Zelensky hasn't "canceled" Ukrainian elections](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/no-zelensky-hasnt-canceled-ukrainian-elections/) - Accusations have circulated on social media that President Zelensky of Ukraine has cancelled elections in Ukraine, and extended martial law in order to remain in power. In fact, holding elections now, under wartime conditions, would almost guarantee another Zelensky victory. It would also be illegal under Ukrainian laws that predate Zelensky's time in power. - [Flawed poll claims 55% of Americans oppose further US aid to Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/flawed-poll-claims-55-of-americans-oppose-further-us-aid-to-ukraine/) - A review of CNN's data shows that their poll violates multiple best practices. The numbers presented likely do not reflect a true shift in American public opinion as claimed. - [Top 3 tips to spot fake news](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/top-3-tips-to-spot-fake-news/) - Fake news is flooding our social media - but you can spot it if you know what to look for. Not sure if a headline is fake news or not? Here are three tips to check whether a story is fact or fiction. ## Pages - [Home](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/) - Volunteer project tracking viral claims about Ukraine. 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All resources All resources - [Our fact checks](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/fact-checks/ufc-fact-checks/) - Fact checks: by the Ukraine Fact Check team 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, - [Join](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/join/) - Join our team! Follow Help us amplify our message by following us on social media: Share Use the resources on our website to share information with others. Our website categories Volunteer Our team is recruiting! Ukraine Fact Check need volunteers who can contribute in: research, writing articles, data entry, graphic design, video creation, and more. - [About Us](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/about/) - About Ukraine Fact Check Ukraine Fact Check is an independent project tracking viral claims about Ukraine. We trace reports back to the source, and give readers tools they can use to judge for themselves where the truth lies. We believe in accuracy and transparency. Access to facts, and to the tools to check them, is - [Contact](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/contact/) - Have questions, comments, or corrections? Get in touch. Email: ukr.fact.check@gmail.com Find us on social media: Send us a message Fill out the form below and our team will be in touch. ## Post Grid - [Default - Fact checking resources](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/post_grid/default-2-2-2/) - [Default - Bucha](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/post_grid/default-2-2/) - [Homepage latest sources updated](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/post_grid/homepage-latest-sources-paginated/) - [Homepage latest posts](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/post_grid/homepage-latest-sources-paginated-2/) - [Latest sources page](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/post_grid/latest-sources-page/) - [Default - democracy + elections](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/post_grid/default-5/) - [Default - corruption + propaganda](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/post_grid/default-4/) - [Home page - new sources](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/post_grid/default-3/) - [Default - Wagner Group](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/post_grid/default-2/) - [Default](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/post_grid/default/) ## Sources - [Fact Check: Video does not show Ukraine's President Zelenskiy belly dancing | Reuters](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-video-does-not-show-ukraines-president-zelenskiy-belly-dancing-reuters/) - A clip of a man belly dancing in a red costume has been digitally altered to make it appear as if the dancer is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, according to the man who is featured in the original clip and experts who said the altered version shows signs of being a deepfake. - [Truth Social ban falsehood pushed by Russian media](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/truth-social-ban-falsehood-pushed-by-russian-media/) - WHAT WAS CLAIMED: Volodymyr Zelenskiy has blocked access to Trump's Truth Social across Ukraine. OUR VERDICT: False. Truth Social has never been available in Ukraine. - [Fake: Webster's Dictionary Adds Word "Zelenskied", Meaning To Lose Everything Through One's Stupidity](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-websters-dictionary-adds-word-zelenskied-meaning-to-lose-everything-through-ones-stupidity/) - There is no such word in the dictionary. The screenshot that is being shared online was edited. - [Trump's 'Temu Zelenskiy' taunt is an AI deepfake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/trumps-temu-zelenskiy-taunt-is-an-ai-deepfake/) - WHAT WAS CLAIMED A video shows Donald Trump calling Ukraine's leader "Temu Zelenskiy" for not wearing a suit. OUR VERDICT The video is an AI deepfake from a self-described parody account. - [Russian fake news content targeting Ukraine president's wife spreads online | AAP](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/russian-fake-news-content-targeting-ukraine-presidents-wife-spreads-online-aap/) - WHAT WAS CLAIMED: The BBC reported on a foiled attempt by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's wife Olena to flee Ukraine. OUR VERDICT: False. The news report is fake and is believed to be part of a Russian disinformation campaign. - [Doctored photo shared alongside claims that 'Putin Pub in Jerusalem renamed after Zelensky'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/doctored-photo-shared-alongside-claims-that-putin-pub-in-jerusalem-renamed-after-zelensky/) - Social media posts shared multiple times claim a bar in Jerusalem called "Putin Pub" was renamed "Zelenskiy Pub" -- using an alternative spelling of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky's surname -- following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in late-February 2022. However, the image shared alongside the posts was doctored to add the Ukrainian president's surname in place of where the Russian president's surname had been. One of the bar's operators told AFP on March 9 they had taken down the sign that said "Putin". On March 10, the bar was renamed "Generation Pub". - [Fact Check: Photo of a suited Zelenskiy at WEF summit predates Ukraine war](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-photo-of-a-suited-zelenskiy-at-wef-summit-predates-ukraine-war/) - VERDICT: Misleading. The image was taken in January 2020, two years before Russia invaded Ukraine and Zelenskiy ditched suits for wartime attire. - [Zelensky Remains in Ukraine, Despite False Claims on Social Media](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/zelensky-remains-in-ukraine-despite-false-claims-on-social-media/) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appeared in several recent videos that show he has remained in the country since Russia invaded on Feb. 24. But a post circulating on Facebook falsely claims he fled and recorded a video using a green screen to make it appear as though he's still in Ukraine. There's no evidence to support the claim. A digital forensics expert told us that nothing in the video indicates it was filmed using a green screen. - [Zelensky hit by false claim about 'Nazi T-shirt' after US Congress meeting](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/zelensky-hit-by-false-claim-about-nazi-t-shirt-after-us-congress-meeting/) - Following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's virtual meeting with US Congress, social media posts shared hundreds of times claimed he was wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with a "Nazi symbol". In fact, the symbol represents the Ukrainian military, according to an image comparison. A representative for the Ukrainian embassy in Thailand said it did not relate to Nazism. - [Zelenskyy's shirt bears emblem of Ukraine armed forces, not Nazi cross](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/zelenskyys-shirt-bears-emblem-of-ukraine-armed-forces-not-nazi-cross/) - An Iron Cross visible on some of Zelenskyy's military green T-shirts is not a Nazi symbol. It represents the official emblem of Ukraine's armed forces and includes the country's coat of arms in the center. The Iron Cross is a commonly used, famous German military medal. It's not a hate symbol on its own. It was turned into a Nazi symbol when the regime superimposed a swastika in the center. Our ruling Social media posts claim that a Nazi symbol can be seen on Zelenskyy's T-shirts. This is wrong. The symbol visible on Zelenskyy's shirt is the official emblem of Ukraine's military and doesn't represent a Nazi Iron Cross. We rate the claim False. - [Zelensky and Soros Aren’t Cousins, Contrary to Social Media Claim](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/zelensky-and-soros-arent-cousins-contrary-to-social-media-claim/) - Conspiracy theories aimed at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have been circulating on social media since Russia invaded Ukraine in February. One recent example, falsely attributed to a “Pentagon official,” is the unfounded claim that Zelensky is the cousin of billionaire philanthropist George Soros. - [Zelenskyy's daughter did not 'flee' to Poland](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/zelenskyys-daughter-did-not-flee-to-poland/) - Posts on social media had claimed that Oleksandra Zelenska, the daughter of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, called her father a "Nazi" and "fled" Ukraine. DW fact-checked the posts and found them to be bogus. - [Zelenskyy wasn't talking about Ukraine war when he said U.S. would send 'sons and daughters'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/zelenskyy-wasnt-talking-about-ukraine-war-when-he-said-u-s-would-send-sons-and-daughters/) - A video clip of Ukraine's president is going viral, with some on social media claiming Zelenskyy said the U.S. would send soldiers to fight in Ukraine. That's false. - [Why was 'Glory to Urine' a top trending topic on X? - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/why-was-glory-to-urine-a-top-trending-topic-on-x-truth-or-fake/) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was allegedly greeted by a Times Square billboard proclaiming "Glory to Urine", rather than "Glory to Ukraine", upon his visit to New York for a UN summit last week. While the users sharing this information claim that this was a typo by the billboard company, we prove that this is actually a fabricated video in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [Zelenskyy belly dancing video is a deepfake - Full Fact](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/zelenskyy-belly-dancing-video-is-a-deepfake-full-fact/) - WHAT WAS CLAIMED: A video shows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy belly dancing at an event. OUR VERDICT: The footage is not genuine. It has been digitally altered, and President Zelenskyy's face has been imposed onto the dancer's using deepfake techniques. - [Zelenskyy and Wife Photographed with Stacks of Money? | Snopes.com](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/zelenskyy-and-wife-photographed-with-stacks-of-money-snopes-com/) - Because the photograph was digitally edited to include Zelenskyy and Zelenska, we have rated this claim as "Fake." The TinEye reverse-image search tool showed that the original photograph [with stacks of money] depicted Floyd Mayweather, a former professional boxer. - [Zelenskyy's approval rating grows to 57%, debunking Trump's 4% support claim | Euronews](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/zelenskyys-approval-rating-grows-to-57-debunking-trumps-4-support-claim-euronews/) - Despite the US president's claims of low support, Zelenskyy's approval rating reached 57% in February - higher than Trump's own. - [Zelenskyy was sleeping: Trump claims Treasure Secretary Bessent was treated rudely during his last week's visit to Kyiv | European Pravda](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/zelenskyy-was-sleeping-trump-claims-treasure-secretary-bessent-was-treated-rudely-during-his-last-weeks-visit-to-kyiv-european-pravda/) - As reported before, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent arrived in Kyiv on 12 February to discuss economic partnership with Ukraine and met with Zelenskyy during his visit. - [Zelenskyy did not block Truth Social in Ukraine | Snopes.com](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/zelenskyy-did-not-block-truth-social-in-ukraine-snopes-com/) - The claim was false. Truth Social has never been made available in Ukraine. When the app first launched in February 2022, it was available only in the U.S. and Canada. According to a March 2024 report by Ukrainian media watchdog Detector Media, the platform's reach still remains limited to a few countries. - [Zelenskyy met with Democrats - and Republicans - before his meeting with Trump](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/zelenskyy-met-with-democrats-and-republicans-before-his-meeting-with-trump/) - Claim: On Feb. 28, 2025, before a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Democrats who convinced him to reject a deal that would allow the U.S. to exploit minerals in Ukraine in exchange for U.S. support in Ukraine's war with Russia. Rating: Mixture. What's True: Zelenskyy did meet with Democratic U.S. senators ... What's False: ... but that meeting also included at least three Republican senators. Sen. Chris Murphy, a Democrat from Connecticut, emphatically rejected claims that the Democrats of the U.S. Senate delegation had dissuaded Zelenskyy from taking the minerals deal. Further, Zelenskyy confirmed to reporters two days after the meeting that his country was ready to accept the deal. - [Zelenskyy saying US will have to send 'sons and daughters to war' in Ukraine is from old video](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/zelenskyy-saying-us-will-have-to-send-sons-and-daughters-to-war-in-ukraine-is-from-old-video/) - Zelenskyy did say, "The U.S. will have to send their sons and daughters exactly the same way as we are sending [our] sons and daughters to war." However, he was talking about a hypothetical situation in which Ukraine losing the war against Russia would lead to a broader conflict resulting in Americans being pulled into fighting. He made this statement in February 2023, two years before the exchange with Trump took place. - [Zelenskyy didn't exactly say 'raising volume of your voice' but not 'your logic' in Trump meeting](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/zelenskyy-didnt-exactly-say-raising-volume-of-your-voice-but-not-your-logic-in-trump-meeting/) - Claim: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance during their contentious February 2025 Oval Office meeting, “You're raising the volume of your voice, but not the logic of your argument." Context Zelenskyy said, "You think that if you will speak very loudly about the war [between Ukraine and Russia], you can ..." before Trump cut him off. We do not know what Zelenskyy was planning to say in the rest of his sentence before he was interrupted. - [Zelenskyy did not say the US will have to send their sons and daughters to fight in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/zelenskyy-did-not-say-the-us-will-have-to-send-their-sons-and-daughters-to-fight-in-ukraine/) - What was claimed A video shows Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy saying the US will have to send their sons and daughters to fight in Ukraine. Our verdict This clip is from 2023 and has been taken out of context. In the full video, Mr Zelenskyy discusses how Ukraine losing the war would risk Russia invading Baltic NATO member states, potentially leading to US involvement on the ground. - [Why fake anti-Zelensky graffiti is showing up all over the world - The Observers](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/why-fake-anti-zelensky-graffiti-is-showing-up-all-over-the-world-the-observers/) - Did graffiti depicting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a black hole "sucking up European money" really appear on the streets of a Paris suburb? What about graffiti showing the president as an insect or as excrement? According to images circulating online, graffiti like this has been popping up on the streets of several European cities. But in fact, none of them ever existed. We took a closer look to prove that they are fake. - [Where Is the Missing $100 Billion in U.S. Aid for Ukraine?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/where-is-the-missing-100-billion-in-u-s-aid-for-ukraine-2/) - On February 2, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine said he had only received $75 billion of the $175 billion the United States had spent on Ukraine. The cry went up, what happened to the other $100 billion? Was it lost or stolen? The answer is no. Only part of the aid goes through Ukrainian control. A large part pays for activities as a result of the war but not to Ukraine directly. These include the United States training of Ukrainian forces, global humanitarian assistance, additional costs of U.S. surge forces in Europe, and intelligence support for both NATO and Ukraine. As CSIS has reported before, "aid to Ukraine" is a misnomer because 90 percent of military aid is spent in the United States. Of aid overall, 60 percent is spent in the United States, about 25 percent is spent in Ukraine, and the final 15 percent is spent globally. - [Video does not show Ukrainian presidential couple singing](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-does-not-show-ukrainian-presidential-couple-singing/) - Social media posts claim a video shows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife Olena Zelenska singing together. This is false; the clip shows singers from America and Britain recording a cover of the 1981 duet "Endless Love." - [Video does not show Ukrainian president performing John Lennon's 'Imagine'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-does-not-show-ukrainian-president-performing-john-lennons-imagine/) - Online posts claim a video shows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky singing the song "Imagine" by John Lennon. This is false; the clip shows an American singer's cover of the 1971 hit. - [Viral videos falsely claiming Ukraine's Zelenskyy uses cocaine are altered](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/viral-videos-falsely-claiming-ukraines-zelenskyy-uses-cocaine-are-altered/) - Two viral videos purported to show that Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy uses cocaine. One video appeared to show cocaine on Zelenskyy's desk as he spoke, while the other appeared to show him saying that he uses the drug routinely. The first video was doctored; in the original, there is no white substance on Zelenskyy's desk. The second video was deceptively edited; in the original, he denied using drugs. Our ruling Two videos claimed to show Zelenskyy either using or admitting to using cocaine. The first video purports to show a white powder on Zelenskyy's desk as he placed a video call to Musk. But the video was doctored to include the substance, which is not in the original. The second video appears to show Zelenskyy talking about using cocaine regularly, but the video was deceptively edited to reorder Zelenskyy's words. In reality, Zelenskyy denied using drugs. We rate these videos Pants on Fire! - [Was Cocaine on Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Desk During Video Chat With Elon Musk?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/was-cocaine-on-volodymyr-zelenskyys-desk-during-video-chat-with-elon-musk/) - The digitally manipulated footage was created by using a genuine video of Zelenskyy in a video call with the pair. That authentic footage was posted to Zelenskyy's Instagram account in March 2022 as the Russian invasion of Ukraine was in its early stages. In the call, Zelenskyy invited Musk to Ukraine "after the war." - [Video edited to show 'white substance' on Zelensky's desk](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-edited-to-show-white-substance-on-zelenskys-desk/) - An edited video apparently showing cocaine on the desk of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has circulated on social media around the world. It is the latest in a string of disinformation targeting the leader since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The suspicious, powder-like pile did not appear in the original video posted on Zelensky's Instagram account. - [Video misrepresents US senator's comments on Russia-Ukraine war](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-misrepresents-us-senators-comments-on-russia-ukraine-war/) - In a video shared online, Senator Lindsey Graham appears to tell Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky "the Russians are dying" and that is "the best money" the US has ever spent. But the clip is edited; the full footage shows Graham did not make the statements consecutively. - [Video shows Argentine dancer, not Volodymyr Zelensky | Fact Check](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-shows-argentine-dancer-not-volodymyr-zelensky-fact-check/) - Social media users are claiming a video shows the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shaking his body in a tight, sparkly one-piece outfit. This is false; the footage is of a performance given by an Argentine belly dancer and instructor and it appears to have been doctored to superimpose Zelensky's face. - [Video shows Argentine dancer, not Volodymyr Zelensky](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-shows-argentine-dancer-not-volodymyr-zelensky/) - Social media users are claiming a video shows the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shaking his body in a tight, sparkly one-piece outfit. This is false; the footage is of a performance given by an Argentine belly dancer and instructor and it appears to have been doctored to superimpose Zelensky's face. - [Video does not show Zelensky bodyguard in New York brawl](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-does-not-show-zelensky-bodyguard-in-new-york-brawl/) - Posts sharing footage of an altercation in New York purport to show a security guard to President Volodymyr Zelensky starting a bar fight, in the latest example of fabricated Western media reports spreading anti-Ukrainian messaging. USA Today, whose logo appears in the clip, told AFP it did not publish the report and both the New York Police Department (NYPD) and the bar where the incident allegedly occurred also refuted the claim. - [Video of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Belly Dancing Is a Deepfake | BOOM](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-of-ukrainian-president-volodymyr-zelenskyy-belly-dancing-is-a-deepfake-boom/) - BOOM found that the video is not real and Volodymyr Zelenskyy's face has been morphed on another dancer's face. - [Video depicting Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's belly dance is a deep fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-depicting-ukrainian-president-zelenskyys-belly-dance-is-a-deep-fake/) - Claim: Video depicts Ukrainian President Zelenskyy dancing at an event. Fact: The viral video has been created using deepfake technology and the original video shows an unidentified man dancing. This video is being shared on social media since the year 2020. However, it is not known when and where this video was taken. Hence, the claim made in the post is FALSE. - [Viral Video Showing Zelensky Belly Dancing Is Actually A Deepfake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/viral-video-showing-zelensky-belly-dancing-is-actually-a-deepfake/) - Claim: A video shows President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, belly dancing at an event. Fact: The footage has been digitally altered. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's face has been superimposed onto the dancer's face using Deepfake technology. - [Volodymyr Zelenskyy Flaunts Crazy Belly-Dancing Moves in Viral Video?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/volodymyr-zelenskyy-flaunts-crazy-belly-dancing-moves-in-viral-video/) - This is not an authentic video of Volodymyr Zelenskyy performing a belly dance. The original video, published on June 1, 2023, showed Pablo Acosta, a dancer from Argentina. When we compared the "Zelenskyy" video to the one published on @pabloacostabellydance Instagram account, it became clear that the viral footage had been digitally manipulated to superimpose Zelenskyy's face on Acosta's body. Therefore, we rated this claim as Fake. - [Where Is the Missing $100 Billion in U.S. Aid for Ukraine?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/where-is-the-missing-100-billion-in-u-s-aid-for-ukraine/) - On February 2, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine said he had only received $75 billion of the $175 billion the United States had spent on Ukraine. The cry went up, what happened to the other $100 billion? Was it lost or stolen? The answer is no. Only part of the aid goes through Ukrainian control. A large part pays for activities as a result of the war but not to Ukraine directly. These include the United States training of Ukrainian forces, global humanitarian assistance, additional costs of U.S. surge forces in Europe, and intelligence support for both NATO and Ukraine. As CSIS has reported before, "aid to Ukraine" is a misnomer because 90 percent of military aid is spent in the United States. Of aid overall, 60 percent is spent in the United States, about 25 percent is spent in Ukraine, and the final 15 percent is spent globally. - [Viral Photos Of Zelenskyy In Suit Predate 2022 Russian Invasion Of Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/viral-photos-of-zelenskyy-in-suit-predate-2022-russian-invasion-of-ukraine/) - Claim: Volodymyr Zelenskyy wore a suit while meeting Emmanuel Macron and Klaus Schwab, but opted for a non-formal sweatshirt during his visit to the Oval Office. Fact: Photos of Zelenskyy with Macron and Schwab were taken prior to the Russian invasion of February 2022. - [Video doesn't show Zelenskyy using expletive about Trump outside 10 Downing Street](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-doesnt-show-zelenskyy-using-expletive-about-trump-outside-10-downing-street/) - However, Zelenskyy did not use any expletives about Trump when speaking to journalists during the walk from his motorcade to greet Starmer. The claim is false. Further, the video exhibited potential signs that its originator used an artificial-intelligence tool to create many of its elements. An unedited video (archived) showing the same moment featured an unidentified reporter asking, "Mr. President, how was the trip? How do you feel?," and Zelenskyy responding, "Ok. Thank you so much." - [Was Zelenskyy's Pennsylvania visit 'election interference'? Why experts say no](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/was-zelenskyys-pennsylvania-visit-election-interference-why-experts-say-no/) - On Sept. 22, 2024, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited a Scranton, Pennsylvania, ammunition plant to thank its workers, with Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro, who was a surrogate for vice president and then-Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris. Legal experts said that doesn't constitute "foreign election interference," which typically includes "covert, fraudulent or deceptive acts." Zelenskyy's meeting with Shapiro was not a campaign event for either the governor or Harris. - [Video appearing to show BBC reporter caught on hot mic after Zelenskyy-Trump meeting has been edited](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-appearing-to-show-bbc-reporter-caught-on-hot-mic-after-zelenskyy-trump-meeting-has-been-edited/) - What was claimed BBC Ukraine correspondent James Waterhouse was caught on a hot mic after the meeting of Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump in the White House, saying: "This is the second time ever that a US president ****s someone in the Oval Office." Our verdict This audio clip has been faked. Mr Waterhouse says it is AI-generated, and a full clip of the report shows no such comments were broadcast. - [USA TODAY didn't report Zelenskyy security guard 'brawl' | Fact check](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/usa-today-didnt-report-zelenskyy-security-guard-brawl-fact-check/) - The claim: Video shows USA TODAY report that Zelenskyy's security guard 'started a drunken brawl' in New York The video has been altered. USA TODAY did not report such an incident. - [US President Trump's claims about Zelenskyy and Ukraine fact-checked](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/us-president-trumps-claims-about-zelenskyy-and-ukraine-fact-checked/) - Claim: Zelenskyy started the war with Russia Claim: Zelenskyy is a dictator Claim: Zelenskyy has a 4 percent approval rating Claim: The US has spent $350bn to help Ukraine Claim: Zelenskyy said he doesn't know where half of the money the US has given Ukraine went Claim: Zelenskyy was 'sleeping and unavailable' to meet Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent last week in Kyiv - [Ukraine recognized downed pilot as 'hero,' but claims he was the 'Ghost of Kyiv' are unsubstantiated](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/ukraine-recognized-downed-pilot-as-hero-but-claims-he-was-the-ghost-of-kyiv-are-unsubstantiated/) - Col. Oleksandr "Grey Wolf" Oksanchenko, a decorated Ukrainian pilot, was killed in combat on Feb. 25. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky awarded him posthumously with the title of Hero of Ukraine, along with 11 other military service members. Unconfirmed reports hold that an unidentified pilot, who has come to be called the "Ghost of Kyiv," downed six Russian planes on the first day of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. We do not find evidence that this was Oksanchenko. It's uncertain how the Ghost of Kyiv tale originated, but we know that Ukraine's military reported on Feb. 24 that at least six Russian planes and two helicopters had been downed. Crediting Ukrainian military, CNN and NBC soon reported five Russian planes and one helicopter had been shot down. Russia's defense ministry denied the report, according to Reuters, and said that Ukraine's air force defenses had been "suppressed." Ukraine's official Twitter account, meanwhile, promoted the Ghost of Kyiv narrative with a video that suggested the mystery pilot could have been responsible for as many as 10 downed Russian aircraft by Feb. 26. That video, too, included footage from a video game. PolitiFact did not receive a response from Zelensky's administration about Oksanchenko and the Ghost of Kyiv claim. Finding no conclusive information tying Oksanchenko to the Ghost of Kyiv, we rate this claim False. - [Unproven claims about Volodymyr Zelensky's wealth resurface online](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/unproven-claims-about-volodymyr-zelenskys-wealth-resurface-online/) - Social media posts shared thousands of times say Volodymyr Zelensky earns $11 million per month, has billions in assets, including a $35 million house in Florida, and numerous other trappings of a moneyed lifestyle. This is unproven; public records show Ukraine's president does not own property in his name in the US state, financial disclosures and independent investigations indicate he is far from a billionaire, and none of the online claims include evidence of such significant wealth. - [Twitter Blue accounts fuel Ukraine War misinformation](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/twitter-blue-accounts-fuel-ukraine-war-misinformation/) - BBC News debunks several disinformation narratives making the rounds on Twitter - amplified in particular by paid "blue check" accounts: - Weapons for Ukraine not used in French riots - No evidence of 'baby factories' in Ukraine - Kramatorsk missile not Ukrainian - Zelensky has not cancelled elections - [UNFOUNDED: A pregnant medic from Odesa received a summons](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/unfounded-a-pregnant-medic-from-odesa-received-a-summons/) - This is not true. Opinion polls conducted in September-October 2023 show that the majority of citizens are against holding elections during wartime. Zelenskyi also stated that partners are not currently insisting on negotiations with Russia, but there are a few voices that consistently call for it. - [Ukraine's Zelensky accused of buying two yachts with Western aid money - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/ukraines-zelensky-accused-of-buying-two-yachts-with-western-aid-money-truth-or-fake/) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is accused of buying two luxury yachts in October with Western aid money, in the name of two of his closest aides. But is there any truth to these claims? We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [US celebrities tricked into recording videos urging Zelensky to go to rehab - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/us-celebrities-tricked-into-recording-videos-urging-zelensky-to-go-to-rehab-truth-or-fake/) - In a new Russian disinformation campaign uncovered by Microsoft, celebrities such as Elijah Wood, Priscilla Presley and Mike Tyson have been tricked into recording a video via the Cameo app that was later doctored and used for anti-Zelensky propaganda. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [UNFOUNDED: Zelenskyi decided to appropriate the money of Ukrainian refugees](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/unfounded-zelenskyi-decided-to-appropriate-the-money-of-ukrainian-refugees/) - These claims are unfounded. The President proposed to direct the funds to the state budget so that the Ukrainian authorities could independently distribute them among Ukrainian refugees. He explained that after the full-scale aggression by the Russian Federation, Ukrainians took their money with them, which still remains in Europe. - [Ukraine's President Zelenskyy Bought a Casino in Cyprus?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/ukraines-president-zelenskyy-bought-a-casino-in-cyprus/) - The claim that Zelenskyy purchased a casino in Cyprus is belied by the fact that the owners of that casino say they have not sold it, by the fact that the original reporting on the claim was based on a fake website, and by the fact that this original reporting was deleted. Because no real evidence supports the claim, Snopes rates it "False." - [Ukraine's President Zelenskyy has not introduced a law to allow for organ harvesting without consent](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/ukraines-president-zelenskyy-has-not-introduced-a-law-to-allow-for-organ-harvesting-without-consent/) - The Verdict: False The law removed the need for notarization of consent, not the need for consent, as the false post claims. - [Trump's False and Misleading Ukraine Claims - FactCheck.org](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/trumps-false-and-misleading-ukraine-claims-factcheck-org/) - After U.S. and Russian officials met in Saudi Arabia to discuss an end to Russia's war in Ukraine, President Donald Trump made several false and misleading statements about the conflict and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump falsely claimed that Ukraine had "started" the war with Russia, saying the country could have made a "deal." Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. He inflated the amount of U.S. aid for Ukraine and wrongly said the U.S. gave "$200 billion more than Europe." Aid from Europe is higher than that from the U.S. Trump distorted comments Zelenskyy made to claim that the Ukrainian president "admits that half of the money that we sent them is missing." A Trump administration official has said the U.S. tracks the money. Trump called Zelenskyy a "dictator" and misleadingly said that he "refuses" to have elections. Because of the war, the country is under martial law and can't have an election, according to Ukrainian law. - [Trump's claims on Russia's war with Ukraine, fact-checked](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/trumps-claims-on-russias-war-with-ukraine-fact-checked/) - - Claim: Zelenskyy is a 'dictator without elections' - Claim: The U.S. has spent $350 billion on the war in Ukraine - Claim: The U.S. has spent $200 billion more than Europe; Europe's money is guaranteed - Claim: Zelenskyy has a 4% approval rating - Claim: Ukraine started the war with Russia - [Trump said Zelensky treated gay Cabinet member “rudely.” Photographic evidence says otherwise.](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/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. - [Trump, Vance and Zelenskyy's tense Oval Office meeting about Ukraine and Russia, fact-checked](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/trump-vance-and-zelenskyys-tense-oval-office-meeting-about-ukraine-and-russia-fact-checked/) - - Vance: Zelenskyy has not said, "Thank you" to the United States for its support of Ukraine. - Vance: Zelenskyy "went to Pennsylvania and campaigned for the opposition in October." - Trump: "We gave you $350 billion." - [Unpacking claim Zelenskyy called Vance an expletive at White House meeting](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/unpacking-claim-zelenskyy-called-vance-an-expletive-at-white-house-meeting/) - [T]he audio of the available recording of the meeting was not clear enough to prove without doubt what Zelenskyy said, other than that it began with an "s" sound. In other words, it's possible the Ukrainian president said "suka" - Ukrainian for "b****" - or a term including the word, but it's also possible that he said something completely different. - [Three claims accuse Volodymyr Zelensky of being addicted to cocaine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/three-claims-accuse-volodymyr-zelensky-of-being-addicted-to-cocaine/) - In recent weeks, people have been sharing at least three videos purporting to show Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky either using cocaine or making incoherent remarks after allegedly consuming drugs. But these videos have been cut misleadingly and sometimes even digitally manipulated. - [This viral anti-Zelensky billboard on New York's Fifth Avenue is fake - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/this-viral-anti-zelensky-billboard-on-new-yorks-fifth-avenue-is-fake-truth-or-fake/) - There's been much anti-Ukraine and anti-Zelensky propaganda circulating online since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. But a new billboard has just appeared name-dropping Ukraine's leader on New York's Fifth Avenue above a busy flagship store. Many factors point to the video being manipulated. Vedika Bahl explains in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [Tokyo video doctored to add anti-Zelensky billboard](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/tokyo-video-doctored-to-add-anti-zelensky-billboard/) - A video circulating online appears to show a prominent digital billboard in Japan saying, "Stop war" and "Stop Zelenskyy." But the clip has been doctored; the sign featured people -- not the anti-Ukraine message -- in otherwise matching footage posted to YouTube in 2020, prior to Russia's invasion. - [Trump rift opens floodgates of disinformation on Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/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." - [This video shows a TikTok creator using a green screen, not a protester interrupting a TV show](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/this-video-shows-a-tiktok-creator-using-a-green-screen-not-a-protester-interrupting-a-tv-show/) - An image of a woman apparently bursting onto a TV set has been shared hundreds of times in posts claiming she crashed a Ukrainian news broadcast to urge President Volodymyr Zelensky to "surrender". However, the picture was taken from a video made by a TikTok creator using a green screen. The original news broadcast shows no interruption from a protester. - [This photo of Zelensky meeting troops was taken before Russia invaded Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/this-photo-of-zelensky-meeting-troops-was-taken-before-russia-invaded-ukraine/) - A photo of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is circulating in Facebook posts that claim it shows him sharing a meal with soldiers resisting Russia's invasion. The posts are misleading; the photo was taken when Zelensky visited eastern Ukraine on February 17, 2022, days before Russia launched a military operation in the country. - [The Facts on ‘De-Nazifying’ Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/the-facts-on-de-nazifying-ukraine/) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Russia’s talk of “de-Nazifying” Ukraine is a non-starter in peace negotiations. We’ll explain what these claims are all about and why experts say they are misleading. - [There's no evidence that Ukraine's president has a net worth of $596 million](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/theres-no-evidence-that-ukraines-president-has-a-net-worth-of-596-million/) - There is no proof that Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has a net worth of $596 million or receives a monthly income of $11 million. Leaked financial documents showed Zelenskyy had several assets like real estate property and cars, but not enough to corroborate the claim made on Facebook. A report by Forbes found the Ukrainian president's net worth was closer to $20 million to $30 million. Our ruling A Facebook post shared a screenshot from a website claiming to show Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's net worth as being $596 million while receiving a monthly income of $11 million and a salary of $780,000. The website featured in the Facebook post offered no corroborating evidence for the claim. Leaked financial documents showed Zelenskyy did have some assets, but nowhere near what's being claimed on the website and Facebook post. A report by Forbes found his net worth to be much smaller, around $20 million to $30 million. We rate this False. - [Social media post critical of Zelenskyy came from Kid Rock fan account, not the artist](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/social-media-post-critical-of-zelenskyy-came-from-kid-rock-fan-account-not-the-artist/) - A screenshot of a Gettr post critical of U.S. foreign aid to Ukraine has been attributed to Kid Rock, but it originated on a fan account. We couldn't find a Gettr account for Kid Rock, and it's not listed among the social media accounts on his website. Kid Rock's website links to his YouTube account and his verified Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts. We've previously debunked claims that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy owns a $35 million home in Florida. We couldn't find any credible sources to corroborate the claim in this Gettr post, either. As for the claim that Kid Rock authored it, we rate that False. - [The War in Ukraine: A Collection of Fact Checks About Volodymyr Zelenskyy | Snopes.com](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/the-war-in-ukraine-a-collection-of-fact-checks-about-volodymyr-zelenskyy-snopes-com/) - As the war in Ukraine raged on in early 2023, rumors about the country's president rage with it. From claims about his career, to rumors about illicit drug use, Volodymyr Zelenskyy is a magnet for doctored images, misinformation, and more. Continue below for a collection of stories about the Ukraine president's history before and after the war began. - [Social Media Posts Misrepresent Zelenskyy’s Remarks on U.S. Military Involvement](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/social-media-posts-misrepresent-zelenskyys-remarks-on-u-s-military-involvement/) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy predicted that if Russia’s invasion of his country is successful, it will invade nearby NATO countries, triggering a war involving the U.S. military. Some conservative commentators misleadingly claimed that he’d called upon the U.S. to “send their sons and daughters to war for Ukraine and potentially die.” - [RFK Jr. Claims U.S. Pushed Ukraine to War With Russia](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/rfk-jr-claims-u-s-pushed-ukraine-to-war-with-russia/) - No evidence was provided to support the claim Johnson blocked a peace agreement, and the claim that Russia withdrew its forces from Kyiv due to an agreement with Zelensky is widely disputed by political and military experts. Newsweek has put each of the claims it investigated to RFK Jr.'s spokespeople via email. There has been no response as of the time of publication. Unless RFK Jr. can provide substantive proof to support some of his arguments, the claims the Democratic hopeful made on Fox News simply do not match the facts. - [The real story behind claims thar Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelens... | Prestige Yacht | TikTok](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/the-real-story-behind-claims-thar-ukrainian-president-volodymyr-zelens-prestige-yacht-tiktok/) - The real story behind claims thar Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy used millions in U.S. aid money to buy two yachts. #zelenskyy #ukraine?? #yacht #proxy #usaid #ukrainewar #greenscreen - [Republicans Fact-Check Trump's Claim That Ukraine Started War With Russia: 'Factually Wrong'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/republicans-fact-check-trumps-claim-that-ukraine-started-war-with-russia-factually-wrong/) - Some GOP lawmakers distanced themselves from Trump's statements calling Zelensky a "dictator without elections" and blaming Ukraine for the war - [The facts behind claims a Norwegian fuel supplier stopped servicing US Navy ships](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/the-facts-behind-claims-a-norwegian-fuel-supplier-stopped-servicing-us-navy-ships/) - According to Norwegian news reports, Haltbakk Bunkers, a Norwegian oil and shipping company, indeed posted on Facebook after the Zelenskyy-Trump meeting that it would no longer supply American forces in Norway. However, that post was later deleted for reasons that were unknown. We've reached out to the company to independently verify the Norwegian news outlets' reporting and are waiting for a response. In other words, there was no primary evidence to confirm the alleged Facebook post by Haltbakk Bunkers, which said it had stopped providing fuel to American ships. Furthermore, it was unclear whether, or how many, ships were affected by the purported decision. - [This Image Does Not Show Zelenskyy Signing Bombs for Gaza](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/this-image-does-not-show-zelenskyy-signing-bombs-for-gaza/) - Misbar investigated the viral claim and found it to be misleading; the image shows Zelenskyy signing bombs intended for use against Russia, not Gaza. - [The facts behind resurfaced claim that Zelenskyy has multiple homes, planes, offshore accounts](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/the-facts-behind-resurfaced-claim-that-zelenskyy-has-multiple-homes-planes-offshore-accounts/) - The claim, shared across Facebook (archived), Instagram (archived) and X (archived) in the form of an image, read: The President of Ukraine owns a 35 million dollar home in Florida and has $1.2 billion in a overseas bank account. Zelensky owns 15 homes, 3 private planes, and has a monthly income of 11 million dollars. Why is no one questioning where our AID is going? However, there was no proof of any of the claims shared within the image. - [There is no evidence this video shows Zelenskyy boarding a luxury private jet](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/there-is-no-evidence-this-video-shows-zelenskyy-boarding-a-luxury-private-jet/) - A video has surfaced on TikTok of luxury cars pulling up to a private jet with a caption suggesting that it shows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy using billions to fund such a lifestyle. The Verdict False The video comes from the Instagram account of a private jet provider company and nothing in the original post links the jet and cars to Zelenskyy. - [The Real Reason Zelenskyy Doesn't Wear a Suit](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/the-real-reason-zelenskyy-doesnt-wear-a-suit/) - But the criticism of Zelenskyy's lack of traditional tie-and-jacket attire misses an obvious question: Why does he dress like that? As it turns out, the black tactical gear he wore to the Oval Office - much like his now-iconic olive-green fleeces and combat boots - is part of a growing visual shift in Ukraine, marked by the war's impact on the clothing industry and the military's now central place in Ukrainian culture. I spoke to Illia Ponomarenko - a Ukrainian journalist who has covered the war, written for the Kyiv Post and The Kyiv Independent and authored I Will Show You How It Was: The Story of Wartime Kyiv - about the real meaning behind Zelenskyy's style. "The clothes are more than clothes," he said. "They are part of a culture of people who are involved in this war." - [Prez. Zelensky expressing the “V sign” gesture over Prez. Putin is an Altered Image - Factcrescendo Sri Lanka - English](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/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 - [Posts share false 'vaccination requirement' claim about Ukraine war relief fund](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/posts-share-false-vaccination-requirement-claim-about-ukraine-war-relief-fund/) - Multiple social media posts shared online in March 2022 claimed that "only vaccinated Ukrainian citizens" were eligible for an emergency government payment to aid workers impacted by the Russian invasion. This is false; as of April 4, 2022, neither Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky nor the ministry in charge of the scheme has said immunisation for Covid-19 or any other disease is a requirement to receive the benefit. - [Pro-Russia Accounts Spread Obviously Fake Zelensky Cocaine Video](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/pro-russia-accounts-spread-obviously-fake-zelensky-cocaine-video/) - A video spreading across social media of Zelensky with cocaine on his desk is, of course, fake, the latest in a smear campaign against him. - [Posts misrepresent Zelensky's comments on US support](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/posts-misrepresent-zelenskys-comments-on-us-support/) - Conservative influencers in the United States are claiming Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said America's "sons and daughters" will be obligated to fight and die for his country. This is misleading; Zelensky's full remarks show he was saying Russia might invade a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) country if Ukraine loses the war, implicating the alliance's members in a larger conflict. - [Report claiming US paid Time magazine to honor Zelensky is fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/report-claiming-us-paid-time-magazine-to-honor-zelensky-is-fake/) - A video with millions of engagements on X purports to show a New York Post video reporting that the US government's humanitarian agency paid Time $4 million to feature Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on its magazine cover as its 2022 Person of the Year. But the supposed report is fake, and the claims it makes are inaccurate, according to the New York Post and Time. - [Old photos circulate in misleading posts claiming Ukrainian president led troops on the battlefield amid Russian invasion](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/old-photos-circulate-in-misleading-posts-claiming-ukrainian-president-led-troops-on-the-battlefield-amid-russian-invasion/) - Several images of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wearing camouflage, a bulletproof vest and a helmet have been shared on social media with claims that he was leading his soldiers on the battlefield as Russia invaded its eastern neighbour. However, the claim has been shared out of context: the photos were taken last year when Zelensky visited troops several times in the pro-Russian separatist region of Donbass in Ukraine. - [Photo of Ukrainian President Zelensky in military gear was taken in 2021 - before Russian invasion](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/photo-of-ukrainian-president-zelensky-in-military-gear-was-taken-in-2021-before-russian-invasion/) - A photo of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wearing military gear has been shared hundreds of times in social media posts alongside a claim that it shows him on the frontline after Russia invaded the neighbouring country in February 2022. However, the claim is false. The picture actually shows Zelensky visiting Ukraine's eastern region in April 2021, nearly a year before the Russian invasion began. - [Photo of Zelenskyy holding a jersey with a swastika was altered](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/photo-of-zelenskyy-holding-a-jersey-with-a-swastika-was-altered/) - This photo was altered. In the original, Zelenskyy is holding a jersey that has the number 95, not a swastika. The original image was distributed by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Service in June 2021. According to a caption on Agence France-Presse's website, it shows him "posing with a jersey of Ukraine's national football team." Since Russia invaded Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has pushed the idea that the effort is one of "denazification," a narrative historians have decried as "false and destructive." We rate claims Zelenskyy was holding a jersey with a swastika False. - [Photo of Biden, Zelenskyy holding hands was altered](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/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. - [Photo of Biden, Zelensky manipulated to show leaders holding hands](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/photo-of-biden-zelensky-manipulated-to-show-leaders-holding-hands/) - Social media users are claiming a photo from Joe Biden's surprise trip to Kyiv shows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky holding his US counterpart's hand to keep him nearby. This is false; the image has been digitally manipulated to re-position the leaders' hands, the New York Times photographer who took the picture confirmed to AFP. - [Opinion | Don’t second-guess the Ukrainian counteroffensive. It’s just starting.](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/opinion-dont-second-guess-the-ukrainian-counteroffensive-its-just-starting/) - Columnist Max Boot writes: "The Ukrainian counteroffensive is less than a month old and already the murmurs of defeatism are starting, with unnamed “Western officials” telling CNN that it is “not meeting expectations on any front.” Even Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky concedes that the counteroffensive is going “slower than desired.” In truth, the plodding pace of the advance should not be a surprise or a cause for serious concern, yet." - [PolitiFact | Zelenskyy's statement about Ukraine aid didn't reveal money laundering operation](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/politifact-zelenskyys-statement-about-ukraine-aid-didnt-reveal-money-laundering-operation/) - Much of the money the U.S. has dedicated for Ukraine aid is spent in the U.S. on domestic weapons manufacturers and U.S. military and government operations. Direct military support to Ukraine totaled about $70 billion out of the $175 billion Congress has appropriated. The money isn't being laundered, it's being spent as Congress intended. - [PolitiFact | Fact-checking President Donald Trump's attacks on Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/politifact-fact-checking-president-donald-trumps-attacks-on-ukraine-president-volodymyr-zelenskyy/) - Claim: Zelenskyy started the war in Ukraine with Russia. Claim: Zelenskyy is a dictator. Claim: Zelenskyy has a 4% approval rating. Claim: The U.S. spent $350 billion to help Ukraine. Claim: Zelenskyy said he doesn't know where half of the money the U.S. has given Ukraine went. Claim: Zelenskyy was "sleeping and unavailable" to meet Treasury Secretary Scott Bessett during a Feb. 12 Kyiv visit. - [Old Footage Resurfaced Following Zelenskyy-Trump Clash](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/old-footage-resurfaced-following-zelenskyy-trump-clash/) - Following last month's reported Oval Office confrontation between Trump and Zelensky, two videos emerged recently, purportedly of a pro-Trump rally in the U.K. after Prime Minister Keir Starmer's demonstration of support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Misbar investigated the clips and found the claim to be misleading. The allegations misleadingly portrayed previous protests as support for Trump's recent stance on Ukraine. - [Photo of Churchill visiting White House in 'siren-suit' during WWII is authentic](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/photo-of-churchill-visiting-white-house-in-siren-suit-during-wwii-is-authentic/) - The iconic photo circulated online after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the White House in a "military-style black sweatshirt." Claim: A photograph authentically depicts then-British Prime Minister Winston Churchill visiting the White House in the U.S. during World War II wearing a "siren-suit.” Rating: True - [Photo of Zelenskyy wearing a suit when meeting WEF leader predates Ukraine war](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/photo-of-zelenskyy-wearing-a-suit-when-meeting-wef-leader-predates-ukraine-war/) - What was claimed: A photo shows President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently wearing a suit to meet WEF founder Klaus Schwab because he is his "actual boss", amid criticism Mr Zelenskyy received for not wearing one to meet President Trump. Our verdict: This photo shows the two men in suits in 2020, before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, after which President Zelenskyy stopped wearing suits publicly. - [No, Volodymyr Zelenskyy Did Not Wear a Nazi Symbol](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-volodymyr-zelenskyy-did-not-wear-a-nazi-symbol/) - Conspiracy theorists and Russian apologists reached new lows in attacking the Ukrainian president in March 2022. - [No, Zelenskyy and Soros are not cousins](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-zelenskyy-and-soros-are-not-cousins/) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and billionaire philanthropist George Soros are not cousins. ​The claim is "entirely false," said a spokesperson for Soros' Open Society Foundations. A viral Facebook post falsely says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and billionaire philanthropist George Soros are related by birth ' one in a series of baseless claims about links between the two. Soros has been at the center of many debunked claims about his connections to Ukraine, including that he wanted to run the country and that he was using the Ukraine "as a playing field to undermine (former President Donald) Trump's campaign," NBC News reported in 2019. More recently, false claims have said that Soros admitted on television that he helped overthrow the former Ukrainian president in order to help Zelenskyy take office. The NBC News story noted that Soros "has long been the target of conspiracy theorists about Jews controlling the world." Soros and Zelenskyy are both Jewish. We rate the claim that Zelenskyy is a cousin of Soros Pants on Fire! - [No, Volodymyr Zelensky isn't publishing his own 'Mein Kampf' - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-volodymyr-zelensky-isnt-publishing-his-own-mein-kampf-truth-or-fake/) - We debunk false claims circulating online that Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky has written and will be releasing a book with the same title as Adolf Hitler's infamous manifesto. Vedika Bahl has all the details in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [No, Volodymyr Zelensky's wife doesn't have a 'Russian passport' - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-volodymyr-zelenskys-wife-doesnt-have-a-russian-passport-truth-or-fake/) - A video circulating on X, as well as several Russian media outlets, claims Olena Zelenska's "Russian passport" was discovered in a raid of the couple's flat in occupied Crimea. However, there are several inconsistencies suggesting its inauthenticity, including the photograph and serial number. Vedika Bahl explains in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [No, Volodymyr Zelensky didn't buy a villa in Florida](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-volodymyr-zelensky-didnt-buy-a-villa-in-florida/) - Did Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky buy a house in Florida? And did he get American citizenship? Those are the rumors circulating on social media along with a couple of photos. However, the villa that appears in the photos is still up for sale and the certificate of nationality is fake, making this the latest example of fake news stories implying that Ukrainian officials are using international aid money for personal purposes. - [No, Zelensky didn't buy a mansion belonging to the British royal family](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-zelensky-didnt-buy-a-mansion-belonging-to-the-british-royal-family/) - Did the Ukrainian president embezzle Western aid money to buy Highgrove House, the family residence of King Charles III? No, but pro-Russian social media accounts have been spreading that rumour. They want people in the United States and Europe to question how aid being sent to Ukraine is being used ahead of upcoming elections. However, this rumour is based on fake testimony and, what's more, this sale is legally impossible. - [No, Zelenskyy hasn't blocked access to Truth Social in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-zelenskyy-hasnt-blocked-access-to-truth-social-in-ukraine/) - Our rating: False. A spokesperson for Truth Social's parent company said the claim is false and the social media platform has never been available in the country. - [No, Zelensky hasn't bought Eagle's Nest, it is still in ownership of Bavarian state](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-zelensky-hasnt-bought-eagles-nest-it-is-still-in-ownership-of-bavarian-state/) - Russia's war against Ukraine is not only a military confrontation, but Moscow is also deliberately targetting the Ukrainian president with disinformation and narratives that seek to discredit him. In early February 2025, posts on social media falsely claimed that Volodymyr Zelensky had purchased a property known as the Eagle's Nest in Berchtesgaden in the southern German state of Bavaria. However, the site -- which was closely associated with the Nazis during World War II and is a popular tourist destination even today -- is still owned by the state authorities. Furthermore, the false claims seem to have originated from a Russian disinformation network. - [NYT didn't reveal Pentagon plans to kidnap Zelenskyy | Snopes.com](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/nyt-didnt-reveal-pentagon-plans-to-kidnap-zelenskyy-snopes-com/) - Rating: Originated as satire. In a statement to Snopes, Naseem Amini, spokesperson for the Times, wrote: "The New York Times did not publish this story, and none of the writers listed are employed by The Times." - [No, the video of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy urging surrender isn't real. It's a deepfake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-the-video-of-ukrainian-president-zelenskyy-urging-surrender-isnt-real-its-a-deepfake/) - The VERIFY team confirmed a video of Ukraine President Zelenskyy telling his people to surrender is a deepfake. It was created using images from press conferences. - [No, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Hungarian-born billionaire George Soros are not related - Africa Check](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-ukrainian-president-volodymyr-zelenskyy-and-hungarian-born-billionaire-george-soros-are-not-related-africa-check/) - As a number of other fact-checking organisations have made clear, there is no evidence that Soros and Zelenskyy are cousins or that a spokesperson from the DOD confirmed this. We could also find no evidence of any statement mentioning the two men in the DOD's press releases or on its social media accounts. - [No, these photos don't prove that Zelensky is filming his videos in front of a green screen](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-these-photos-dont-prove-that-zelensky-is-filming-his-videos-in-front-of-a-green-screen/) - Pro-Russian social media accounts have been circulating photos and a video of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky standing in front of a green screen, claiming that this image offers proof that the videos that he publishes on social media are filmed in a studio and not on the ground as claimed. However, these pictures don"t prove anything of the sort - they were taken during a forum where the president appeared as a hologram. - [No, the Ukrainian president did not write a book called 'Mein Kampf'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-the-ukrainian-president-did-not-write-a-book-called-mein-kampf/) - Is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky the author of a new book entitled "Mein Kampf", or "My Struggle", using the same graphic design as Adolf Hitler's manifesto? This is what many people online have been claiming to be the case since October 19, 2022. But the photos they use as proof are actually just photoshopped using old images. While the Ukrainian president is indeed preparing to release a book, it has a totally different title and cover design. - [No, there is no poster of Volodymyr Zelensky 'snorting' donations in Milan - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-there-is-no-poster-of-volodymyr-zelensky-snorting-donations-in-milan-truth-or-fake/) - A video circulating on social media shows a poster of Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky apparently "snorting" cash donations from passers-by in Milan. But visual clues in the clip, and the complete lack of eye-witnesses, indicate that it is a fake. - [No, that’s not Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy belly dancing](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-thats-not-ukrainian-president-volodymyr-zelenskyy-belly-dancing/) - The Verdict False This video shows an Argentinian dancer Pablo Acosta and not Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. - [No, USA Today did not report that Zelensky's delegate started a 'drunken bar brawl' - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-usa-today-did-not-report-that-zelenskys-delegate-started-a-drunken-bar-brawl-truth-or-fake/) - A fabricated video edited in the social media style of American media outlet USA Today claims a member of the Ukrainian delegation provoked a drunken bar fight in New York during President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to the US, before being detained by police. However, in this edition of Truth or Fake, Vedika Bahl uses geolocation tools to verify that the "brawl" images were filmed around 18 kilometres away from the alleged site. Both USA Today and the New York police dismissed the reports as fake. - [No, Ukraine's president didn't surrender to Russia over the weekend, despite social media claims | AP News](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-ukraines-president-didnt-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. - [No, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy didn't buy yachts with U.S. aid money](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-ukrainian-president-zelenskyy-didn’t-buy-yachts-with-u-s-aid-money/) - THE QUESTION: Did Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy buy two yachts with U.S. aid money? THE ANSWER: No, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy didn’t buy two yachts with U.S. aid money. The yachts are still for sale. - [No, Ukraine's Zelensky did not buy a lavish mansion in Florida - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-ukraines-zelensky-did-not-buy-a-lavish-mansion-in-florida-truth-or-fake/) - A few days after Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Washington, social media accounts are claiming that the Ukrainian president recently bought a mansion in Florida. The posts show pictures of a lavish mansion and a document that looks like a US naturalisation certificate under his name. But both photos are fake: Zelensky did not buy a house in the US, nor did he become a US citizen. - [No, Ukraine's President Zelenskyy did not buy a casino resort in Cyprus](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-ukraines-president-zelenskyy-did-not-buy-a-casino-resort-in-cyprus/) - The Verdict: False There is no evidence that President Zelenskyy bought a casino in Cyprus; the claim originated from a fake website impersonating the resort. - [No, this video doesn't show Volodymyr Zelensky insulting Donald Trump](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-this-video-doesnt-show-volodymyr-zelensky-insulting-donald-trump/) - A TikTok user posted a video claiming to show Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky insulting United States President Donald Trump during a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on March 1. It turns out, however, that Zelensky didn't insult Trump - the video has been manipulated. - [No, Ukraine's Zelensky did not purchase a $20 million mansion in Florida](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-ukraines-zelensky-did-not-purchase-a-20-million-mansion-in-florida/) - As discussions continue surrounding a potential ceasefire agreement in Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has come under fire for allegedly purchasing a lavish mansion in Florida. But as FRANCE 24's Charlotte Hughes explains, this claim is false. - [Montreal avenue not renamed after Ukrainian president](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/montreal-avenue-not-renamed-after-ukrainian-president/) - Social media posts claim that the avenue outside the Russian consulate in Montreal was renamed for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a show of support for the country after it was invaded by Russia. This is false; the Avenue Zelensky sign pictured in the posts was installed during the filming of a satirical television program, and the city told AFP that the name of the street remains unchanged. - [No proof that Ukraine President Zelenskyy owns a $35 million home in Florida I](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-proof-that-ukraine-president-zelenskyy-owns-a-35-million-home-in-florida-i/) - There is no proof that Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy owns a $35 million home in Florida. The claim originated from a source that appears to be backed by the Russian government. The Pandora Papers leak did show Zelenskyy owned several offshore companies and other assets, but nothing that could corroborate the claim made on social media. Our ruling A now-deleted Facebook post shared the claim that Ukraine President Zelenskyy owned a $35 million home in Florida among several other assets. The claim appears to have originated from a Russian-backed source, and no other corroborating evidence for the claim could be found. While leaked financial documents showed Zelenskyy owned several offshore companies and other assets like cars and property, they made no mention of a Florida home. We rate this claim False. - [No, anti-Zelensky graffiti was not painted in the suburbs of Paris - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/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. - [No, Elijah Wood did not urge Volodymyr Zelensky to seek treatment for alleged addictions](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-elijah-wood-did-not-urge-volodymyr-zelensky-to-seek-treatment-for-alleged-addictions/) - A video has been circulating online that allegedly shows "Lord of the Rings" actor Elijah Wood giving the Ukrainian president advice on how to tackle his alleged drug and alcohol addictions. He can be seen recording himself and talking to a so-called "Vladimir". However, the video has been heavily edited and his agent has confirmed it was not published by the actor. - [Musk amplifies fake report claiming USAID paid celebrities to support Zelensky](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/musk-amplifies-fake-report-claiming-usaid-paid-celebrities-to-support-zelensky/) - Elon Musk, Donald Trump Jr and other prominent conservatives are sharing a video that claims to show E! News reporting that the US's humanitarian agency paid millions of dollars to celebrities including Angelina Jolie and Ben Stiller to visit Ukraine and help boost President Volodymyr Zelensky's popularity amid the country's war with Russia. But the clip is not an authentic report, a spokesperson for the entertainment news channel told AFP, and Stiller has publicly rejected the allegations as false. - [No, photo doesn't show Zelenskyy and wife posing with stacks of money](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-photo-doesnt-show-zelenskyy-and-wife-posing-with-stacks-of-money/) - Claim: A photograph authentically showed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and first lady Olena Zelenska posing in front of stacks of money. Rating: Fake - [Misleading Video of Zelenskyy Saying the U.S. To 'Send Their Sons and Daughters to War'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/misleading-video-of-zelenskyy-saying-the-u-s-to-send-their-sons-and-daughters-to-war/) - Misbar investigated the viral video and found the claim to be misleading. Zelenskyy Saying U.S. Will Send 'Sons and Daughters to War' Is Miscaptioned Contrary to social media users' viral claim, the video is miscaptioned and does not feature a recent statement from Ukraine's Zelenskyy following a heated meeting with Trump on February 28. [...] Zelenskyy stated, "The U.S. will have to send their sons and daughters exactly the same way as we are sending [our] sons and daughters to war." However, Zelenskyy was referring to a hypothetical scenario where Ukraine's defeat could trigger a wider conflict, forcing the U.S. to intervene as a NATO member. - [Massacre in Bucha](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/massacre-in-bucha/) - On April 2, international journalists and Ukrainian military units entered Bucha, a suburb of Kyiv. The previous evening, videos showing the bodies of civilians lying on Yablonska Street had begun surfacing on Telegram, shocking people around the world. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky referred to the Russian military’s actions as genocide; U.S. President Joe Biden called them war crimes. Meanwhile, the Russian government has given a number of contradictory explanations of what happened, none of which have acknowledged Russia’s own responsibility. Meduza has collected and analyzed all of the available information about the atrocities in Bucha. Here’s what we know for sure. - [Manipulated photo of Joe Biden, Volodymyr Zelensky spreads online](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/manipulated-photo-of-joe-biden-volodymyr-zelensky-spreads-online/) - On the heels of Volodymyr Zelensky's December 21, 2022 trip to Washington, social media users are claiming an image shows US President Joe Biden placing his hand on the Ukrainian leader's buttocks. But the picture has been digitally manipulated; the original photo and other shots from the visit show Biden's hand on Zelensky's back, and a White House spokesperson confirmed the version circulating online is "doctored." - [Marjorie Taylor Greene distorts Zelenskyy's comments about sending US troops to war](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/marjorie-taylor-greene-distorts-zelenskyys-comments-about-sending-us-troops-to-war/) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not say this. During a February press conference, Zelenskyy predicted that if Ukraine loses the war, Russia will then invade a country that's a North Atlantic Treaty Organization member, forcing the U.S. to defend its allies. Ukraine borders four NATO member countries, but it is not part of the military alliance. Their ruling: Greene claimed that Zelenskyy said he wants America's "sons and daughters to go die in Ukraine." Zelenskyy did not say that. During a press conference, he predicted that if Ukraine loses the war, Russia will invade a NATO member country next. If that happens, Zelenskyy said, Americans would be required to "send their sons and daughters" to war because of NATO's mutual defense treaty. He did not mention U.S. troops going to Ukraine. We rate this claim False. - [Manipulation: Zelensky Talking the Pope Out of Negotiations and Peace](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/manipulation-zelensky-talking-the-pope-out-of-negotiations-and-peace/) - The New York Times article does not claim that Ukraine opposes peace and negotiations. On the contrary, it emphasizes that the main topic of the meeting between President Zelenskyi and the Pope was precisely the Peace Formula - the Ukrainian scenario for the end of the war. At the same time, Zelenskyi really considers the negotiations with Putin meaningless. - [Manipulation: Kyiv is Among Top 10 Worst Cities to Live In](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/manipulation-kyiv-is-among-top-10-worst-cities-to-live-in/) - The drop in Kyiv's rating is not due to the rule of Zelenskyy and Klitschko, but to the large-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Economist study notes that Kyiv's score has dropped by 5.9 percentage points compared to 2021 because "its stability and infrastructure damaged by the war." In 2022, The Economist was forced to remove Kyiv from the ranking altogether due to the hostilities in the Kyiv region. - [Is This an Authentic Ad in Japan Reading, 'Stop Zelenskyy, Stop War'?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/is-this-an-authentic-ad-in-japan-reading-stop-zelenskyy-stop-war/) - Claim: A video that went viral in July 2023 authentically depicted an ad in Japan that read "Stop Zelenskyy, Stop War." Rating: Fake Context: The video was posted in October 2020, before the Russian attack on Ukraine, and was digitally edited. - [Is Zelensky Refusing to Hold Ukraine Election Unless U.S. Pays?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/is-zelensky-refusing-to-hold-ukraine-election-unless-u-s-pays/) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was quoted saying that U.S. contributions were needed for voting. Currently, Ukrainian law forbids holding elections during wartime. - [Is This a Real Photograph of Zelenskyy’s Home? | Snopes.com](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/is-this-a-real-photograph-of-zelenskyys-home-snopes-com/) - The above photograph does not show Zelenskyy's home. Using Google's reverse-image search tool, we found the same photograph on a number of real estate websites showing luxury properties in France and Monaco. Given that the author of the original tweet pulled the photo from real estate profiles of a house in France, without providing any evidence of its ownership, we rate this photograph as "Miscaptioned." - [Manipulation: Security in Ukrainian Trains Will Detect Passengers Opposed to the Zelenskyi Regime](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/manipulation-security-in-ukrainian-trains-will-detect-passengers-opposed-to-the-zelenskyi-regime/) - Employing security officers is a standard practice for companies that organize passenger transportation. The main task of the officers is not to detect those disloyal to the authorities, as the propagandists claim, but to control security at railway facilities, primarily with the aim of preventing citizens from transporting explosive and other prohibited substances and weapons without proper permission. - [Is Zelenskyy a Dictator? Fact-Checking Trump's Russia-Ukraine War Claims](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/is-zelenskyy-a-dictator-fact-checking-trumps-russia-ukraine-war-claims/) - President Donald Trump on Tuesday lashed out at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a social post full of questionable claims amid the nearly three-year-old Russia-Ukraine war - even inaccurately calling his counterpart a dictator. Who Started the War in Ukraine? Is Zelenskyy a Dictator? Does Zelenskyy Have a Low Approval Rating? Has the U.S. Given Ukraine More Aid Than Europe? - [Manipulation: Ukraine 'Violated Obligation to Maintain Energy Ceasefire'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/manipulation-ukraine-violated-obligation-to-maintain-energy-ceasefire/) - Russia itself has not stopped attacking Ukraine's energy and civilian infrastructure for a single day - neither after Zelenskyy's promise to stop such attacks, nor after Putin's conversation with Donald Trump, during which the Russian leader supposedly ordered a halt to attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities. After the alleged 'agreement to stop strikes', Russia continues to launch more than a hundred attack drones into Ukraine every day, targeting energy facilities, among other targets. The most massive attacks after the agreement between Putin and Trump were Russian strikes on the regions of Kropyvnytskyi, Odesa, Zaporizhzhya, Donetsk, Sumy and Kyiv regions. - [How we debunked reports of anti-Zelensky graffiti in a Paris suburb](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/how-we-debunked-reports-of-anti-zelensky-graffiti-in-a-paris-suburb/) - Did graffiti depicting the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a black hole "absorbing European money" really appear on the streets of a Paris suburb? That's what a photo that has been circulating on social media since November 29 seems to show. However, our team found no trace of this graffiti at the actual site. Our forensic analysis of the photo shows signs that it was digitally altered. We also consulted some street art experts, who pointed out some inconsistencies in the art. - [Footage shows Volodymyr Zelensky's bodyguard, not body double](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/footage-shows-volodymyr-zelenskys-bodyguard-not-body-double/) - Social media posts claim a man pictured trailing Volodymyr Zelensky during US President Joe Biden's surprise trip to Kyiv was the Ukrainian leader's secret body double or clone. This is false; other footage of the same moments shows the man is Maksym Donets, Zelensky's bodyguard since 2019. - [Has Zelensky Announced 'Full General Mobilization' of Ukraine?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/has-zelensky-announced-full-general-mobilization-of-ukraine/) - Misleading Material. General mobilization and martial law have been imposed in Ukraine since day one of Russia's invasion. The document being shared on social media by pro-Kremlin accounts does not call for another general mobilization of the country but is a local order for residents to update their information, and for authorities to track and keep record of eligibility. - [How pro-Russian 'yacht' propaganda influenced US debate over Ukraine aid](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/how-pro-russian-yacht-propaganda-influenced-us-debate-over-ukraine-aid/) - A website founded by a former US Marine who now lives in Russia has fuelled a rumour that Volodymyr Zelensky purchased two luxury yachts with American aid money. Despite the false claim, the disinformation plot was successful. It took off online and was echoed by members of the US Congress making crucial decisions about military spending. It was an incredible assertion - using two advisers as proxies, Mr Zelensky paid $75m (£59m) for two yachts. But not only has the Ukrainian government flatly denied the story, the two ships in question have not even been sold. - [How Putin runs disinformation campaign against Zelensky - Report](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/how-putin-runs-disinformation-campaign-against-zelensky-report/) - In a report by the Washington Post, Kremlin documents expose Putin's administration using Russian political strategists to push a disinformation campaign against Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky. - [FRANCE 24 video edited to spread fake news about Ukraine's Zelensky - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/france-24-video-edited-to-spread-fake-news-about-ukraines-zelensky-truth-or-fake/) - An extract from FRANCE 24's sister French-language fact-checking show that's circulating on social media appears to support the claim that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has misappropriated funds to buy himself luxury yachts - an unfounded accusation that has repeatedly resurfaced. But the video has been edited: the journalist in it was in fact debunking, not affirming, the allegation. - [How much U.S. aid went to Ukraine? Detangling Trump, Zelensky's claims. - The Washington Post](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/how-much-u-s-aid-went-to-ukraine-detangling-trump-zelenskys-claims-the-washington-post/) - In his remarks, Zelensky went on to say that he knew a large part of U.S. aid came not in direct funds but in the forms of weapons, training, humanitarian programs and in other areas. He said: “I don’t know where all this money is.” Trump appeared to take the comment as an admission that the money was lost. But while Zelensky said he did not know exactly how it was spent, his understanding appeared to comport with U.S. accounting that shows a large share went to activities carried out to respond to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, including within the United States. - [Grok Neural Network Shows Handcuffed Zelensky Behind Bars in Times Square](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/grok-neural-network-shows-handcuffed-zelensky-behind-bars-in-times-square/) - The New York Times never published this video, and its real existence has not been confirmed online, despite the claim that it was shown in New York city centre. The footage shown in the video does not match the indicated text prompt, which alludes to editing. In addition, the video first appeared on a pro-Russian Telegram channel and was shared exclusively though propaganda sources, which confirms its fake origin. - [How many times has Vladimir Putin broken ceasefire agreements with Ukraine?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/how-many-times-has-vladimir-putin-broken-ceasefire-agreements-with-ukraine/) - Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky says Vladimir Putin has broken 25 peace agreements in the past decade - [Fake: Zelensky's Entourage Are Intermediaries in Weapons Schemes](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-zelenskys-entourage-are-intermediaries-in-weapons-schemes/) - Former US Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul never said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's circle is involved in "schemes" to supply weapons to Ukraine. The Russian publication alleging this took McFaul's words out of context and distorted his meaning entirely. - [Fake: Zelensky's Fortune Estimated at $850 Million](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-zelenskys-fortune-estimated-at-850-million/) - There is absolutely no evidence that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has a net worth of $850 million. According to several authoritative sources, Zelensky's combined fortune could amount to some $20-25 million. - [Fake: Zelenskyi Wears Nazi Symbols to Vatican](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-zelenskyi-wears-nazi-symbols-to-vatican/) - The stylized Ukrainian coat of arms on President Zelenskyi's sweatshirt is one of many other variations of the Ukrainian trident, which has been used in state heraldry for centuries. - [Fake: Zelenskyy Refused to Hold Elections And  Seized Power in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-zelenskyy-refused-to-hold-elections-and-seized-power-in-ukraine/) - "Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not refuse to hold elections in Ukraine. The Constitution of Ukraine and the Law of Ukraine “On the Legal Regime of Martial Law” expressly prohibit holding any elections to the executive and legislative branches of government during wartime." - [Fake: Zelenskyy Refused to Hold Elections And Seized Power in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-zelenskyy-refused-to-hold-elections-and-seized-power-in-ukraine-2/) - Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not refuse to hold elections in Ukraine. The Constitution of Ukraine and the Law of Ukraine "On the Legal Regime of Martial Law" expressly prohibit holding any elections to the executive and legislative branches of government during wartime. - [Fake: Zelenskyy's office is discussing splitting up Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-zelenskyys-office-is-discussing-splitting-up-ukraine/) - The Ukrainian government has repeatedly emphasized that it is not going to cede its territory to Russia for peace. For Ukraine, there is only one acceptable way to end the Russian war: the undisputed victory of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the de-occupation of all Ukrainian lands. - [FALSE: Zelenskyi replied that he did not know who attacked the Kerch Bridge - video](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/false-zelenskyi-replied-that-he-did-not-know-who-attacked-the-kerch-bridge-video/) - The "Angry Birds" demo was held in the Chernihiv Drama Theater, not a meeting of officers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and NATO. Russian propaganda also contradicts itself: first they indicate that the goal was the exhibition, then they write about the meeting as the goal. Later, propagandists of the Russian Federation say that the meeting took place near the drama theater, then they put forward information that it was in the drama theater itself. - [FALSE: US questions Zelenskyy's legitimacy over election cancellation](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/false-us-questions-zelenskyys-legitimacy-over-election-cancellation/) - Politico did not publish this information. Zelenskyy did not lose his legitimacy due to the cancellation of the elections - [Fake: Zelenskyi Refuses to Extend Military Actions to Russia's Crimea](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-zelenskyi-refuses-to-extend-military-actions-to-russias-crimea/) - President Zelenskyi did not make any statements about Crimea belonging to Russia. What he actually said was that Russia can be forced to withdraw its troops from the occupied Crimea by political pressure. This option will help Ukraine save the lives of its citizens. - [Fake: Zelenskyi's Security Guard Got Into Drunk Fight in New York](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-zelenskyis-security-guard-got-into-drunk-fight-in-new-york/) - The video evidence of the incident, allegedly published in an American media outlet, is a poorly made forgery, full of errors. - [Fake: Zelenskyy Secretly Signed 100-year Resource Deal with UK, Deceived US](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-zelenskyy-secretly-signed-100-year-resource-deal-with-uk-deceived-us/) - The 100-year partnership agreement between Ukraine and the UK was never "secret". The text of this document is easily available in open sources. Moreover, there is nothing in it that contradicts the agreement between Ukraine and the US on rare earth metals. Additionally, it was the US and the Trump administration, not Ukraine, that initiated the signing of the bilateral metals agreement - several weeks after the deal between Kyiv and London. Thus, neither Ukraine nor Zelenskyy "deceived" America; rather, the United States itself proposed such a deal and its terms to Ukraine. - [Fake: Zelenskyy Buys Controlling Interest in Northam Platinum Ltd - South Africa's Largest Platinum Mining Company](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-zelenskyy-buys-controlling-interest-in-northam-platinum-ltd-south-africas-largest-platinum-mining-company/) - This claim is false and has been officially denied by company representatives. - [Fake: Zelenskyy Exempted Relatives of Galicia Division Soldiers from Conscription | StopFake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-zelenskyy-exempted-relatives-of-galicia-division-soldiers-from-conscription-stopfake/) - This "decree" is fake and does not appear on the official website of the President of Ukraine. The "document" contains glaring formatting and structural inconsistencies and attributes powers to the head of state that he does not possess: exemption from conscription on the basis of kinship is not provided for by Ukrainian law. Meanwhile, an authentic decree numbered 273/2025 does exist, but it concerns the awarding of the title Hero of Ukraine and has nothing to do with military recruitment - its content has been completely falsified to create a manipulative narrative. - [Fake: Zelenskyy is Faking Blackouts to Secure More European Aid](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-zelenskyy-is-faking-blackouts-to-secure-more-european-aid/) - Claim by Viral social media post: Zelenskyy is Faking Blackouts to Secure More European Aid StopFake rating: Outages across Ukrainian cities stem from voltage fluctuations and emergency shutdowns triggered by Russia's systematic strikes on the country's civilian energy infrastructure. - [Fake: Zelensky to Legalize "Polish Seizure of Ukraine"](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-zelensky-to-legalize-polish-seizure-of-ukraine/) - According to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the law on the special status of Polish citizens in Ukraine will mirror the law adopted by the Polish parliament, the Sejm concerning assistance to Ukrainian citizens forced from their country by Russia's war. Under this law, citizens of Ukraine have the same rights as Polish citizens, except for the right to vote. This includes the right to legally reside in Poland, travel, work and open a business without a special work permit, access to education, the public health service and social assistance, including unemployment insurance. - [Fake: Zelensky Urges Americans to Fight for Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-zelensky-urges-americans-to-fight-for-ukraine/) - An out of context excerpt from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's press conference is being circulated online by Russian and US social media users, claiming that he is calling on Americans to fight for Ukraine. Answering questions during a press conference dedicated to the first anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Zelensky said that if Ukraine fails to stop Russia, then NATO countries will have to do it, because capturing Ukraine will not stop Russia's expansionist policies regarding its neighboring countries, including NATO members. - [Fake: Zelensky's Doppelgänger Spotted During Biden Visit Kyiv](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-zelenskys-doppelga¤nger-spotted-during-biden-visit-kyiv/) - In a video circulated by Russian media claiming it shows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's double, the Ukrainian President is followed by his personal bodyguard, Maxim Donets, who has headed the Ukrainian Presidential Security Service since 2-019. - [Fake: Zelensky Was the Last Who Pope Francis Spoke To - Ukrainian Media | StopFake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-zelensky-was-the-last-who-pope-francis-spoke-to-ukrainian-media-stopfake/) - In reality, the Ukrainian media did not report such information, and the "debunking" publication on Politico is fabricated. - [Fake: Zelensky Will Force Partners to Pay for Disposing Obsolete Military Equipment They Gave Ukraine | StopFake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-zelensky-will-force-partners-to-pay-for-disposing-obsolete-military-equipment-they-gave-ukraine-stopfake/) - This whole news is made up. Zelensky has never made such statements, and the text itself is full of logical errors. - [Fake: Zelensky Visit Near Kupyansk Was Green-Screen Staging](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-zelensky-visit-near-kupyansk-was-green-screen-staging/) - The video showing Volodymyr Zelensky near Kupyansk was not staged. The president's visit to the frontline city on December 12, 2025, was documented by official announcements, footage from the scene, and coverage by independent media, while OSINT analysts independently confirmed the location through geolocation. The clip promoted by propagandists as evidence of a "hologram" or green-screen effect is unrelated archival material from 2022, originally produced for a technology demonstration, and has no connection to Zelensky's address from the field. - [Fake: Zelensky Orders Schools And Universities to Work Offline from September 1](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-zelensky-orders-schools-and-universities-to-work-offline-from-september-1/) - Offline education process will take place only if there are protective facilities in schools and universities. In addition, the final decision on the format of education is made by regional civil-military administrations together with the students' parents. If parents disagree with offline study, they may choose an online mode, an individual schedule, or transfer their child to home study. - [Fake: Zelensky Admits that the US Started the War in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-zelensky-admits-that-the-us-started-the-war-in-ukraine/) - Ukraine's President did not make any statements about the war in Ukraine being started by the United States. Volodymyr Zelensky once again emphasised that Ukraine decides on operations to de-occupy its territories from Russian invaders. - [Fake: WSJ Reports Zelenskyy Faces Five Federal Criminal Charges in U.S](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-wsj-reports-zelenskyy-faces-five-federal-criminal-charges-in-u-s/) - Neither the Wall Street Journal nor AMVETS have reported such information. The U.S. has no authority to prosecute a foreign leader because of sovereign immunity. - [Fake: Zelensky Acquires One of France's Largest Private Equity Banks](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-zelensky-acquires-one-of-frances-largest-private-equity-banks/) - The TV station that reported the news does not exist. The bank's management recently stated that it is not considering a sale. - [Fake: Zelensky Said He "No Longer Feels Welcome in the U.S." After Meeting With Trump](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-zelensky-said-he-no-longer-feels-welcome-in-the-u-s-after-meeting-with-trump/) - Claim by Viral social media post: Zelensky Said He "No Longer Feels Welcome in the U.S." After Meeting With Trump StopFake rating: The quote attributed to President Volodymyr Zelensky, claiming he "no longer feels like a welcome guest in the United States," is entirely fabricated. No such remark appears in official transcripts, press releases, or credible media coverage. In reality, Zelensky's statements following his meeting with Donald Trump were measured, underscoring Ukraine's willingness to maintain constructive dialogue and cooperation with Washington. - [Fake: Zelensky Blocked Trump-Putin Meeting](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-zelensky-blocked-trump-putin-meeting/) - Claim by ukraina.ru: Zelensky Blocked Trump-Putin Meeting StopFake rating: Kyiv flatly contradicted the narrative, with the Ukrainian President underscoring his support for diplomatic negotiations and asserting his readiness to participate in a prospective Trump-Putin summit. - [Fake: Ukrainian Military Shell Olenivka with HIMARS on President Zelensky's Orders](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukrainian-military-shell-olenivka-with-himars-on-president-zelenskys-orders/) - Ukrainian prisoners of war held in a detention center in Russian occupied Olenivka in eastern Ukraine could not have been fired upon from the Ukrainian side. Facts available in the public domain, international experts' conclusions, the interceptions of Russian military conversations, all show that the Ukrainian military did not fire on the Russian prison camp where Russian invaders were keeping Ukrainian Azovstal defenders. - [Fake: President Zelensky Orders Catherine II Odesa Statue be Replaced with Monument of US...](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-president-zelensky-orders-catherine-ii-odesa-statue-be-replaced-with-monument-of-us/) - The Catherine II statue is the property of the Odesa City Council. The city of Odesa, and not the Ukrainian President will decide its fate. The Ukrainian President cannot single handedly order that the Odesa statue be demolished or replaced, he simply does not have the authority or the power to do so. This is the responsibility of the local city authorities. Russian media however chose to focus only on the petition which ironically proposes to replace a Russian empress with an American porno star, which gathered 26,468 signatures of support. - [Fake: President Zelensky Сalls for a "Preemptive Nuclear Strike" on Russia](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-president-zelensky-dalls-for-a-preemptive-nuclear-strike-on-russia/) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has not called for a nuclear strike on Russia. Speaking online at the Australian Lowy Institute in October of last year, Zelensky pointed out that NATO needs to reconsider its pressure on Russia in order to deter Moscow from using nuclear weapons. The "preemptive actions" the Ukrainian President referred to are additional sanctions and military assistance to Ukraine, something Zelensky has insisted on well before Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24, 2023. - [Fake: Moscow Patriarchate Priests Kicked Out of Zelensky's Office by a False Alarm](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-moscow-patriarchate-priests-kicked-out-of-zelenskys-office-by-a-false-alarm/) - An air raid alert signaling an enemy drone detected near Kyiv sounded, and the drone was subsequently shot down by Ukrainian air defense. - [Fake: Ukraine's President Zelensky Disappointed with Country's Counteroffensive](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukraines-president-zelensky-disappointed-with-countrys-counteroffensive/) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has not issued any statements about any counteroffensive "failure". He has stressed that the war in Ukraine is "not a Hollywood movie" and that the lives of Ukrainian citizens are at stake. - [Fake: Ukraine Arrests and Tortures American Blogger Gonzalo Lira "For Criticizing Zelenskyi"](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukraine-arrests-and-tortures-american-blogger-gonzalo-lira-for-criticizing-zelenskyi/) - Blogger Gonzalo Lira is in custody not for criticizing Volodymyr Zelenskyi, but for violating Article 436-2 of Ukraine's Criminal Code - justifying Russian aggression against Ukraine. In particular, Lira publicly justified Russia's attack on Ukraine, denied Russian missile attacks on Ukrainian cities and mass killings of civilians in Bucha and other cities, revealed the location and identities of Western journalists and the Ukrainian military. Additionally, there is no evidence that any torture was used against Gonzalo Lira. - [FAKE: Leaked conversation of Zelenskyi with his wife, in which he criticizes Western partners](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-leaked-conversation-of-zelenskyi-with-his-wife-in-which-he-criticizes-western-partners/) - During the conversation, actors impersonating Volodymyr Zelenskyi and Olena Zelenska speak Ukrainian words in a Russian manner and with a Russian accent - [Fake: West Preparing to "Liquidate" President Zelensky](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/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: Grok Neural Network Shows Handcuffed Zelensky Behind Bars in Times Square](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-grok-neural-network-shows-handcuffed-zelensky-behind-bars-in-times-square/) - The New York Times never published this video, and its real existence has not been confirmed online, despite the claim that it was shown in New York city centre. The footage shown in the video does not match the indicated text prompt, which alludes to editing. In addition, the video first appeared on a pro-Russian Telegram channel and was shared exclusively though propaganda sources, which confirms its fake origin. - [Fake: Ukraine Launched a Massive Bot Attack on YouTube](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukraine-launched-a-massive-bot-attack-on-youtube/) - Wired has never published such claims, and the video itself was probably created using AI. The fake is noticeably different from the outlet's official style: it lacks the characteristic title, and the footage used is of poor quality. StopFake's journalists found no evidence of such a bot campaign; instead, they discovered that after Zelensky's meeting with Trump, Russian propaganda stepped up the spread of deepfakes, doctored screenshots, and fake videos bearing the logos of well-known media outlets to sow dissension among Ukraine's allies and demoralise Ukrainian society. - [Fake: Graffiti Calling to Arrest Zelensky Appear in Georgia, US](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-graffiti-calling-to-arrest-zelensky-appear-in-georgia-us/) - In reality, these photos were not taken in Georgia, but in Washington, D.C. Image analysis tools indicate that the graffitis were added to the photos in graphic editors. - [Fake: The French Foreign Ministry Denies Macron Called Zelenskyy](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-the-french-foreign-ministry-denies-macron-called-zelenskyy/) - No video with such content was published by the French news channel BFMTV. - [Fake: Volodymyr Zelensky Adressed Ukrainians on Easter in English Only | StopFake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-volodymyr-zelensky-adressed-ukrainians-on-easter-in-english-only-stopfake/) - The fragment of the greeting that is being shared online was created specifically for a foreign audience. The president congratulated Ukrainians in state language. - [Fake: Ukrainian TV Doctored Zelensky's UN Broadcast](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukrainian-tv-doctored-zelenskys-un-broadcast/) - A review of broadcast recordings and digital forensics shows the claim doesn't hold up. Ukrainian networks aired the official UN feed, while the version circulating online - showing a packed audience - was manipulated footage. [...] A review of the original United News broadcast - including the 1+1 TV segment - found no evidence of any 'added' audience. [...] The authentic broadcast carried unmistakable identifiers - the UN logo in the upper right corner and a Ukrainian-language audio track. By contrast, the fabricated version omitted these details, featured an English-language narration, and bore visible traces of AI manipulation. - [Fake CNN screenshot misleads on war in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-cnn-screenshot-misleads-on-war-in-ukraine/) - Social media posts claim US broadcaster CNN misrepresented an image of a 2015 explosion as being from the 2022 war in Ukraine. But the image shows an explosion in Kyiv and was released by the office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on February 24, 2022, and the channel said the alleged screenshot of a CNN report featured in the posts is fake. - [Fake: Expressing Condolences, Zelenskyy Urges Turkey to Supply Ukraine More Aid](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/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. - [Fake CNN tweet on Zelensky, immigration spreads online](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-cnn-tweet-on-zelensky-immigration-spreads-online/) - An image circulating online purports to show a CNN tweet quoting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky saying he plans to change his war-torn nation's demographics through mass immigration. But the supposed screenshot is fabricated; the global news network published no such post, a spokesperson confirmed to AFP. - [Fake Video of 'Glory to Urine' New York Billboard Fools Internet](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-video-of-glory-to-urine-new-york-billboard-fools-internet/) - On Sept. 21, 2023, the phrase "Glory to Urine" became one of the top trending U.S. topics on X (formerly Twitter). The phrase was trending thanks to a fake video that allegedly showed a billboard in New York City's Manhattan with the same three words, supposedly as an accidentally misspelled welcome message for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He had been in town for the United Nations General Assembly. - [Fake Times Square billboard circulates as Zelensky visits US](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-times-square-billboard-circulates-as-zelensky-visits-us/) - A video shared across social media appears to show a New York City digital billboard displaying Volodymyr Zelensky's face and text that says, "Glory to Urine" as the Ukrainian president visited the United States in September 2023. But the clip is doctored; the company that owns the sign told AFP it has run no such message. - [Fake Times Square billboard circulates as Zelensky visits US](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-times-square-billboard-circulates-as-zelensky-visits-us-2/) - A video shared across social media appears to show a New York City digital billboard displaying Volodymyr Zelensky's face and text that says, "Glory to Urine" as the Ukrainian president visited the United States in September 2023. But the clip is doctored; the company that owns the sign told AFP it has run no such message. - [Fake Zelenskyy video raises fears of AI disinfo](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-zelenskyy-video-raises-fears-of-ai-disinfo/) - Social media users are claiming a video was showing Volodymyr Zelenskyy belly dancing. But the viral clip of the Ukrainian president is not genuine, it was manipulated - and shows somebody else. - [Fact-checking Donald Trump's claims about war in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-checking-donald-trumps-claims-about-war-in-ukraine/) - Claim: Zelensky is a 'dictator without elections' Claim: 'I hate to say it, but he's down at 4% approval rating' Claim: 'You should have never started it' - [Fact-checking Donald Trump's claims about war in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-checking-donald-trumps-claims-about-war-in-ukraine-2/) - Verdict False; Claim: Zelensky is a 'dictator without elections'… Ukraine has been under martial law since the Russian invasion in February 2022, which means elections are suspended - [Fake: American Bookmakers Are Accepting Bets that Zelensky Will be Killed Within 72 hours](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-american-bookmakers-are-accepting-bets-that-zelensky-will-be-killed-within-72-hours/) - A screenshot from a bookmaker's website that is being circulated online has been edited. - [Fake Transcript Of Fiery Trump-Zelenskyy Exchange In Oval Office Goes Viral](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-transcript-of-fiery-trump-zelenskyy-exchange-in-oval-office-goes-viral/) - A fabricated image claiming to show the transcript of the angry meeting between US president Donald Trump and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office was shared as real. - [Fake: 'Zelenskyy Regime' is Responsible for Murders and Disappearances of Journalists in Ukraine - RSF](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/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. - [Fake: Bombs Dropped on Iran Were Intended For Ukraine - Zelensky | StopFake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-bombs-dropped-on-iran-were-intended-for-ukraine-zelensky-stopfake/) - Ukraine's President did not state that the bombs dropped on Iran on the night of June 22 were supposed to be used by Ukraine. Propaganda has spread a fake screenshot of a Radio Svoboda news story in another attempt to create the impression that the West no longer supports Ukraine. - [Fake: Bloomberg Published an Infographic Showing How Zelensky "Looted" France](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-bloomberg-published-an-infographic-showing-how-zelensky-looted-france/) - Claim by Viral social media post: Bloomberg Published an Infographic Showing How Zelensky "Looted" France StopFake rating: Bloomberg did not post such an infographic. - [FACT CHECK: Viral Post Claims Woman Who Accompanied Zelenskyy During Hospital Visit Died Weeks Earlier | Check Your Fact](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-viral-post-claims-woman-who-accompanied-zelenskyy-during-hospital-visit-died-weeks-earlier-check-your-fact/) - Verdict: False The woman pictured next to Zelenskyy is not the woman who died weeks earlier. There is no evidence the woman pictured in the post accompanying Zelenskyy has died. - [FACT CHECK: Viral Video Shows Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Belly Dance? - YouTube](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-viral-video-shows-ukraine-president-volodymyr-zelenskyys-belly-dance-youtube/) - A social media post claims that an accompanying video shows a belly dance performed by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. We check the veracity of the claim in this video. [Verdict: False. The video is a deep fake.] - [Fact-Check: Trump's Ukraine Comments Echo Kremlin Talking Points - The Moscow Times](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-trumps-ukraine-comments-echo-kremlin-talking-points-the-moscow-times/) - U.S. President Donald Trump has made several statements on Ukraine and Russia's full-scale invasion of the country in recent days that closely resemble Kremlin rhetoric. The assertions have amplified fears that Trump, who is pushing to end the three-year war, may try to pressure Kyiv to make major concessions without seeking many in return from Moscow. The Moscow Times examines Trump's statements and how they compare to Kremlin talking points - plus the truth behind the claims: Trump blames Ukraine for war Trump questions President Volodymyr Zelensky’s legitimacy Zelensky’s '4%’ approval rating - [Fact check: What is the truth behind Trump's claims on Ukraine? | Euronews](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-what-is-the-truth-behind-trumps-claims-on-ukraine-euronews-2/) - 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 - [Fact Check: Zelenskyy Did NOT Buy French Bank Milleis Via Maltex In February 2025](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-zelenskyy-did-not-buy-french-bank-milleis-via-maltex-in-february-2025/) - Did Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy buy the French bank Milleis in February 2025 using the offshore company Maltex? No, that's not true: No credible media organization reported this story, as of March 6, 2025. A viral video purporting to be a TV news report about it displayed a non-existent TV channel logo. And the video contained inauthentic, AI-generated audio, according to two AI detectors. - [Fact Check: Video Of Zelensky's Iftar With Ukrainian Soldiers Is From 2023, Not Recent](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-video-of-zelenskys-iftar-with-ukrainian-soldiers-is-from-2023-not-recent/) - Vishvas News' investigation revealed that the viral video dates back to 2023, when Zelensky broke his fast with Ukrainian Muslim soldiers and religious leaders during Ramadan. The old video is now being shared with misleading references, falsely linking it to recent views. - [Fact Check: Video Does NOT Show Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Performing Belly Dance In 2006 -- It's A Dancer From Argentina | Lead Stories](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-video-does-not-show-ukrainian-president-zelenskyy-performing-belly-dance-in-2006-its-a-dancer-from-argentina-lead-stories/) - Did a viral video show Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy performing a belly dance on camera? No, that's not true: The footage portrays a different person, a professional belly dance instructor from Argentina, and Zelenskyy's face seems to have been superimposed on that person's body. - [Fact check: Trump's barrage of lies about Zelensky and Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-trumps-barrage-of-lies-about-zelensky-and-ukraine/) - Who started the war Zelensky's approval rating US wartime aid to Ukraine US aid vs. European aid Zelensky and 'missing' aid money - [Fact check: Trump falsely claims Zelensky has a 4% approval rating. It's above 50% | CNN Politics](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-trump-falsely-claims-zelensky-has-a-4-approval-rating-its-above-50-cnn-politics/) - Trump's claim is not even close to accurate. Zelensky's approval rating is far higher than 4%. In fact, it has been above 50% in major recent surveys. - [Fact check: Trump's 'dictator' attacks on Zelensky | The Straits Times](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-trumps-dictator-attacks-on-zelensky-the-straits-times/) - - A 'dictator without elections' - Who started the war? - US aid to Ukraine - Europe's aid to Ukraine - 'Millions' of dead? - [Fact Check: Trump's 'Dictator' Attacks On Zelensky - Barron's](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-trumps-dictator-attacks-on-zelensky-barrons/) - Attacks by US President Donald Trump on Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky have deepened a crisis between the two leaders as Ukraine's war with Russia approaches its third anniversary. AFP fact checked some of the statements by the US leader. - [Fact Check: Trump's 'Dictator' Attacks On Zelensky - Barron's](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-trumps-dictator-attacks-on-zelensky-barrons-2/) - A misleading poll said that Zelensky has a 4% approval rating. Zelensky told reporters it was a Russian figure and that Ukraine had 'proof' that it had been used in talks between Russian and US officials - [Fact check: Trump's false claims on Zelenskyy, Ukraine aid - DW - 02/21/2025](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-trumps-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? - [Fact check: Ukraine elections, tax thresholds and viral masked men image | The Independent](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/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). - [Fact check: Ukraine elections, tax thresholds and viral masked men image](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-ukraine-elections-tax-thresholds-and-viral-masked-men-image/) - 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). Experts have also noted a number of practical obstacles to holding elections - around one-fifth of the country is currently occupied by Russia, millions of Ukrainians are displaced or serving on front lines, and there are security concerns. - [Fact check: Ukraine elections, tax thresholds and viral masked men image | The Independent](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-ukraine-elections-tax-thresholds-and-viral-masked-men-image-the-independent-2/) - How common is it for democracies to postpone elections during wartime? 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). Experts have also noted a number of practical obstacles to holding elections - around one-fifth of the country is currently occupied by Russia, millions of Ukrainians are displaced or serving on front lines, and there are security concerns. - [FACT CHECK: USAID Didn't Pay Time Magazine To Name Zelenskyy Time Person Of The Year](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-usaid-didnt-pay-time-magazine-to-name-zelenskyy-time-person-of-the-year/) - A post shared on Facebook claims the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) paid Time Magazine to name President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as Time Person of the Year. Verdict: False. There is no evidence for this claim. - [Fact check: Posts make unsupported claims about Zelenskyy's finances](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-posts-make-unsupported-claims-about-zelenskyys-finances/) - The claim: Zelenskyy has a Florida home, $1.2 billion in overseas account, 15 homes, 3 planes and $11 million in monthly income. Our rating: False - [FACT CHECK: No, Zelenskyy Did Not Buy Two Mega-Yachts | Check Your Fact](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-no-zelenskyy-did-not-buy-two-mega-yachts-check-your-fact/) - Verdict: False There is no evidence Zelenskyy has bought two yachts. [...] The broker companies that are selling the yachts confirmed to multiple journalists, such as BBC Verify reporter Shayan Sardarizadeh, that the yachts are still for sale. - [FACT CHECK: No, AP Did Not Run A Headline Calling Biden 'Corrupt' And Zelenskyy A 'Dictator' | Check Your Fact](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-no-ap-did-not-run-a-headline-calling-biden-corrupt-and-zelenskyy-a-dictator-check-your-fact/) - There is no evidence that the AP ran such a headline. An AP spokesperson denied the claim. - [Fact Check: Orban Did NOT Tell Zelenskyy In Argentina: 'Putin Knows Something Special About Me' | Lead Stories](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-orban-did-not-tell-zelenskyy-in-argentina-putin-knows-something-special-about-me-lead-stories/) - Did Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban tell Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, at the inauguration of Javier Milei as Argentina's new president, that Russian President Vladimir Putin knew something "special" about him? No, that's not true: Orban and Zelenskyy exchanged a few words in front of cameras during the ceremony, as shown by footage shared by major international media. Their conversation, though, cannot be heard. According to the Hungarian Prime Minister's press office and a post on X by Zelenskyy, the two leaders discussed European affairs. [...] The video is dubbed: The words spoken in the TikTok audio don't match the movement of Orban's lips as shown in the footage. - [FACT CHECK: No, Video Of Man Dancing In Red Outfit Is Not Volodymyr Zelenskyy | Check Your Fact](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-no-video-of-man-dancing-in-red-outfit-is-not-volodymyr-zelenskyy-check-your-fact/) - The video has been digitally altered to put Zelenskyy's face on someone else's body. - [FACT CHECK: No, German Satirical Magazine The Titanic's June 2023 Cover Does Not Show Volodymr Zelenskyy | Check Your Fact](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-no-german-satirical-magazine-the-titanics-june-2023-cover-does-not-show-volodymr-zelenskyy-check-your-fact/) - A photo shared on Facebook alleges German satirical magazine The Titanic depicted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with his pants down. Verdict: False The alleged cover cannot be found in an archive of Titanic Magazine's recent covers and cannot be found on any of its verified social media accounts. - [FACT CHECK: No, Zelenskyy Did Not Say He Did Not Know Who Blew Up The Kerch Bridge | Check Your Fact](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-no-zelenskyy-did-not-say-he-did-not-know-who-blew-up-the-kerch-bridge-check-your-fact/) - A video shared on Twitter claims Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy said he did not know who blew up the Kerch Bridge. Verdict: False Zelenskyy was discussing Ukraine obtaining the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), not the attack on the Kerch Bridge. - [Fact check: No, Zelenskyy doesn't have 4% approval as Trump claims; it's over 50%](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-no-zelenskyy-doesnt-have-4-approval-as-trump-claims-its-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. - [Fact Check: No Proof For Zelenskyy $1.2B Real Estate Empire In 'London Telegraph' Story -- New Website Using Stolen Profile Picture | Lead Stories](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-no-proof-for-zelenskyy-1-2b-real-estate-empire-in-london-telegraph-story-new-website-using-stolen-profile-picture-lead-stories/) - Is there any evidence for a story being spread online about "Olena K.", a Ukrainian anti-corruption official who supposedly defected to Europe and revealed real-estate corruption involving President Zelenskyy worth $1.2 billion ? No, that's not true: The story did not contain any verifiable details or documents and no media reported on the supposed events. The London Telegraph, the website where the story originated, was only registered in August 2025 and the profile picture of the journalist who supposedly wrote the story was stolen from the social media profile of a different journalist. - [FACT CHECK: Does This Video Show Volodymyr Zelenskyy And His Wife Singing 'Endless Love' By Lionel Richie? | Check Your Fact](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-does-this-video-show-volodymyr-zelenskyy-and-his-wife-singing-endless-love-by-lionel-richie-check-your-fact/) - Verdict: False The video features Boyce Avenue member Alejandro Manzano and English musician Connie Talbot. The music video does not feature Zelenskyy or mention Ukraine at any point. - [FACT CHECK: Did Volodymyr Zelenskyy Buy This Florida Residence For $35 Million? | Check Your Fact](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-did-volodymyr-zelenskyy-buy-this-florida-residence-for-35-million-check-your-fact/) - Verdict: False There is no evidence that Zelenskyy has purchased the property. The house is still listed for sale online. - [Fact Check: Did Ukraine's Zelensky Buy a $48 Million Yacht?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-did-ukraines-zelensky-buy-a-48-million-yacht/) - The Ruling: False. Volodymyr Zelensky has not bought a $48.9 million yacht, as confirmed by the broker handling its sale. There is no evidence a similar purchase has been made elsewhere. Funding to Ukraine is heavily audited and itemized, making it very difficult, if not impossible, for Zelensky to make such a purchase using U.S. contributions. - [Fact Check: Did Zelensky Buy $20 Million Mansion in Florida?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-did-zelensky-buy-20-million-mansion-in-florida/) - Although Zelensky and his business partners had several offshore companies and properties, according to financial documents leaked in 2021, none of those assets are in Florida. And the Florida home that purportedly belongs to him actually belongs to a couple who bought the property more than four years ago. - [FACT CHECK: Did Zelenskyy Belly Dance In A Sparkly Gold Costume? | Check Your Fact](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/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: Does Zelensky Have a 4% Approval Rating?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-does-zelensky-have-a-4-approval-rating/) - There is no credible poll in Ukraine that shows Zelensky with an approval rating in the single digits. Surveys consistently show him in the 50-60 percent approval range, down from the 75-90 percent marks he was getting earlier in the war. February's KIIS poll showed 57 percent of Ukrainians trust Zelensky, which is a higher level of support than President Trump has received in recent polls from Gallup (48 percent) and YouGov (47 percent). - [FACT CHECK: Did Zelenskyy Use An Expletive In Reference To Trump Ahead Of Downing Street Meeting?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-did-zelenskyy-use-an-expletive-in-reference-to-trump-ahead-of-downing-street-meeting/) - Verdict: False The video originally stems from TikTok and was likely edited with artificial intelligence (AI), according to Snopes. A video shared on X indicates Zelenskyy responded to a question from a reporter about his trip to the U.K. - [Fact Check: INAUTHENTIC Audio Suggests BBC Reporter Joked On Open Mic That Trump F***ed Zelenskyy In Oval Office Meeting](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-inauthentic-audio-suggests-bbc-reporter-joked-on-open-mic-that-trump-fed-zelenskyy-in-oval-office-meeting/) - Did a video clip shared to X authentically show a BBC reporter joking the February 28, 2025 Oval Office meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Donald Trump was " ... the second time that a U.S. president f***ed someone in the Oval Office." ? No, that's not true: The audio was generated using artificial intelligence. The original newscast did not include any such remark and the reporter has publicly dismissed its authenticity. - [FACT CHECK: Image Of Volodymyr Zelenskyy Wearing A Suit Is From 2020](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-image-of-volodymyr-zelenskyy-wearing-a-suit-is-from-2020/) - An image shared on X claims to show Volodymyr Zelenskyy wearing a suit while meeting with World Economic Forum President Klaus Schwab. Verdict: Misleading. The image is from January 2020. Zelenskyy swore not to wear a suit until the Russian invasion is over. - [Fact check: Disinformation spikes after Trump-Zelenskyy row](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-disinformation-spikes-after-trump-zelenskyy-row/) - Donald Trump's criticism of Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House led to a surge in misinformation about Ukraine's president, alleging that he swore at Trump, staged the war and misused USAID funds for propaganda. - [Fact Check: Image Does NOT Prove Ukrainian Government Issued 'Rules For Reporters' Photographing Zelenskyy In Turkey In May 2025 | Lead Stories](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-image-does-not-prove-ukrainian-government-issued-rules-for-reporters-photographing-zelenskyy-in-turkey-in-may-2025-lead-stories/) - Does a viral image confirm that the Ukrainian government issued new rules prohibiting taking pictures of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from certain angles? No, that's not true: Talking to Lead Stories, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian Embassy in the United States referred to the image as "fake". The "rules" were self-contradictory and lacked any specific identifying information tying it to Ukrainian officials. - [Fact Check: NO EVIDENCE Zelenskyy Invested $500 Million, $1.5 Billion 'Of His Own Money' In Ski Resort In Western Ukraine -- Project's Developer Denies His Involvement](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-no-evidence-zelenskyy-invested-500-million-1-5-billion-of-his-own-money-in-ski-resort-in-western-ukraine-projects-developer-denies-his-involvement/) - Did President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy invest $500 million or $1.5 billion "of his own money" in "a ski resort in Western Ukraine"? No, that's not true: Social media posts misattribute publicly known investment amounts about such a project. Talking to Lead Stories, the project's developer denied not only Zelenskyy's participation but also the presence of any direct government funding. Investment firm BlackRock, named in social media posts as one of the key investors, denied any involvement, too. Lead Stories found no credible sources linking Zelenskyy's personal money to the Ukrainian ski resort project. - [Fact Check: Image Does NOT Prove Zelenskyy Received Israeli Passport In 2016](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-image-does-not-prove-zelenskyy-received-israeli-passport-in-2016/) - Does a viral picture of what looks like an Israeli passport confirm that Volodymyr Zelenskyy became an Israeli citizen before he became president of Ukraine? No, that's not true: The image got the spelling of his last name wrong. The machine-readable text on the bottom of the first page didn't fit the internationally standardized form, either. - [FACT CHECK: Did Time Magazine Feature Volodymyr Zelenskyy On Its Cover? | Check Your Fact](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-did-time-magazine-feature-volodymyr-zelenskyy-on-its-cover-check-your-fact/) - Verdict: False The cover is digitally fabricated. A Time Magazine spokesperson confirmed the outlet did not publish such a cover. [Note: This article is dated April 2022. Zelensky was featured on the 26 Dec., 2022 cover of Time Magazine, as its 'Person of the Year'] - [FACT CHECK: Did This Satirical Magazine Feature An Image Of Zelenskyy Stealing From Jesus? | Check Your Fact](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/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. - [Edited video falsely shared with claim Ukraine's Zelensky welcomed 'robot warrior'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/edited-video-falsely-shared-with-claim-ukraines-zelensky-welcomed-robot-warrior/) - A video has been shared hundreds of times on social media alongside the false claim it shows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcoming a "robot warrior" that arrived in the country in July 2023. The clip has in fact been digitally manipulated to add the robot and the original footage shows Zelensky with British leader Rishi Sunak at an army camp in south England. - [Donald Trump's claims about Ukraine, fact-checked | SBS News](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/donald-trumps-claims-about-ukraine-fact-checked-sbs-news/) - Claim: Zelenskyy is a 'dictator' who is blocking elections Fact check: Ukrainian elections can't be held during a war Claim: Zelenskyy has an approval rating of 4 per cent Fact check: Recent polling indicates Zelenkskyy has an approval rating of 57 per cent Claim: Ukraine 'started' the war Fact check: Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 Claim: The US contributes more aid to Ukraine than Europe Fact check: Europe has overtaken the US in terms of Ukraine aid - [Downing Street video doesn't show Volodymyr Zelenskyy using expletive to refer to Donald Trump](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/downing-street-video-doesnt-show-volodymyr-zelenskyy-using-expletive-to-refer-to-donald-trump/) - What was claimed A video shows the moment President Zelenskyy said "f*** him" when asked about President Donald Trump's latest comments on Ukraine before entering Number 10 Downing Street. Our verdict The clip is misleading, and this isn't what President Zelenskyy said. He responded to a journalist by saying: "I'm OK, thank you so much", and did not utter an expletive. - [FACT CHECK: Charlie Hebdo Magazine Cover Of Zelenskyy Is Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-charlie-hebdo-magazine-cover-of-zelenskyy-is-fake/) - A post shared on Facebook claims to show a Charlie Hebdo magazine cover of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Verdict: False There is no evidence that this image was created by the magazine. It is fake. - [Fact check: 78 times Zelensky has expressed gratitude to the US](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-78-times-zelensky-has-expressed-gratitude-to-the-us/) - President Donald Trump claimed on social media on Sunday that "UKRAINE 'LEADERSHIP' HAS EXPRESSED ZERO GRATITUDE FOR OUR EFFORTS" in relation to the war there. Trump's claim is not even close to accurate. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed gratitude to the United States on dozens of occasions - 78 examples are listed below - since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of his country in early 2022. And Zelensky has repeatedly expressed gratitude to Trump personally since Trump was elected again last fall. - [Doctored image of President Zelensky holding a shirt bearing a swastika](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/a-doctored-image-of-president-zelensky-holding-a-shirt-bearing-a-swastika-has-been-spread-by-pro-kremlin-accounts/) - A doctored image of President Zelensky holding a shirt bearing a swastika has been spread by pro-Kremlin accounts. The real image was posted by Mr Zelensky to Instagram ahead of Euro 2020 in June. - [Disinfo: Zelenskyy is only a marketing operation, a Jewish face for a Nazi regime](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-zelenskyy-is-only-a-marketing-operation-a-jewish-face-for-a-nazi-regime/) - The myth of Nazi-ruled Ukraine has been actively used by the pro-Kremlin outlets for years to denigrate Ukraine. In 2015 Ukraine issued a ban on Nazi and Communist ideologies. The far-right groups had a limited presence during the Euromaidan protests and have suffered defeats in every national election since, with a united front of all radical right-wing parties in the 2019 parliamentary elections winning only 2.15% of the vote falling far short of the 5% minimum guaranteeing entry into parliament. - [Don't confuse this Zelensky lookalike with the Ukrainian president - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/dont-confuse-this-zelensky-lookalike-with-the-ukrainian-president-truth-or-fake/) - A viral video on social media allegedly shows President Volodymyr Zelensky dancing with a rocket launcher, as the war in Ukraine drags into its ninth month. The man in the video is actually a parody actor, not the real Zelensky. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [Don't fall for this promise of a 'leaked' recording of Biden and Zelenskyy](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/dont-fall-for-this-promise-of-a-leaked-recording-of-biden-and-zelenskyy/) - We found no evidence to corroborate a claim that an audio recording was leaked documenting a private conversation between the presidents. A social media post claims otherwise. We requested to follow the account where the supposed leaked audio of Biden and Zelenskyy was posted but as of publication time, that request hadn't been granted. However, we searched for news reports and other sources to corroborate this latest post's claim, and found none. We rate it False. - [Does Video Show Zelenskyy Dancing in High Heels?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/does-video-show-zelenskyy-dancing-in-high-heels/) - Claim: A music video features Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dancing in high heels, a cropped top, and skin-tight pants with three other men. Rating: True Context: Zelenskyy was a comic actor before he ran for political office. This video, made in 2014, was a parody of a well-known music video by the Ukrainian boy band Kazaky. - [Does Zelensky Live in $5.5M Mansion With Infinity Pool?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/does-zelensky-live-in-5-5m-mansion-with-infinity-pool/) - The tweet by Churchill offers no evidence that the image of a luxury property she shared belonged to Zelensky. Social media users were quick to point out that the image was taken from a real estate website for a property that was on sale for $5.5 million. It appears to be the latest unfounded accusation that Zelensky has faced that he has amassed properties around the world. - [DISINFO: Zelenskyy's so-called peace formula is a fake and an ultimatum](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-zelenskyys-so-called-peace-formula-is-a-fake-and-an-ultimatum/) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented a 10-point peace plan at an EU-Ukraine summit in February 2023. The EU unequivocally supported President Zelenskyy's peace formula. It is up to Ukraine to decide when it will hold talks with Russia. The assistance to Ukraine is aimed at making Ukraine's position stronger. Read the results of the Special European Council, 9 February 2023. - [DISINFO: Zelenskyy is usurping power in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-zelenskyy-is-usurping-power-in-ukraine/) - This is a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative aimed at defaming president Zelenskyy and absolve Russia from its responsibility for suspending the democratic process in Ukraine. Ukrainian law prohibits holding presidential elections while under martial law. This was stipulated by the Ukrainian martial law passed in 2015, long before President Zelenskyy became the president of Ukraine in May 2019. - [DISINFO: Zelenskyy is usurping power by cancelling elections](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-zelenskyy-is-usurping-power-by-cancelling-elections/) - This is a deliberate distortion of facts aiming to undermine the legitimacy of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a frequent target of pro-Kremlin disinformation. This disinformation story claims that president Zelenskyy 'cancelled the election' to suggest a power-grabbing maneuver. However, this disingenuous formulation is not true, as a call for new elections actually never took place due to the ongoing war. Ukraine's constitution is straightforward: no elections can be held during wartime and the President of Ukraine exercises his powers until the assumption of office by the newly-elected President. The continuity of government institutions is one of the key principles of the Constitution. - [DISINFORMATION ABOUT ZELENSKYY BUYING A £150 MILLION VILLA IN CYPRUS](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinformation-about-zelenskyy-buying-a-150-million-villa-in-cyprus/) - The information about the purchase of a hotel is disinformation. The President of Cyprus, the Ukrainian Embassy in Cyprus, and the company that owns the hotel have denied the allegation about the purchase of the hotel by Zelenskyy or a related company. Moreover, the website on which the allegation about Zelenskyy's connection to the hotel appeared turned out to be a clone of the hotel's website and a fake website that was created three days before the information was spread. - [Don't fall for doctored clip of BBC reporter making crude on-air comment about Zelenskyy WH meeting](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/dont-fall-for-doctored-clip-of-bbc-reporter-making-crude-on-air-comment-about-zelenskyy-wh-meeting/) - Waterhouse did not make the off-the-cuff remark in the original footage of the broadcast, which BBC News posted to its official YouTube channel on March 1, the day it originally aired. In other words, versions of the video that included Waterhouse allegedly saying "this is the second time ever that a U.S. president f***ed someone in the Oval Office" were doctored to misrepresent reality. As a result, we've rated the claim fake. - [DISINFO: Zelenskyy and the Kyiv junta need to continue the war against Russia to enrich themselves with Western aid](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-zelenskyy-and-the-kyiv-junta-need-to-continue-the-war-against-russia-to-enrich-themselves-with-western-aid/) - The claim that Zelenskyy uses the war for personal embezzlement is made without any evidence. International support is used by Ukraine to defend itself against the unjustified and unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine which started on February 24, 2022, and to support the economy in the context of Russia's full-scale invasion. - [DISINFO: The West ignored Russia's calls for peace negotiations](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-the-west-ignored-russias-calls-for-peace-negotiations/) - On 5 and 6 August 2023 Saudi Arabia hosted multinational peace talks attended by 40 countries (including China) in Jeddah focusing on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's proposed peace plan. More recently, on 1 December 2023, a tenth working meeting with representatives of 83 states and three international organizations on the implementation of the Ukraine's Peace Formula was held in Kyiv, Ukraine. Ukraine's peace formula was also discussed in Davos at the WEF in January 2024. In February 2024, Switzerland announced it would organise a high-level Ukraine peace conference by the summer, the date of which has not yet been announced. - [DISINFO: Zelensky cancelled 2024 election because he realised he would have lost](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-zelensky-cancelled-2024-election-because-he-realised-he-would-have-lost/) - Ukraine has been in a state of full-blown war since 24 February 2022, the day Russia openly invaded Ukraine. It did so unprovoked and under absurd pretexts. President Zelenskyy's reported decision to postpone next year's presidential poll was made in accordance with current Ukrainian legislation. Article 19 of the 2015 Ukrainian law "On the Legal Regime of Martial Law" directly prohibits the holding of presidential and several other types of elections during wartime. According to the results of a nationwide poll published on 7 February 2024, Zelenskyy is the most popular public figure in Ukraine, with 69% approval. - [DISINFO: Zelenskyy has usurped power in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-zelenskyy-has-usurped-power-in-ukraine/) - This is a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative aimed at defaming President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian leadership to absolve Russia from its responsibility for suspending the democratic process in Ukraine. Since 2022, Russia has waged large-scale armed aggression against Ukraine and is also responsible for the outbreak of the conflict in 2014, after having illegally annexed the Crimean Peninsula and engineered the creation of rebel militias in Donetsk, Luhansk and other places, with its army actively participating in military clashes. Further, Zelenskyy's reported decision to postpone next year's presidential poll was made in accordance with current Ukrainian legislation. Article 19 of the 2015 Ukrainian law "On the Legal Regime of Martial Law" directly prohibits the holding of presidential and several other types of elections during wartime. - [DISINFO: Ukrainian Army has de jure lost its supreme commander-in-chief Zelensky](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-ukrainian-army-has-de-jure-lost-its-supreme-commander-in-chief-zelensky/) - This is a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative aimed to defame President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian leadership to absolve Russia from its responsibility for the fact that Ukraine cannot hold elections for the moment. Since 2022, Russia has waged large-scale armed aggression against Ukraine and is also responsible for the outbreak of the conflict in 2014, after having illegally annexed the Crimean Peninsula and engineered the creation of rebel militias in Donetsk, Luhansk and other places, with its army actively participating in military clashes. Further, Zelenskyy's reported decision to postpone next year's presidential poll was made in accordance with current Ukrainian legislation. Article 19 of the 2015 Ukrainian law "On the Legal Regime of Martial Law" directly prohibits the holding of presidential and several other types of elections during wartime. - [DISINFO: The Ukrainian people have not confirmed the legitimacy of Zelenskyy](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-the-ukrainian-people-have-not-confirmed-the-legitimacy-of-zelenskyy/) - This is a pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative, aiming to undermine the leadership of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Also the claim is part of an ongoing pro-Kremlin disinformation campaign concerning Russia's illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The majority of Ukrainians oppose presidential elections during martial law due to security concerns. In February 2024, the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology published the results of a study according to which the vast majority of Ukrainians, i.e. 69%, believe that Volodymyr Zelenskyy should remain in the post of president until the end of martial law. - [DISINFO: Top Ukrainian officials don't believe Zelenskyy's rhetoric](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-top-ukrainian-officials-dont-believe-zelenskyys-rhetoric/) - This is a disingenuous distortion of the original article by The Guardian, whose approach is radically different from what this disinformation story suggests. The story takes a single sentence from the original article and twists it to promote several recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives about Russia's inevitable victory in Ukraine and Zelenskyy's alleged lack of support and legitimacy, while distorting the rest of the content. - [Did Zelenskyy Say There Would Be No Elections in Ukraine Until War Ends?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/did-zelenskyy-say-there-would-be-no-elections-in-ukraine-until-war-ends/) - The Ukrainian Constitution does not allow for elections when martial law is imposed. - [Did Tokyo Billboard Show 'Stop War, Stop Zelensky'?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/did-tokyo-billboard-show-stop-war-stop-zelensky/) - False. The video of the anti-Zelensky billboard in Shibuya, Japan, is fake. It was edited from a popular clip that's been on YouTube for more than two years and viewed more than eight million times. There is no evidence that any such billboard has been displayed in Shibuya, one of the busiest and most popular neighborhoods in Tokyo, Japan. - [Did Lindsey Graham Say, 'The Russians Are Dying - It's the Best Money We've Ever Spent'?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/did-lindsey-graham-say-the-russians-are-dying-its-the-best-money-weve-ever-spent/) - A video supposedly showed the senator from South Carolina making the statement to Volodymyr Zelenskyy. - [Did Biden Grab Zelensky's Butt in Viral White House Photo?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/did-biden-grab-zelenskys-butt-in-viral-white-house-photo/) - False. No, Biden did not place his hand on Zelensky's buttocks. The viral image is a digitally manipulated version of an official photo shared by the White House press team. - [Did Zelenskyy Urge Western Countries, 'Don't Build Roads, Spend All of Your Money on Weapons'?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/did-zelenskyy-urge-western-countries-dont-build-roads-spend-all-of-your-money-on-weapons/) - In the interview, Zelenskyy did say the words, "Do this: Not build roads for today. Don't do it. Spend all your money to the weapon, to the drones, to the society, to the pensions, and et cetera. [...] We have only one enemy, this is Putin, and that's it." However, Zelenskyy was addressing Ukrainian leaders, not Western leaders. Moreover, he did not beg Western leaders to send all their money to Ukraine, as claimed. - [DISINFO: Russia ready for peace talks while Ukraine rejects them](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-russia-ready-for-peace-talks-while-ukraine-rejects-them/) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented a 10-point peace plan at a EU-Ukraine summit in February 2023. The EU unequivocally supported Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's peace formula. It is up to Ukraine to decide when it will hold talks with Russia. - [DISINFO: Britain, with Zelenskyy's support, seeks territorial gains in the Black Sea](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-britain-with-zelenskyys-support-seeks-territorial-gains-in-the-black-sea/) - Recurring Pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives aimed to demonstrate that Ukraine's biggest supporters have malicious intent towards Ukraine, and only provide assistance in order to exploit it. There has been no credible information or official announcements to support such claim or the UK's intentions to seek territorial gains in Ukraine. - [DISINFO: Biden and Zelenskyy have become the top international terrorists](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-biden-and-zelenskyy-have-become-the-top-international-terrorists/) - Pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative depicting Ukraine and the USA as terrorist countries. The claim was made in connection with the Crocus City Hall terrorist attack in Moscow, trying to link Ukraine to the terrorist attacks in Russia without presenting any evidence. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for and shared video footage from the attacks, corroborating their claims of responsibility. - [DISINFO: Support for Zelensky below 20 percent among Ukrainians](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-support-for-zelensky-below-20-percent-among-ukrainians/) - No evidence is provided to support these claims. These figures were presented by Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service and are almost certainly made up. Multiple reputable surveys have rated President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's approval at 81% in October 2023 (Gallup), at 62% in December 2023 (Kyiv International Institute of Sociology), at 60% in February 2024 (Kyiv International Institute of Sociology), and at 63% in April 2024 (USAID), numbers quite far away from the claims made by Russian media. - [DISINFO: "Peace" conference in Switzerland a propaganda exercise to cover up Zelenskyy's illegitimacy](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-peace-conference-in-switzerland-a-propaganda-exercise-to-cover-up-zelenskyys-illegitimacy/) - This is a pre-emptive attempt to discredit the peace summit which Switzerland will host on 15-16 June 2024, mixed with pro-Kremlin narratives questioning the legitimacy of Ukrainian authorities and specifically president Volodymyr Zelenskyy -frequent targets of pro-Kremlin disinformation- and falsely portraying Ukraine's Maidan protests as a coup d'etat. These disinformation narratives are being pushed again to challenge Zelenskyy's legitimacy. However, the Ukrainian Constitution is straightforward: the President of Ukraine exercises his powers until the assumption of office by the newly-elected President. The continuity of government institutions is one of the key principles of the Constitution. Ukraine's constitution clearly stipulates that no elections can be held during wartime. While this situation has caused some domestic controversy in Ukraine, almost all observers consider regular elections unfeasible as there are millions of refugees abroad, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians serving on the frontlines and a significant part of Ukrainian population lives under Russian occupation. - [Did Zelensky's Wife Go on $40K Shopping Spree in Paris?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/did-zelenskys-wife-go-on-40k-shopping-spree-in-paris/) - Claims that the first lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska went on a shopping spree during her visit to Paris this month are not supported by credible evidence. They appear to stem from a single tweet posted by an unverified and low-engagement Twitter account, which provided scant details about the alleged purchases, simply citing an anonymous "source." Additionally, the location of the U.S.-based account and its posting history raise significant doubts about the veracity of the claims. - [Did Zelensky Order Destruction of Docs Linked to Hunter Biden?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/did-zelensky-order-destruction-of-docs-linked-to-hunter-biden/) - False. The tenuous link between Hunter Biden, Rosemont Seneca, Metabiota, and the Ukrainian government notwithstanding, the "letter" from the Ukrainian government has been debunked. The letter, which was circulated on Russian social media in 2022, was littered with mistakes that indicated it was translated to Ukrainian from Russian. - [Did Volodymyr Zelensky call for 'preventive nuclear strikes' against Russia? Not exactly](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/did-volodymyr-zelensky-call-for-preventive-nuclear-strikes-against-russia-not-exactly/) - Social media users have been circulating a video of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, claiming that the footage shows him calling on NATO to launch preventive nuclear strikes against Russia. It turns out, however, that this footage isn't new - Zelensky made these statements back in October 2022. Moreover, the translation of his statement, originally in Ukrainian, leaves out some nuance. - [Did Zelensky Say U.S. Will Send Its Kids to War for Ukraine?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/did-zelensky-say-u-s-will-send-its-kids-to-war-for-ukraine/) - Misleading Material. The clip was removed from its important and clarifying context, giving a misleading impression of what Zelensky said. The Ukrainian leader's remarks were a hypothetical answer about what could happen should Ukraine lose the war to Russia, partially due to decreased support from the United States. [...] Zelensky did not suggest that Americans should send their children to fight now for Ukraine against Russian forces. - [Did Elijah Wood Tell Zelensky via Instagram to Go to Rehab?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/did-elijah-wood-tell-zelensky-via-instagram-to-go-to-rehab/) - Apart from the fact that the video has been bizarrely edited, it does not mention Zelensky, only someone named Vladimir, and is attributed to an Instagram account with no web presence. Elijah Wood does not have a public Instagram account and the video being shared of him online, allegedly asking Zelensky to seek treatment, is the only recording available. The video appears to have been spread as a Russian propaganda effort and to promote a dubious documentary that falsely credits Tom Cruise as its star. Although Newsweek is yet to hear from Wood's representatives for comment, we are confident that the video and claims surrounding it are, respectively, inauthentic and false. - [Did Zelenskyy Say He Would 'Exchange' Belgorod for NATO Membership?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/did-zelenskyy-say-he-would-exchange-belgorod-for-nato-membership/) - Claim: Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy said that "we are ready to exchange Belgorod for Ukraine's membership in NATO." Rating: Correct Attribution Context: Belgorod is a Russian city. - [Did Ukraine's First Lady Spend $1.1M on Cartier Jewelry During September 2023 NYC Trip?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/did-ukraines-first-lady-spend-1-1m-on-cartier-jewelry-during-september-2023-nyc-trip/) - Claim: Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska spent $1,100,000 on Cartier jewelry and got a salesperson fired in the process during a visit to the U.S. with her husband, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in September 2023. Rating: False - [Did Zelenskyy Ask the US for ‘Credit’ to Fight War Against Russia?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/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. - [Did Volodymyr Zelensky just belly dance? Sorry, no: it's a deepfake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/did-volodymyr-zelensky-just-belly-dance-sorry-no-its-a-deepfake/) - Does Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky actually have a secret talent for belly dancing? That's what a number of accounts on Twitter and TikTok are saying, with video to prove it. However, it turns out that the viral video is actually a deepfake that's been circulated by pro-Russian accounts in an attempt to discredit the Ukrainian president. - [Did Zelensky swear at JD Vance during heated Oval Office meeting?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/did-zelensky-swear-at-jd-vance-during-heated-oval-office-meeting/) - A viral video is circulating on social media in which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is allegedly caught on camera calling JD Vance a "bitch" during Friday's unprecedented diplomatic row at the White House. Also, how many times has Zelensky thanked the United States for its support? We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [Cross on Ukrainian president Zelenskyy's shirt a symbol of the Ukraine defence ministry, not the Nazi Iron Cross - Africa Check](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/cross-on-ukrainian-president-zelenskyys-shirt-a-symbol-of-the-ukraine-defence-ministry-not-the-nazi-iron-cross-africa-check/) - The photos of Zelenskyy are authentic and were taken during a video conference with the US Congress on 17 March. But the cross on his T-shirt is not the Iron Cross. It is the symbol of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and appears on the ministry's website. - [Commemorative Zelenskyy coins created by private gift shop, not Biden White House](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/commemorative-zelenskyy-coins-created-by-private-gift-shop-not-biden-white-house/) - The commemorative coins honoring Volodymyr Zelenskyy were created for sale by a private company called the White House Gift Shop, not the U.S. government. Social media users are falsely claiming that the Biden White House created special coins honoring Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Despite what the posts suggest, the commemorative coins were created by a private company, not President Joe Biden's White House. The nonprofit White House Historical Association ' which runs two retail shops located near the White House in Washington, including one at the White House Visitor Center ' confirmed to PolitiFact that its stores are not selling the commemorative Zelenskyy coins. There is no mention of the coins on the White House's official government website, either. We rate this Facebook post False. - [Debunking claims that Zelensky asked NATO for 'pre-emptive' nuclear strikes against Russia - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/debunking-claims-that-zelensky-asked-nato-for-pre-emptive-nuclear-strikes-against-russia-truth-or-fake/) - A speech made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been quickly misinterpreted by many, in a video circulating on Twitter where he allegedly asks for pre-emptive nuclear strikes against Russia. Zelensky was referring to economic "strikes", not nuclear strikes. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [Debunking Zelensky's 'luxury real estate' assets - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/debunking-zelenskys-luxury-real-estate-assets-truth-or-fake/) - On the sidelines of President Volodymyr Zelensky's European tour, online claims went viral that the Ukrainian president has purchased luxury villas in Crimea, Italy and England with Western military aid money. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [Christopher Miller on X: "Indeed, can confirm. And I was standing right beside where this photograph was taken. And then I stood 10 feet from both Zelensky and Bessent inside the presidential offic...](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/christopher-miller-on-x-indeed-can-confirm-and-i-was-standing-right-beside-where-this-photograph-was-taken-and-then-i-stood-10-feet-from-both-zelensky-and-bessent-inside-the-presidential-offic/) - Indeed, can confirm. And I was standing right beside where this photograph was taken. And then I stood 10 feet from both Zelensky and Bessent inside the presidential office again an hour or so later, when they emerged from their meeting to brief a small group of reporters. - [Claims that Ukraine banned Truth Social are false | Fact Check](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/claims-that-ukraine-banned-truth-social-are-false-fact-check/) - US President Donald Trump has sharply criticized his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky in a rift between the two leaders as Kyiv remains locked in a three-year-old war started by a Russian invasion. However, claims that Zelensky retaliated by banning Truth Social are false -- representatives for the social network said it had not launched in Ukraine, and the government there said Trump's platform would be welcome. - [Claims that Ukraine banned Truth Social are false](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/claims-that-ukraine-banned-truth-social-are-false/) - US President Donald Trump has sharply criticized his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky in a rift between the two leaders as Kyiv remains locked in a three-year-old war started by a Russian invasion. However, claims that Zelensky retaliated by banning Truth Social are false -- representatives for the social network said it had not launched in Ukraine, and the government there said Trump's platform would be welcome. - [Dictator without elections'?: fact-checking Trump's main criticisms of Zelensky](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/dictator-without-elections-fact-checking-trumps-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. - [Clip does not show Zelenskyy performing comedy routine for Putin - Full Fact](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/clip-does-not-show-zelenskyy-performing-comedy-routine-for-putin-full-fact/) - What was claimed: A video shows Russian president Vladimir Putin laughing with his face in his hands during a comedy routine in which Volodymyr Zelenskyy appears to play the piano with his penis, before he became president of Ukraine. Our verdict: False. These two clips are from different events and have been edited together to misleadingly make it appear as if President Putin was in the audience for the routine. - [A pre-recorded video? The pro-Russian hoax suggesting that Volodymyr Zelensky has left Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/a-pre-recorded-video-the-pro-russian-hoax-suggesting-that-volodymyr-zelensky-has-left-ukraine/) - Russian media outlets, including Russia Today, are falsely claiming that the video of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to a Kyiv hospital on March 13 was recorded last month, fuelling speculation that he has fled the country. - [Altered photo shows Ukrainian president holding jersey with swastika](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/altered-photo-shows-ukrainian-president-holding-jersey-with-swastika/) - Social media posts feature a picture of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky holding a soccer jersey that has a swastika in place of a number. But AFP found that the posts used a digitally manipulated image superimposing the Nazi symbol on a photo taken from the leader's Instagram account. - [Altered magazine cover featuring Ukrainian president spreads online](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/altered-magazine-cover-featuring-ukrainian-president-spreads-online/) - Social media posts share an image that purportedly shows Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky riding a horse made of banknotes on the cover of Money, a US magazine. But no such cover was published; the image was altered from a 2016 issue, according to the magazine, which is now only available online. - [9 Doctored Pics and Deepfakes of Volodymyr Zelenskyy | Snopes.com](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/9-doctored-pics-and-deepfakes-of-volodymyr-zelenskyy-snopes-com/) - Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been the subject of numerous false rumors, particularly in the form of doctored or misleading photographs and video footage. From a manipulated deepfake video of Zelenskyy supposedly telling Ukrainian soldiers to surrender to Russia to false claims he displayed Nazi logos on his clothes, there is no shortage of examples. - [Article: "Wartime Elections in Ukraine Are Impossible"](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/wartime-elections-in-ukraine-are-impossible/) - It is illegal under Ukraine's constitution to hold elections while martial law is in effect. These rules predate President Zelensky's time in power. This Foreign Policy article gives a detailed overview of why holding elections in wartime Ukraine would be not just illegal, but would also put millions of civilians at risk while lining up under Russian missiles. An election today would also disenfranchise many of the millions of Ukrainians who are displaced, abroad as refugees, under Russian occupation, or prisoners in Russia. - ['Died Suddenly' Producer Promotes Fake CNN Post Containing Fake Zelenskyy Quote](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/died-suddenly-producer-promotes-fake-cnn-post-containing-fake-zelenskyy-quote/) - According to the supposed CNN post, Zelenskyy had said, "We will become a new diverse and multicultural nation that will be the model state for the rest of Europe." However, as BBC Verify journalist Shayan Sardarizadeh pointed out that same day, not only had CNN never posted this, but there was also no evidence that Zelenskyy ever said these words. Nor did Snopes find any evidence indicating Ukraine had announced plans for "mass immigration." - [Chart: Trump's Claim That Zelensky Has 4% Support Is Far Off | Statista](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/chart-trumps-claim-that-zelensky-has-4-support-is-far-off-statista/) - Data released by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) shows that while Zelensky's support base has decreased since early 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine, it is still far higher than Trump's claim of four percent. In a poll conducted between February 4-9, 57 percent of adults said they trusted Zelensky, while 37 percent of respondents said that they do not and six percent said it was hard to say. - ['Dealmaker in chief' 'frustrated' by Zelensky's rejection of 'historic opportunity' to give up 50% of its mineral wealth to US - Washington Examiner](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/dealmaker-in-chief-frustrated-by-zelenskys-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." - [Altered clip falsely claims BBC reporter swore on air about Trump-Zelenskyy meet](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/altered-clip-falsely-claims-bbc-reporter-swore-on-air-about-trump-zelenskyy-meet/) - AI-generated audio has been added to the clip, falsely making it seem like the BBC correspondent swore about the Trump-Zelenskyy meeting on air. - [Audio of BBC reporter making snide comment about the Trump-Zelenskyy meeting is fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/audio-of-bbc-reporter-making-snide-comment-about-the-trump-zelenskyy-meeting-is-fake/) - A BBC reporter wasn't caught on tape cursing about the Trump-Zelenskyy meeting. We rate that claim Pants on Fire! - [A compilation video of Zelenskyy dancing includes clips that aren't of him](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/a-compilation-video-of-zelenskyy-dancing-includes-clips-that-arent-of-him/) - What was claimed A compilation video shows five clips of the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy dancing. Our verdict The first clip actually shows Argentinian dancer Pablo Acosta, while the second has been manipulated using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to superimpose President Zelenskyy's face onto the dancer's to create a deepfake. The other clips are genuine, however. - [Here's How Much Aid the United States Has Sent Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/heres-how-much-aid-the-united-states-has-sent-ukraine/) - Eleven charts illustrate the extraordinary level of support the United States has provided Ukraine in recent years - though there has been no new U.S. aid legislation since 2024, and combined European aid tops U.S. contributions. - [Fact Check: Pentagon did not 'accidentally' send $6.2 billion to Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-pentagon-did-not-accidentally-send-6-2-billion-to-ukraine/) - VERDICT Miscaptioned. The Pentagon did not accidentally send extra money to Ukraine, the $6.2 billion accounting error refers to an overestimate of the value of equipment sent to Ukraine. - [Accounting error means US has more money to send arms to Ukraine | Fact check](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/accounting-error-means-us-has-more-money-to-send-arms-to-ukraine-fact-check/) - Our rating: False The U.S. did not mistakenly send extra money to Ukraine. The Defense Department said it overvalued military equipment shipped there from existing stockpiles. The error means the U.S. can supply more equipment than previously thought, not that it overspent. - [Fact Check: NSA Ajit Doval meets exiled Putin critic Mikhail Khodorkovsky in London? No, image is AI-generated](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-nsa-ajit-doval-meets-exiled-putin-critic-mikhail-khodorkovsky-in-london-no-image-is-ai-generated/) - Claim: The image shows NSA Ajit Doval meeting Mikhail Khodorkovsky in London. Mikhail is a Putin critic and an exiled Russian oligarch. Fact: The claim is false. The image has been generated using AI. - [Fact Check: AI-Generated Images Of Putin's India Visit Flood Social ...](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-ai-generated-images-of-putins-india-visit-flood-social/) - Russian President Vladimir Putin remained in New Delhi during his two-day visit. Viral images claiming to show him visiting Ayodhya and Ujjain with PM Modi, bathing in the Ganges in Varanasi, and reading the Gita on a plane are AI-created. - [Fact Check: AI-Generated Images Of Putin's India Visit Flood Social Media; Here's The Truth Behind Them](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-ai-generated-images-of-putins-india-visit-flood-social-media-heres-the-truth-behind-them/) - Russian President Vladimir Putin remained in New Delhi during his two-day visit. Viral images claiming to show him visiting Ayodhya and Ujjain with PM Modi, bathing in the Ganges in Varanasi, and reading the Gita on a plane are AI-created. - [Verified: Putin Did NOT Visit a Temple With PM Modi; Viral Image Is AI-Generated](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/verified-putin-did-not-visit-a-temple-with-pm-modi-viral-image-is-ai-generated/) - A photograph widely shared on social media claims to show Russian President Vladimir Putin visiting a temple with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. NewsMobile investigated the viral picture and found that it is AI-generated. - [Fact Check: Viral Video Of US Navy Seizing Tanker Dates Back To 2025 Training Exercise, Not Related To Russia](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-viral-video-of-us-navy-seizing-tanker-dates-back-to-2025-training-exercise-not-related-to-russia/) - Following the attack on Venezuela, the US military has seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker and another ship in the North Sea. A video is circulating on social media, showing soldiers rappelling from a helicopter onto a ship. Some users are sharing the video and claiming that it shows the US military seizing a Russian-flagged oil tanker coming from Venezuela. Vishvas News investigated and found that while the US military did seize the Russian-flagged oil tanker, the viral video dates back to October 2025, when US Navy SEALs demonstrated their capabilities to President Trump. The same video is now being shared as a recent incident. - [Fact Check: Old Footage Resurfaces Amid Russia's Claims Of Ukrainian Drone Attack On Putin's Residence](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-old-footage-resurfaces-amid-russias-claims-of-ukrainian-drone-attack-on-putins-residence/) - We could not independently verify other details about the footage. However, it dates back to May 2023, and hence unlinked to the recent Russian allegations on Ukraine. - [PTI Fact Check: No, Russian President Putin did not write anything ...](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/pti-fact-check-no-russian-president-putin-did-not-write-anything/) - A social media post recently went online claiming that Russian President Vladimir Putin had criticised the Narendra Modi government in a message written in the official visitors' book at Rajghat during his visit. However, the Press Trust of India's Fact Check Desk found the claim to be misleading in its investigation. In his original message, as verified by credible news reports and the Russian Foreign Ministry's official release, the Russian President praises Mahatma Gandhi and speaks of shared values between India and Russia. At no point did he mention or criticise the current Indian government. - [Fact Check: Rob Reiner DID Say Publicly He Was Working On A Series About Putin And Trump's Relationship](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-rob-reiner-did-say-publicly-he-was-working-on-a-series-about-putin-and-trumps-relationship/) - Did the late Rob Reiner publicly say he was developing a television series about Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump called "The Spy and the Asset"? Yes, that is true: Reiner announced the project in 2020 on the Mehdi Hasan Show on MSNBC. He again talked about it on the Dean Obeidallah Show on Sirius XMradio in 2021. - [FACT CHECK: Did Ukraine Really Try to Blow Up Putin's Personal Residence?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-did-ukraine-really-try-to-blow-up-putins-personal-residence/) - A Kyiv Post fact check investigating Russian claims that Ukraine recently attempted to eliminate Russian President Vladimir Putin by launching drone swarms at his personal residence found little evidence that the attack overnight Sunday-Monday ever took place beyond the Kremlin's own claims. - [Fact-Check: ISW Debunks Russia's "Drone Attack on Putin" Narrative](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-isw-debunks-russias-drone-attack-on-putin-narrative/) - Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War found no proof for claims made by Russia regarding a Ukrainian drone attack on Putin's residence. - [PTI Fact Check: Old Ukraine drone strike video shared to falsely claim 'India retaliation for attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/pti-fact-check-old-ukraine-drone-strike-video-shared-to-falsely-claim-india-retaliation-for-attacks-on-hindus-in-bangladesh/) - Social media users falsely shared an old video of a drone strike in Ukraine, claiming it showed India's retaliation against attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. The PTI Fact Check Desk found that the visuals are months old and have been misrepresented through a misleading, inflammatory narrative. - [PTI Fact Check: Old Kremlin drone attack video falsely shared with recent reports of attack attempt on Putin's residence; details inside](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/pti-fact-check-old-kremlin-drone-attack-video-falsely-shared-with-recent-reports-of-attack-attempt-on-putins-residence-details-inside/) - Multiple social media users shared a video featuring fire at a structure, apparently set by a drone, claiming that Ukraine attacked Putin's residence with drones. However, the Desk concluded that the video actually dates back to 2023 and is not related to any attack on Putin's residence. - [Fact Check: Viral CCTV Footage Claiming An Attack On Russian President Vladimir Putin's Residence Is AI-Generated](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-viral-cctv-footage-claiming-an-attack-on-russian-president-vladimir-putins-residence-is-ai-generated/) - Russia recently accused Ukraine of carrying out a drone attack on President Vladimir Putin's residence. In connection with this, CCTV footage is circulating on social media, showing drones dropping bombs on a building. Some users are sharing the footage and claiming that it is an attack on Russian President Putin's residence. Vishvas News investigated and found that the CCTV footage circulating with the claim that Putin's residence was attacked is AI-generated, not real. - [This Video Doesn't Show US Seizing the Russian-Flagged Oil Tanker 'Marinera'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/this-video-doesnt-show-us-seizing-the-russian-flagged-oil-tanker-marinera/) - Claim Social media posts claim the video shows US troops capturing a Russian oil tanker in the Atlantic Ocean Fact The video is from April 2025 and actually depicts a US-Philippines military exercise called Balikatan in Subic Bay - [Did CNN really apologize for their Ukranian journalist picking wine during Trump's assassination attempt? Fact Check](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/did-cnn-really-apologize-for-their-ukranian-journalist-picking-wine-during-trumps-assassination-attempt-fact-check/) - Conclusion: The claim is false. There is no credible evidence or statement which suggests CNN has apologized. Moreover, no journalist by the name of "Olesya Bezruchko" works for CNN and The Mirror has not posted any article as shown in the claim. Also no reliable source establishes that the woman in the video is a Ukrainian national or a journalist. - [Fact Check: OLD Video Of Russian Submarine Arriving In Havana, Cuba Is From 2024 -- Not 2026](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-old-video-of-russian-submarine-arriving-in-havana-cuba-is-from-2024-not-2026/) - Does a video show a Russian submarine arriving in Havana, Cuba, in May 2026? No, that's not true: The footage dates back to June 2024, when a nuclear-powered Russian submarine and three Russian warships arrived in Havana as part of a port visit coinciding with Russian naval exercises in the Caribbean. The clip resurfaced in social media posts falsely claiming it depicted such an event in May 2026. - [No, Russia Has Not Announced Yuan Pricing for All Future Oil and ...](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-russia-has-not-announced-yuan-pricing-for-all-future-oil-and/) - A claim circulating widely on platforms alleges that Russia has officially announced that all future oil and gas deals with Europe will be priced in Chinese yuan. The claim is often framed as a major geopolitical shift away from Western currencies and presented as breaking news. However we found this claim to be misleading. [...] There is no credible evidence that Russia has announced that all future oil and gas deals with Europe will be priced in Chinese yuan. - [Fact check: Why did Berlin's power outage take so long to fix?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-why-did-berlins-power-outage-take-so-long-to-fix/) - False claims that Germany sent all of its power generators to Ukraine during the city's worst blackout since World War II are unfounded. - [Fact Check: Photo of world leaders removing suit jackets for Ukraine is altered](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-photo-of-world-leaders-removing-suit-jackets-for-ukraine-is-altered/) - VERDICT: Altered. The image is a manipulated version of an authentic group photo. - [Fact Check: BBC-branded video on Ukraine's first lady seeking asylum is a fake report](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-bbc-branded-video-on-ukraines-first-lady-seeking-asylum-is-a-fake-report/) - A video assembled to look like a BBC report about Ukraine's first lady seeking political asylum has been shared by social media users but is a fake, a spokesperson for the outlet has said. The video mimics the British broadcaster's formatting for visual reports on social media, with multiple uses of its logo, red and white branding, and familiar typeface. - [Fake: Olena Zelenska Bought Princess Diana's Dress for $2.9 Million | StopFake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-olena-zelenska-bought-princess-dianas-dress-for-2-9-million-stopfake/) - The story by the British tabloid The Sun on this topic is fabricated, and the comment by a royal expert in it is taken from an old video on a completely different topic. - [Trump says Ukraine started war with Russia. What are the facts?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/trump-says-ukraine-started-war-with-russia-what-are-the-facts-nbc-5-dallas-fort-worth/) - President Donald Trump this week falsely blamed Ukraine for starting the war that has cost tens of thousands of Ukrainian lives, causing outrage and alarm in a country that has spent nearly three years fighting back a much larger Russian military. [...] Here's a look at some of Trump's statements: - [Did Ukraine start its war with Russia, as President Donald Trump said? No, Russia invaded](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/did-ukraine-start-its-war-with-russia-as-president-donald-trump-said-no-russia-invaded/) - Media outlets worldwide covered Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine and Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged it as a "special military operation," saying the offensive would "seek to demilitarize and denazify Ukraine." For years, Russia has sought to blame Ukrainian actions for its invasion. - [PolitiFact | Did Ukraine start its war with Russia, as President Donald Trump said? No, Russia invaded](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/politifact-did-ukraine-start-its-war-with-russia-as-president-donald-trump-said-no-russia-invaded/) - On Feb. 24, 2022, Russian forces launched an invasion on Ukraine, a country that the night before was at peace. Putin called it a "special military operation" and he premised the attack on false claims about Ukraine. As people were sleeping, Russian troops and tanks rolled into Ukraine and missiles poured down in what U.S. military analysts called the largest military operation in Europe since World War II. The attack followed weeks of Russian maneuvers that included staging a large-scale military exercise along Russia's border with Ukraine that the U.S. estimated to include 190,000 Russian troops. We rate the statement Pants on Fire! - [Why Ukraine can't hold elections during wartime](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/why-ukraine-cant-hold-elections-during-wartime/) - Open civil society letter: Elections in Ukraine must be held only after sustainable peace is achieved, ensuring a free, fair, and democratic process that reflects the will of the people. - [Trump falsely claimed US spent $350B on military aid to Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/trump-falsely-claimed-us-spent-350b-on-military-aid-to-ukraine/) - Claim: As of February 2025, the United States had given $350 billion in military aid to Ukraine for its war with Russia. Rating: False. Context It's possible to arrive at varying totals depending on how military aid is defined or by considering how much money was allocated - as opposed to actually paid out - by the U.S. government, but none of these totals amounts to $350 billion - [US military drill misrepresented as Russian evacuation from Venezuela after Maduro capture](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/us-military-drill-misrepresented-as-russian-evacuation-from-venezuela-after-maduro-capture/) - Following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by US forces in January 2026, a video of military aircraft flying in formation surfaced in social media posts falsely claiming it shows Russia evacuating its diplomats' families from its South American ally. The footage in fact first circulated in October 2025 and corresponds to photos and videos of a US military drill in California marking the founding of the Marine Corps. - [Did former Trump adviser once speak of 'strange swap arrangement' involving Venezuela and Ukraine?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/did-former-trump-adviser-once-speak-of-strange-swap-arrangement-involving-venezuela-and-ukraine/) - The quote that circulated online was correctly attributed to Hill. At the time of this writing, Snopes could not independently verify whether the U.S. had carried out the swap Hill said Russia wanted in 2019 or whether such a deal made the Trump administration's January 2026 capture of Maduro possible. - [Images of Russian president at Indian religious sites are AI-generated](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/images-of-russian-president-at-indian-religious-sites-are-ai-generated/) - After Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded a trip to India in December 2025, AI-generated images were shared in posts claiming they showed him at religious sites with the country's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and firebrand Hindu monk Yogi Adityanath. There were no official reports of Putin travelling to the sites, nor were they listed on an itinerary shared by India's Ministry of External Affairs. - [Fake Letter Shared To Claim Indian Govt Asked Russia To Replace S-400 Systems](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-letter-shared-to-claim-indian-govt-asked-russia-to-replace-s-400-systems/) - Claim: A viral notification claims India asked Russia to replace S-400 systems destroyed in a conflict with Pakistan in May 2025. Fact: There is no credible evidence supporting this claim and the notification had clear discrepancies and has been debunked by PIB - [Old clip falsely portrayed as India providing air escort to Russian ...](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/old-clip-falsely-portrayed-as-india-providing-air-escort-to-russian/) - As Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in India for defence and trade talks on December 4, an old video surfaced in social media posts falsely claiming it showed New Delhi sending fighter jets to escort the leader's plane. The footage was published by Russian state news agency Sputnik in December 2017 and shows Putin's plane being escorted by Russian jets en route to Egyptian capital Cairo after a visit to Syria. - [Verified: Viral Image Of Vladimir Putin Holding Bhagavad Gita On A Plane Is AI Generated](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/verified-viral-image-of-vladimir-putin-holding-bhagavad-gita-on-a-plane-is-ai-generated/) - The viral image showing Vladimir Putin posing with the Bhagavad Gita on a plane is AI-generated and not real. - [Image Of Putin With Bhagavad Gita Aboard Aircraft Is AI Generated](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/image-of-putin-with-bhagavad-gita-aboard-aircraft-is-ai-generated/) - A photo circulating online that appears to show Russian President Vladimir Putin holding the Bhagavad Gita, aboard an aircraft is not real and has been created using artificial intelligence. - [Fact Check: Vladimir Putin reads Bhagavad Gita gifted by Modi on aircraft? No, image is AI-generated](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-vladimir-putin-reads-bhagavad-gita-gifted-by-modi-on-aircraft-no-image-is-ai-generated/) - Claim: Russian President Vladimir Putin has started reading the Bhagavad Gita after Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted him a copy during his visit to India. Fact: The claim is false. While PM Modi did gift Putin a Russian-language Bhagavad Gita, the viral photo of him reading it on a plane is AI-generated. - [Verified: This Picture of Putin With PM Modi and Rajnath Singh Is AI-Generated](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/verified-this-picture-of-putin-with-pm-modi-and-rajnath-singh-is-ai-generated/) - After Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent visit to India, an image has surfaced on social media claiming to show him posing with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. [...] NewsMobile verified the claim and found that the image is AI-generated. - [PTI Fact Check: Did Russian President visit Ayoshya's Ram Temple with PM Modi, UP CM? AI-generated photo shared as real, accompanied by a false claim](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/pti-fact-check-did-russian-president-visit-ayoshyas-ram-temple-with-pm-modi-up-cm-ai-generated-photo-shared-as-real-accompanied-by-a-false-claim/) - An image recently shared on social media claimed to show Russian President Vladimir Putin visiting the Ram Temple in Ayodhya along with PM Modi and UP CM Yogi Adityanath. However, in its investigation, the PTI Fact Check Desk found that the image is not genuine and has been AI-generated. No official or credible report confirms such a visit. An AI-generated image of Russian President Putin visiting the Ram Temple in Ayodhya was falsely shared as real to mislead viewers. - [A 2017 video of Russian fighter jets escorting President Putin during his visit to Syria is being falsely shared as visuals from his recent visit to India](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/a-2017-video-of-russian-fighter-jets-escorting-president-putin-during-his-visit-to-syria-is-being-falsely-shared-as-visuals-from-his-recent-visit-to-india/) - Claim: The viral video shows Indian Air Force fighter jets escorting Russian President Vladimir Putin's aircraft as he enters Indian airspace during his recent visit to India. Fact: The video is from December 2017 and shows Russian Su-30 fighter jets escorting President Putin's aircraft during his visit to the Khmeimim Air Base in Syria. Hence, the claim is FALSE. - [Fake: France Plans to Create a PMC for Deployment to Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-france-plans-to-create-a-pmc-for-deployment-to-ukraine/) - French Decree No. 2025-1030 - the document Russian outlets point to as proof of Paris allegedly greenlighting a private military company for Ukraine - does nothing of the sort. Instead, it outlines rules for civilian economic operators conducting training and technical missions as part of international military cooperation, with no connection to PMC deployment. - [Old Video Falsely Shared as Russian President Putin Being Escorted by IAF Jets](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/old-video-falsely-shared-as-russian-president-putin-being-escorted-by-iaf-jets/) - The video dates back to December 2017, when Putin visited the Russia-run Hmeimim Air Base in Syria. - [Old Video Of Fighter Jets Escorting Russian President Vladimir Putin's Aircraft Going Viral Linking To His India Visit.](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/old-video-of-fighter-jets-escorting-russian-president-vladimir-putins-aircraft-going-viral-linking-to-his-india-visit/) - From our investigation, we can say that the claim is false. The viral video doesn't show IAF jets escorting Russian President Vladimir Putin's aircraft through the Indian skies. The video is old. It shows the Russian fighter jets escorting President Putin's plane during his visit to Syria in December 2017. - [2017 Video From Syria Shared As IAF Jets Escorting Putin As He Entered India](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/2017-video-from-syria-shared-as-iaf-jets-escorting-putin-as-he-entered-india/) - A video showing fighter jets covering the presidential aircraft of Russian President Vladimir Putin is being shared online with a false claim that it shows Indian Air Force (IAF) jets escorting him in Indian airspace during his recent visit. BOOM found that the video is from 2017 when Putin visited Syria accompanied by fighter jets of the Russian Aerospace Forces. - [Fact Check: Putin's visit to India - IAF escorts Russian President's aircraft before landing? Here are the facts](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-putins-visit-to-india-iaf-escorts-russian-presidents-aircraft-before-landing-here-are-the-facts/) - Claim: The video shows IAF fighter jets escorting Russian President Putin's aircraft as it enters Indian airspace. Fact: The claim is false. The video shows Putin's unannounced visit to Syria, where Russian Su-35 jets escorted his aircraft in 2017. - [Fact Check: Video Of An Indian Youth Trapped In Russia-Ukraine War Is AI-Generated](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-video-of-an-indian-youth-trapped-in-russia-ukraine-war-is-ai-generated/) - We can conclusively say that the viral clip claiming to show an Indian youth trapped in the Russia-Ukraine conflict is AI-generated. - [Video Of Haryana Youth Crying For Help From Russian Warzone Is AI Generated](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-of-haryana-youth-crying-for-help-from-russian-warzone-is-ai-generated/) - An artificial intelligence (AI) generated video claiming to show an Indian youth from Haryana fighting for the Russian Army and desperately pleading for help from the Indian government, is circulating online as a real video. - [PTI Fact Check: AI-generated video falsely shared as 'Haryana youth trapped in Russia seeking help from Indian authorities'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/pti-fact-check-ai-generated-video-falsely-shared-as-haryana-youth-trapped-in-russia-seeking-help-from-indian-authorities/) - Multiple social media users recently shared the video claiming it showed a youth from Haryana trapped in the Russia-Ukraine war and pleading for rescue. However, the PTI Fact Check Desk found that the video is AI-generated and was falsely shared as real, despite genuine reports of Indian citizens being lured into the Russia-Ukraine conflict. - [False Quote Attributed to Olena Zelenska About Joining NATO Circulates](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/false-quote-attributed-to-olena-zelenska-about-joining-nato-circulates/) - The quote attributed to Olena Zelenska is false. A similar phrase appeared in a 2022 BBC interview, but there she spoke not about enduring harsh conditions for 20-30 years or about joining NATO, but about 2-3 years and the prospect of joining the European Union - [Video Fabrication Is Circulating, Falsely Showing a 23-Year-Old Ukrainian Soldier Crying Over Being Taken to the War](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-fabrication-is-circulating-falsely-showing-a-23-year-old-ukrainian-soldier-crying-over-being-taken-to-the-war/) - The video of a Ukrainian soldier, circulating on social media, is AI-generated. It contains several flaws indicating the use of artificial intelligence. The original source of the video is a TikTok account that has posted a number of similar AI-generated videos. - [Dogs in Chernobyl mysteriously turned blue?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/dogs-in-chernobyl-mysteriously-turned-blue/) - Claim: Images authentically show dogs with blue fur near the site of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in Ukraine. Rating: True. Context: Dr. Jennifer Betz, medical director for the Dogs of Chernobyl program, said there is a "0% chance that the blue color is related to radiation." - [Fake: Charlie Hebdo Mocked Macron's Ukraine Policy and Pokrovsk Fighting](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-charlie-hebdo-mocked-macrons-ukraine-policy-and-pokrovsk-fighting/) - StopFake Fake: Charlie Hebdo Mocked Macron's Ukraine Policy and Pokrovsk ... Claim by Viral social media post: Charlie Hebdo Mocked Macron's Ukraine Policy and Pokrovsk Fighting StopFake rating: The covers are entirely fabricated; the French magazine has never published the cartoons in question. - [Fake: French Industrial Icon Shutters Because of 'Anti-Russia' Policy](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-french-industrial-icon-shutters-because-of-anti-russia-policy/) - The Bonpertuis plant didn't fall victim to anti-Russia sanctions, but to the broader slump in Europe's steel sector - a squeeze that has left smaller mills unable to absorb soaring costs or finance the large-scale investments required to stay competitive. - [Fake: Ukrainian Media Staged Olena Zelenska's Meeting with Melania Trump](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukrainian-media-staged-olena-zelenskas-meeting-with-melania-trump/) - This photo is real. The first ladies met at the UN General Assembly in late September and discussed the protection of Ukrainian children. [...] However, this accusation against the Ukrainian media is completely unfounded. First, the photos are not identical: Melania Trump's facial expression and leg position are different in the photos. And secondly, the US First Lady took joint photos with Olena Zelenska and the Queen of Jordan on the same day, which is why she is wearing the same white suit. [...] There are no signs of editing on the photo with Zelenska. - [Manipulation: Ukraine Lost a Billion Dollars by Signing a Contract With an "American Weapon Store" - FT](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/manipulation-ukraine-lost-a-billion-dollars-by-signing-a-contract-with-an-american-weapon-store-ft/) - Claim by Viral social media post: Ukraine Lost a Billion Dollars by Signing a Contract With an "American Weapon Store" - FT StopFake rating: The Financial Times did not write that Ukraine lost a billion dollars on this deal. The newspaper only reported on the arms supply contract that Ukraine signed with an Arizona company in the first months of the full-scale invasion. The company was never able to fulfill it due to the lack of experience in such large-scale deliveries. The irresponsible supplier received 17 million euros in advance, but Ukraine successfully sued for this money after the contract was canceled. - [Fact Check: Sora Videos Of Ukrainian Soldiers Surrendering In Pokrovsk Do NOT Show Real-Life Events | Lead Stories](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-sora-videos-of-ukrainian-soldiers-surrendering-in-pokrovsk-do-not-show-real-life-events-lead-stories/) - Claim on x.com: These are real videos of Ukrainian soldiers surrendering in the town of Pokrovsk. Lead Stories rating: AI Generated - [Fake: Ukrainian Gang Stole Chairs from Spanish Restaurants](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukrainian-gang-stole-chairs-from-spanish-restaurants/) - Claim by Viral social media post: Ukrainian Gang Stole Chairs from Spanish Restaurants StopFake rating: The story is true. Yet none of the media publications mention the nationality of the perpetrators. [No indication that they are Ukrainian.] - [Fake: Italian Landmark Collapsed Because Funds Were Diverted to Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-italian-landmark-collapsed-because-funds-were-diverted-to-ukraine/) - A historic tower in central Rome did not collapse because Italy "sent all its money to Ukraine." The medieval Torre dei Conti fell during fully funded restoration work. Italian authorities are investigating the incident as a workplace accident and possible negligence. - [Picture from 2024 Ukraine drone attack on Russia gas plant falsely shared as recent | Fact Check](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/picture-from-2024-ukraine-drone-attack-on-russia-gas-plant-falsely-shared-as-recent-fact-check/) - Claim by Multiple sources: Picture of fire at Russian gas plant in Orenburg on October 19, 2025 AFP Fact Check rating: False - [Manipulation: Canada Backtracks on Plan to Send Repaired Armored Vehicles to Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/manipulation-canada-backtracks-on-plan-to-send-repaired-armored-vehicles-to-ukraine/) - Claim by Viral social media post: Canada Backtracks on Plan to Send Repaired Armored Vehicles to Ukraine StopFake rating: Pro-Kremlin outlets have distorted the facts, portraying a routine contract adjustment as a sign that Ottawa is "abandoning" Kyiv. In truth, Canada remains a steadfast supporter of Ukraine - continuing to deliver weapons, train Ukrainian forces, and finance key defense initiatives. - [Fake: Ukraine's International Legion Is Recruiting Germans for Revenge Against Russia](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukraines-international-legion-is-recruiting-germans-for-revenge-against-russia/) - The International Legion firmly denied any role in the appearance of the leaflets. Their limited distribution - confined to a single district of Berlin - points to a staged provocation designed to discredit Ukraine and its armed forces. [...] Notably, the leaflets appeared only in a single Berlin district and carried an overtly propagandistic message - an appeal to a 'sense of revenge.' [...] The press service of the International Legion of Defence of Ukraine told StopFake it had no connection to the creation, distribution, or promotion of the leaflets. - [Manipulation: Ukraine Wants to Change Regional Borders in Order to "Not Give Up Donbas" | StopFake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/manipulation-ukraine-wants-to-change-regional-borders-in-order-to-not-give-up-donbas-stopfake/) - The bill concerns exclusively the internal optimization of administrative management and is related to the provision of social and financial guarantees for residents of the territories controlled by Ukraine; it does not provide for Ukraine to abandon the occupied areas or cede them to Russia. In addition, it is being considered by a special committee and may not be adopted - [Fake: Olena Zelenska Received an Israeli Citizen Passport](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-olena-zelenska-received-an-israeli-citizen-passport/) - The document circulating online is fake. This is evidenced by the many errors in the so-called passport, in particular, the misspelled Hebrew name, surname, nationality and birth place of Olena Zelenska, as well as the validity period of the document. - [Russian fake news: Ukrainians allegedly disconnected from public utilities for not appearing in military commissariat](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/russian-fake-news-ukrainians-allegedly-disconnected-from-public-utilities-for-not-appearing-in-military-commissariat/) - In a commentary to Ukrinform, the representative of Rivne Regional State Administration confirmed that the above 'announcement' was another fake story. By spreading fake narratives, Russian propagandists pursue two objectives at once. Firstly, they make attempts to sow panic within Ukraine against the background of the adoption of a decision on the draft bill on mobilization. Secondly, they try to discredit Ukraine's military and political leadership before international partners, as if the Ukrainian authorities were conscripting citizens against the law, allegedly shutting them out even in routine matters. - [Fake: Ukrainians in Poland and Great Britain Issued Draft Notices](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukrainians-in-poland-and-great-britain-issued-draft-notices/) - Russian media claims that draft notices are being issued to Ukrainians in the UK and Poland are not true. According to Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers Regulation #1487, Ukrainian diplomatic missions are obliged to inform Ukrainian citizens of military service age about conscription campaigns and to facilitate their return to Ukraine in times of mobilization or war. No one is authorized to serve draft notices abroad, not even diplomatic workers. The video being circulated online, in which a Telegram user claims several of his acquaintances received draft notices in their places of employment in Poland is a blatant lie. Another fake vein, in which a letter allegedly urging Ukrainians currently living in the UK to report to the Ukrainian embassy seemingly for military service, is also a forgery. - [Fake: Ukraine Forcefully Drafts More Than 80% of Men](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukraine-forcefully-drafts-more-than-80-of-men/) - This is not true. The disinformation was spread because of an interview with the head of Lviv Regional Territorial Center for Drafting and Social Support. In it, he stated that about 20% of conscripts, who must be recruited according to the Centre's plan, come voluntarily. Total mobilization or forced drafting of 80% of men was never mentioned. - [Fake: Ukraine to Set Military Conscription Age As Early As 20](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/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. - [Fake: In Ukraine, Men Run Away from Military Conscription with Easter Baskets - Video | StopFake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-in-ukraine-men-run-away-from-military-conscription-with-easter-baskets-video-stopfake/) - There is no evidence in the video of the presence of the TCC, military personnel or document checks. In fact, the 'Easter races' are a regional tradition: it is believed that the first person to return home after church will have good luck and prosperity on their land for the next year. - [Manipulation: Ukraine To Ban Conscripts From Enrolling to Universities](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/manipulation-ukraine-to-ban-conscripts-from-enrolling-to-universities/) - Statements about Ukraine allegedly planning to ban conscripts from enrolling to universities are completely baseless. Currently, there are no such draft laws in Ukraine, and no initiatives of this kind have been proposed by the authorities. In comments for Focus and TSN, lawyers confirmed that such a decision is extremely unlikely as it can be recognized as unconstitutional. - [Fake: First Children's Brigade Being Formed in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-first-childrens-brigade-being-formed-in-ukraine/) - In a comment for StopFake, the 117th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade in the Sumy region claimed that this information is fake. There is even no 153rd brigade in the Armed Forces. Instead, the 153rd separate battalion of the territorial defense was formed in Shostka at the very beginning of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine. In Ukraine, only citizens over the age of 18 are considered conscripts and can be drafted. - [Fact Check: F-15 And Su-27 Video Game Footage Presented As Real Interception Over Ukraine -- Old Video | Lead Stories](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-f-15-and-su-27-video-game-footage-presented-as-real-interception-over-ukraine-old-video-lead-stories/) - Does a viral video really show a Russian Su-27 jet intercepting a NATO F-15 trying to get closer to a Tu22m3 bomber over Ukraine? No, that's not true: The footage which was widely copied to other social networks carried the watermark of a TikTok channel that publishes aviation videos. The caption under the video indicated it was created in the "War Thunder" video game. - [Fake: Andriy Parubiy Behind Maidan Shootings, Odessa Trade Union Arson, and Ukraine Coup | StopFake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/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. - [Fake: Ukraine Bans Hasidic Pilgrimage to Uman | StopFake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukraine-bans-hasidic-pilgrimage-to-uman-stopfake/) - Ukrainian officials have made no move to block the annual Hasidic pilgrimage to Uman, despite claims circulating on social media and pro-Russian outlets. The allegation - attributed to unnamed sources - was swiftly dismissed by Israel's Foreign Ministry, the United Jewish Community of Ukraine, and the foundations that coordinate the yearly gathering. Organizers confirmed that preparations for Rosh Hashanah 2025 remain on track. - [Fake: JD Vance Said Ukraine Will Never Pay Out the Families of All Fallen Soldiers | StopFake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-jd-vance-said-ukraine-will-never-pay-out-the-families-of-all-fallen-soldiers-stopfake/) - The quote that Russian propaganda attributed to Vance is fabricated. We were unable to find any confirmation in any credible Western media that the US Vice President really commented on Ukraine's ability to make payments to the families of fallen soldiers and voiced such statistics. Moreover, the original source of the so-called quote is the X profile " Reagan Ronald " with the telling bio "Ban for fact-checking!" and the "parody account" tag. - [Fake: Pro-Russian Banners With Russian Flag Appear on Ukrainian Streets | StopFake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-pro-russian-banners-with-russian-flag-appear-on-ukrainian-streets-stopfake/) - Clips featuring these supposed "greetings" have appeared exclusively on Russian state-linked outlets, with no trace on Ukrainian platforms. The footage itself shows clear discrepancies-recycled shots spliced with artificial elements-pointing to manipulation through neural network tools. - [Fake: Conflicting Numbers on Ukrainian Children Abductions Deny Deportations | StopFake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-conflicting-numbers-on-ukrainian-children-abductions-deny-deportations-stopfake/) - Kremlin outlets have seized on discrepancies in estimates of the number of Ukrainian children taken to Russia, touting them as supposed "proof" that the deportations are a Western invention. In reality, the varying figures reflect the inherent difficulty of gathering reliable data amid an ongoing war and under occupation. What remains undisputed, however, is the consensus among international organizations: Russia is engaged in the systematic deportation of Ukrainian children. - [MANIPULATION: Shelling of Russian territory during negotiations proves that Ukraine does not want to end the war - Western journalist](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/manipulation-shelling-of-russian-territory-during-negotiations-proves-that-ukraine-does-not-want-to-end-the-war-western-journalist/) - Information is being spread online claiming that Ukraine is allegedly shelling Russian territory during peace negotiations. This was supposedly noticed in the West as well: Dutch journalist Sonja van den Ende stated that allegedly such behavior shows that Ukraine does not want to end the war. This is manipulation. Sonja van den Ende is a pro-Russian propagandist, not an independent Western journalist. The aggressor in the war is Russia, but it has not stopped shelling during negotiations. - [Fake: Soros's Son Called on Every Ukrainian to Join the Army | StopFake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-soross-son-called-on-every-ukrainian-to-join-the-army-stopfake/) - There is no such story on the Ukrayinska Pravda website. - [How a fake story about Russia capturing British officers circulated in 13 countries](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/how-a-fake-story-about-russia-capturing-british-officers-circulated-in-13-countries/) - Several pro-Russian websites have reported that two British army officers were captured by Russian special forces during a raid into Ukraine. It turns out, however, that the story is false and the photos meant to show the captured soldiers were generated by artificial intelligence. But that hasn't stopped this fake news item from being spread in at least 13 countries. - [Manipulation: Kyiv Targets Russian Language Status in European Charter Language Protections | StopFake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/manipulation-kyiv-targets-russian-language-status-in-european-charter-language-protections-stopfake/) - In fact, the measure does not amount to a ban. Rather, it addresses a longstanding translation error in the European Charter. The treaty is designed to safeguard endangered languages, while Russian - the official language of a major state - is not considered to be in need of such protection. - [Fake: Ukrainians Vandalized Martin Luther King Memorial in Alaska | StopFake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukrainians-vandalized-martin-luther-king-memorial-in-alaska-stopfake/) - In fact, the photo has nothing to do with reality. The image being circulated was generated with artificial intelligence, while the actual Martin Luther King memorial in Anchorage remains untouched. - [Fake: Trump Sent National Guard to Alaska Over Ukrainian Protests - CNN | StopFake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-trump-sent-national-guard-to-alaska-over-ukrainian-protests-cnn-stopfake/) - The CNN report on this matter is entirely fabricated, and no other U.S. news outlet has published similar claims. - [Fake: Ukraine Committed Genocide in Donbas by Cutting Off Water to Civilians | StopFake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukraine-committed-genocide-in-donbas-by-cutting-off-water-to-civilians-stopfake/) - In fact, Ukraine continued supplying water to the occupied territories for as long as the infrastructure allowed. Disruptions began only after Russian shelling and the seizure of key facilities. The damage to canals, pumping stations, and filtration units stems directly from Moscow's military actions - not from any so-called "humanitarian blockade" by Kyiv. - [Fake: The NYT Calls to "Redefine Death" in Ukraine to Harvest Organs for Transplantation from Living People | StopFake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-the-nyt-calls-to-redefine-death-in-ukraine-to-harvest-organs-for-transplantation-from-living-people-stopfake/) - The article mentions neither Ukraine nor harvesting organs from living people. - [Manipulation: Czech President Petr Pavel Agrees with Ukraine Losing Territories "For Survival" | StopFake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/manipulation-czech-president-petr-pavel-agrees-with-ukraine-losing-territories-for-survival-stopfake/) - The statement that Czech President Petr Pavel is calling on Ukraine to agree to the temporary occupation of some territories incorrectly reflects his stance. In an interview with the BBC, Petr Pavel emphasized that the West does not recognize the transfer of territories to Russia and advocates for preserving Ukraine's independence, not for agreeing to concessions or surrendering land. - [Fact check: Fake claim of UK officers 'captured' in Ukraine - DW - 08/07/2025](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-fake-claim-of-uk-officers-captured-in-ukraine-dw-08-07-2025/) - A demonstrably made-up story of British military officers being "captured" during a Russian raid in Ukraine has spread online this week, even being repeated by former British lawmakers. DW takes a look. - [Fake: Ukrainian Cultural Treasures Surface on London Auction Blocks | StopFake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukrainian-cultural-treasures-surface-on-london-auction-blocks-stopfake/) - The narrative is riddled with distortions and falsehoods: none of the cited artifacts belong to the Ukrainian state. - [Fake: Estonia Accused of Supplying Contaminated Meat to Ukrainian Military | StopFake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-estonia-accused-of-supplying-contaminated-meat-to-ukrainian-military-stopfake/) - The claim that Estonia is supplying contaminated meat to the Ukrainian Armed Forces is unfounded. Pro-Kremlin outlets manipulated remarks from an Estonian official to suggest that unsafe products were being shipped to Ukraine. In fact, the minister referenced canned meat produced from animals that were culled during routine veterinary inspections but showed no signs of disease. The products meet safety standards and are deemed fit for consumption. - [Manipulation: Hungary and Poland Consider Ukraine a Threat - Pew Research Poll | StopFake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/manipulation-hungary-and-poland-consider-ukraine-a-threat-pew-research-poll-stopfake/) - The main threat to European countries, as before, is Russia - it was named as the key threat by the majority of respondents who participated in the Pew Research Center poll. In Poland, 81% of respondents consider Russia a key threat (versus 6% who named Ukraine as a possible threat), and in Hungary, 33% placed Russia in first place (versus 27% who named Ukraine as a threat). - [Fake: European Media Provides Evidence of Ukraine Using Chemical Weapons | StopFake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-european-media-provides-evidence-of-ukraine-using-chemical-weapons-stopfake/) - In reality, an article in an Italian pro-Kremlin media outlet simply repeats the words of Russian propagandists - without any factual basis. - [What We Know About Rumor American Derek Huffman Was Killed Fighting for the Russian Military | Lead Stories](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/what-we-know-about-rumor-american-derek-huffman-was-killed-fighting-for-the-russian-military-lead-stories/) - Was American Derek Huffman killed in a drone strike while fighting for the Russian military in Ukraine in July 2025? A YouTube account used by his wife claimed in a comment that Huffman is alive and well. Another American acquaintance of Huffman also told Lead Stories that Huffman is alive, but definitive proof was not immediately available. Here's what we know so far. - [Fake: New Musical Express Claims Coldplay Deleted Ukraine Support Posts Amid Subscriber Backlash | StopFake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-new-musical-express-claims-coldplay-deleted-ukraine-support-posts-amid-subscriber-backlash-stopfake/) - The NME outlet has not published any such video reports, and the visual design circulating online appears to be fabricated. Coldplay has not removed any posts in support of Ukraine - this is confirmed by both the band's official social media pages and archived versions of their content. - [Fake: Ukraine Plans to Blow Up 550 Tons of Ammonia in Novotroitske | StopFake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukraine-plans-to-blow-up-550-tons-of-ammonia-in-novotroitske-stopfake/) - The assertion [by Russia's Ministry of Defense] that Ukraine is orchestrating a provocation involving the explosion of 550 tons of ammonia in Novotroitske is unfounded. The ammonia pipeline in that area has been out of service since 2022, with the section in the Donetsk region fully decommissioned. It no longer contains any significant quantity of ammonia, making such a scenario technically impossible. - [Ukraine explosion clip misrepresented as Mideast conflict](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/ukraine-explosion-clip-misrepresented-as-mideast-conflict/) - Footage of a blast in Ukraine has been falsely presented online as showing a scene from the 12-day war between Iran and Israel. The video matches visuals of a neighbourhood in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. - [NATO's Eastward Expansion and the Supposed Betrayal of Russia | Geopolitical Monitor](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/natos-eastward-expansion-and-the-supposed-betrayal-of-russia-geopolitical-monitor/) - However, while the West's indecisive and dithering approach to the Ukrainian crisis may certainly warrant criticism, especially from the standpoint of the Ukrainians, there are ample grounds on which to contest the narrative that NATO has reneged on any of its formal obligations towards Russia under international law or provoked Russia by breaking a "gentleman's agreement" entered into with the Russian state. - [Manipulation: Switzerland To Abolish Refugee Status for Ukrainians](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/manipulation-switzerland-to-abolish-refugee-status-for-ukrainians/) - The possible differentiation of relatively "safe" Ukrainian regions is being discussed. Those who already live in Switzerland will not be affected by this change. - [Fake: Zelenska Claims Ukraine Is Ready to Accept 40 Million Refugees from Israel](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-zelenska-claims-ukraine-is-ready-to-accept-40-million-refugees-from-israel/) - First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska made no such statement regarding the acceptance of 40 million Israeli refugees. The claim is entirely false and has been circulated as part of a disinformation campaign. In reality, Ukraine successfully coordinated the evacuation of 176 individuals from Israel to Moldova, including 133 Ukrainian citizens and nationals of Moldova, Latvia, Azerbaijan, Estonia, and the United States. - [No, Ukrainian hackers didn't attack Pentagon website on US' Flag Day](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-ukrainian-hackers-didnt-attack-pentagon-website-on-us-flag-day/) - We analyzed the structure and content of the WIRED website and concluded that the screenshot provided by the pro-Russian Telegram channel is definitely fake. The official website has no "BREAKING NEWS" section, and the magazine publishes all security-related news, including about hacker attacks, in the "Security" section. - [Manipulation: Ukraine Left Without School Textbooks After Closure of USAID Program | StopFake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/manipulation-ukraine-left-without-school-textbooks-after-closure-of-usaid-program-stopfake/) - The assertion that Ukraine has been left without school textbooks following the closure of a USAID program is a manipulation. In reality, the USAID program was implemented as planned, and textbook provision continues through funding from Ukraine's state budget. Such disinformation is intended to sow panic and erode public trust in both Ukrainian authorities and international partners. - [Fake: Kitchen Pot from the Revolution of Dignity Sold at a London Auction](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-kitchen-pot-from-the-revolution-of-dignity-sold-at-a-london-auction/) - There is no evidence online of the existence of such a lot. Moreover, the photo was shared only by Russian resources. - [Fake: NATO Chief Rutte "Ukraine Should Fight Until 2030"](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-nato-chief-rutte-ukraine-should-fight-until-2030/) - NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has made no statement suggesting that Ukraine "must fight until 2030." In reality, Rutte warned that Russia could be prepared to use military force against NATO within the next five years, and emphasized that the threat to European security will persist even after the war in Ukraine concludes. - [Fake: Schoolchildren Forced to Clear Debris After Shelling in Kyiv Because Adults are Avoid Drafting](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-schoolchildren-forced-to-clear-debris-after-shelling-in-kyiv-because-adults-are-avoid-drafting/) - In the video published by the Ukrainian deputy schoolchildren joined in clearing the rubble as volunteers. - [Fake: UK Visa Center in Kyiv Closed Down After Russian Shelling](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-uk-visa-center-in-kyiv-closed-down-after-russian-shelling/) - In reality, the visa center, which helps to obtain visas to the UK, has long since moved to another address. As a result of the Russian shelling, the building where it is currently located was not damaged, and it continues to operate. This visa center is a commercial structure and is formally in no way connected with the British government. - [Fake: Polish Newspaper Publishes Interview with Russian War Correspondent and Propagandist](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-polish-newspaper-publishes-interview-with-russian-war-correspondent-and-propagandist/) - A newspaper with that name does not actually exist, and the interview is forged. - [Fake: Ukrainian Hackers Target Pentagon Website Over Display of Russian Tricolor - Wired](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukrainian-hackers-target-pentagon-website-over-display-of-russian-tricolor-wired/) - The American outlet Wired has not reported that a so-called 'Ukrainian branch' of the Anonymous hacker collective attacked the U.S. Department of Defense website over a Russian flag image used in a Flag Day greeting. Russian propaganda appropriated Wired's branding to fabricate yet another disinformation narrative aimed at discrediting Ukraine. - [Fact Check: 2024 video of strikes on Kyiv falsely described as Russia retaliation to 2025 drone attack](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-2024-video-of-strikes-on-kyiv-falsely-described-as-russia-retaliation-to-2025-drone-attack/) - A video showing missiles striking central Kyiv in 2024 has been falsely suggested by social media users to show Moscow's retaliation in June 2025 to Ukraine's drone attack inside Russia. - [Fact Check: This Video Is Gaming Footage And Does Not Depict A Ukrainian Attack On Russian Air Base Under Operation 'Spider Web'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-this-video-is-gaming-footage-and-does-not-depict-a-ukrainian-attack-on-russian-air-base-under-operation-spider-web/) - Under Operation 'Spider Web', Ukraine targeted Russian military infrastructure and air bases with drones. However, the viral video claiming to show this is not of real footage; it is from a video game. - [Fact Check: NO EVIDENCE Taxpayers Paid $411,634 For Sen. Lindsey Graham's May 2025 Hotel Stay In Kyiv | Lead Stories](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-no-evidence-taxpayers-paid-411634-for-sen-lindsey-grahams-may-2025-hotel-stay-in-kyiv-lead-stories/) - Do viral screenshots prove that U.S. taxpayers paid $411,634.00 for Senator Lindsey Graham's hotel stay in Kyiv, Ukraine, in May 2025? No, that's not true: His name is not linked to the spending documented in the images. The Department of State told Lead Stories that the screenshot of the agency's government contract in Ukraine had nothing to do with congressional travel. - [No, the New START nuclear deal did not enable Ukraine to carry out 'Spider's Web' attack](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-the-new-start-nuclear-deal-did-not-enable-ukraine-to-carry-out-spiders-web-attack/) - Since Ukraine's surprise "Operation Spider's Web" strikes on Russian bombers, some internet users have been coming up with theories about how Kyiv carried them out. Some allege that Ukraine took advantage… - [Lindsey Graham, Richard Blumenthal didn't spend $800K on hotels during Kyiv visit. We crunched the numbers | Snopes.com](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/lindsey-graham-richard-blumenthal-didnt-spend-800k-on-hotels-during-kyiv-visit-we-crunched-the-numbers-snopes-com/) - The senators visited Kyiv on May 30, 2025, but the alleged $814,000 expense covered a State Department hotel contract for June lodging in Kyiv. - [A video of a burning petrochemical factory in Sharjah is falsely shared as footage of a Russian retaliation against Ukraine. - FACTLY](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/a-video-of-a-burning-petrochemical-factory-in-sharjah-is-falsely-shared-as-footage-of-a-russian-retaliation-against-ukraine-factly/) - The video showing a petroleum chemical factory burning in Sharjah is falsely shared as footage of a Russian retaliation against Ukraine. - [Gaming simulation video is falsely shared as real footage of the ongoing June 2025 Russia-Ukraine conflict - FACTLY](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/gaming-simulation-video-is-falsely-shared-as-real-footage-of-the-ongoing-june-2025-russia-ukraine-conflict-factly/) - Claim: The video shows that Ukraine destroyed 40 Russian nuclear-capable bombers in a drone strike on Russian airbases in June 2025. Fact: The viral video does not show Ukraine destroying 40 Russian nuclear-capable bombers in a drone strike in June 2025. The footage is from the military simulation game Arma 3, created for entertainment and educational purposes, not real events. While Ukraine's Operation Spiderweb targeted multiple Russian airbases on 01 June 2025, Russian officials confirmed damage only at Murmansk and Irkutsk bases. Authentic footage of the attacks differs from the viral video. Hence, the claim made in the post is FALSE. - [Fact-Check | This Video Doesn't Show Recent Visuals of Russia Retaliating Against Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-this-video-doesnt-show-recent-visuals-of-russia-retaliating-against-ukraine/) - Claim: The viral video shows Russia's latest strike on Ukraine, destroying seven airbases and signalling a dire warning to the West. Fact: The video dates back to July 2024 and shows a Russian missile hitting a Kyiv children's hospital, not multiple airbases. - [Fact check: Viral video showing explosion not related to Russia-Ukraine war | lighthousejournalism](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-viral-video-showing-explosion-not-related-to-russia-ukraine-war-lighthousejournalism/) - The viral video claimed to show Russia's attacks on Ukraine is a video of a massive fire at Al Hamriya Port in Sharjah. The viral claim is misleading. - [A compilation of two old videos from Crimea is falsely shared as that of explosions in Moscow during the ongoing June 2025 Russia-Ukraine conflict - FACTLY](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/a-compilation-of-two-old-videos-from-crimea-is-falsely-shared-as-that-of-explosions-in-moscow-during-the-ongoing-june-2025-russia-ukraine-conflict-factly/) - The video doesn't show Moscow explosions in June 2025, it's a compilation of old footage from Crimea during past Russia-Ukraine conflicts. - [Trump did not say Ukraine must compensate Russia for destroyed aircraft | Snopes.com](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/trump-did-not-say-ukraine-must-compensate-russia-for-destroyed-aircraft-snopes-com/) - Trump never made the above statement, nor did he call on Ukraine to compensate Russia for destroyed aircraft. We found no evidence in his publicized statements, in the news media or on his social media accounts to corroborate the claim. As such, it is an incorrect attribution. - [Fact Check: Russia attacks Ukrainian fuel storage unit? No, video depicts fire at Sharjah's Al Hamriyah port](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-russia-attacks-ukrainian-fuel-storage-unit-no-video-depicts-fire-at-sharjahs-al-hamriyah-port/) - Claim: The video shows the aftermath of Russia's attack on Ukraine. Fact: The claim is false. The video shows a fire breaking out at a fuel storage facility in Sharjah's Al Hamriyah Port on May 31. - [Video doesn't show Ukraine striking Moscow with Taurus missile amid June 2025 drone attacks | Snopes.com](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-doesnt-show-ukraine-striking-moscow-with-taurus-missile-amid-june-2025-drone-attacks-snopes-com/) - The footage actually showed a Ukrainian strike on the Crimean port of Feodosia in December 2023 - not Ukrainian strikes on Russia in June 2025. - [Video showed Ukrainian drones striking Russian bombers? | Snopes.com](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-showed-ukrainian-drones-striking-russian-bombers-snopes-com/) - The line between games and reality is more blurred than ever. - [Fact-Check: AI-Generated Image Viral as Real Photo of Ukrainian Airbase Destroyed by Retaliatory Attacks by Russia](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-ai-generated-image-viral-as-real-photo-of-ukrainian-airbase-destroyed-by-retaliatory-attacks-by-russia/) - Multiple tools showed high confidence that this image is an AI-generated one. - [PTI Fact Check: Old image of Russian S-400 destroyed by Ukraine falsely linked to recent India-Pakistan military conflict](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/pti-fact-check-old-image-of-russian-s-400-destroyed-by-ukraine-falsely-linked-to-recent-india-pakistan-military-conflict/) - Multiple social media users shared a photo showing a heavily damaged and likely destroyed military vehicle, specifically a radar or air defence system. The user claimed that Pakistan destroyed India's S-400 defence system. However, the Desk found that the photo shows a Russian S-400 defence system destroyed by Ukraine in 2024. The image was shared with a false claim on social media. - [Fact Check: Trump Did NOT Post Complaint About Ukraine's Attacks On Russia Interrupting His Sleep | Lead Stories](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-trump-did-not-post-complaint-about-ukraines-attacks-on-russia-interrupting-his-sleep-lead-stories/) - Did U.S. President Donald Trump complain on social media that Ukraine's attacks on Russia interfere with his sleep? No, that's... - [Fact Check: Video Of Fire At Sharjah Port Falsely Shared As Russia Attacking Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-video-of-fire-at-sharjah-port-falsely-shared-as-russia-attacking-ukraine/) - Video claiming to show Russia attacking Ukraine. - [Fact Check: Russia bombs Ukraine airbases in military retaliation? No, video is from 2024](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-russia-bombs-ukraine-airbases-in-military-retaliation-no-video-is-from-2024/) - Claim: After a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack, the video shows Russia retaliating by bombing Ukrainian airbases. Fact: The claim is false. The video shows Russian missiles raining down on Kyiv on July 8, 2024. - [Fact Check: Video Game Footage Does NOT Show Actual Destruction of Russian Strategic Bombers | Lead Stories](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-video-game-footage-does-not-show-actual-destruction-of-russian-strategic-bombers-lead-stories/) - Does a viral video really show the destruction of "40 Russian strategic bombers" of type TU-95 destroyed by a "daring... - [Fact Check: Video Does NOT Show Russian Attack on Ukrainian Airbases in June 2025 | Lead Stories](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-video-does-not-show-russian-attack-on-ukrainian-airbases-in-june-2025-lead-stories/) - Did a widely-shared clip show Russian missile strikes on Ukrainian airbases, in retaliation against a series of drone attacks on Russian warplanes in June 2025? No, that's not true: The footage was old, and dated to July 2024 at the latest. It appeared to show Russian missiles striking a children's hospital in Kyiv, not airbases. - [Ukrainian airbase destroyed by Russia in retaliatory action? No, image is AI-generated](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/ukrainian-airbase-destroyed-by-russia-in-retaliatory-action-no-image-is-ai-generated/) - Claim: The image shows a Ukrainian airbase destroyed in a retaliatory action by Russia. Fact: The claim is false. The image is AI-generated. - [Fact Check: Russia's retaliation for Ukraine's Spider's Web? This video is from 2024 - India Today](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-russias-retaliation-for-ukraines-spiders-web-this-video-is-from-2024-india-today/) - The video dates back to July 2024. It does not show a recent Russian retaliatory strike on Ukraine. - [Fact Check: President Trump Did NOT Say Ukraine Must Compensate Russia For Aircraft Destroyed In June 1, 2025, Drone Attacks | Lead Stories](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-president-trump-did-not-say-ukraine-must-compensate-russia-for-aircraft-destroyed-in-june-1-2025-drone-attacks-lead-stories/) - Did President Trump say that Ukraine must compensate Russia for the aircraft it destroyed in a June 1, 2025, drone attack on Russian air bases? No, that's not true: There is no record of President Trump posting these words on his social media accounts or saying them publicly. A Google search for the quote finds it only on social media posts not related to Trump. No news media reported the quote, although the photo on the meme of Trump speaking in the Oval Office would suggest he said it there in front of journalists. - [Fact Check: Russian Nuclear Bomber Attacks Ukraine? 2024 Video Shared With False Claim](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-russian-nuclear-bomber-attacks-ukraine-2024-video-shared-with-false-claim/) - Claim: Russian nuclear bomber attacks Ukraine️ following the latter's large-scale drone strikes on June 1, 2025, targeting multiple airbases deep inside Russia. Fact: Video dates back to November 21, 2024, when Russia fired its intermediate-range ballistic missile, targeting the Pivdenmash industrial plant in Dnipro, Ukraine. - [Fake: McDonald's Condemns Use of Their Brand in Ukraine's Defense Ministry Ad | StopFake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-mcdonalds-condemns-use-of-their-brand-in-ukraines-defense-ministry-ad-stopfake/) - Both the CBS video and the company's so-called comment on the issue are fake. - [War in Ukraine: In 2023, Russian disinformation continued to dominate](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/war-in-ukraine-in-2023-russian-disinformation-continued-to-dominate/) - Out of the 197 fact-checking articles our team wrote in 2023, 52 of them concerned the war in Ukraine. And 50 of those highlighted pro-Russian disinformation aimed at discrediting Kyiv and the Ukrainian war effort. - [Don’t fall for this supposed anti-Ukrainian billboard declaring ‘Glory to Urine’](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/dont-fall-for-this-supposed-anti-ukrainian-billboard-declaring-glory-to-urine/) - Verdict: This video was altered. Erin Watkins, general counsel for [billboard owner] Big Outdoor, told PolitiFact that "Glory to Urine" never appeared on the billboard and that the "original video that was used to create the doctored images appears to be at least over a year old." "The images are 100% fake," Watkins said. - [Debunked: The fake anti-Ukraine ads targeting US and Poland - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/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. - [A year of disinformation around the war in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/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. - [Watch out, this isn't a real American ad campaign calling for homeless people to fight in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/watch-out-this-isnt-a-real-american-ad-campaign-calling-for-homeless-people-to-fight-in-ukraine/) - A call for homeless Americans to join the Ukrainian front? That"s what these advertisements shared on Twitter since April 2023 claim to show. Publications in several languages claim that a poster in the New York subway is offering financial benefits to those who are down on their luck - by fighting in Ukraine. However, there are several visual inconsistencies in the poster that point to it being fake. Plus, Ukrainian authorities have denied the existence of any such campaign. - [Video of 'Stand with Israel' text on NYC billboard is fake | verifythis.com](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-of-stand-with-israel-text-on-nyc-billboard-is-fake-verifythis-com/) - A spokesperson for Clear Channel told VERIFY a video showing a billboard with an ad that replaces 'Stand with Ukraine' text with 'Stand with Israel' is fake. - [Putin didn't 'shut down' all Russian oil to the U.S. It's already banned.](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/putin-didnt-shut-down-all-russian-oil-to-the-u-s-its-already-banned/) - This isn't accurate. The U.S. banned all imports of Russian oil, natural gas and coal in March 2022 after Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine. A caption on an April 26 viral Facebook video claims that Russian President Vladimir Putin "just SHUTDOWN All Oil To The US, Collapsing The US Economy!" Oil prices have dropped in recent days, but market experts credit that largely to weak demand and economic jitters over banking. This is the opposite of what would be expected with prices if this claim were accurate. It's not. This claim is Pants on Fire! - [Ukraine: fake NYC subway ad calls homeless Americans to "join" the war - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/ukraine-fake-nyc-subway-ad-calls-homeless-americans-to-join-the-war-truth-or-fake/) - Viral photos on social media showed a fake advertisement in the New York City subway system calling for the city's homeless to join the fight in Ukraine. Vedika Bahl explains this misinformation, in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [New York billboard with messages on Israel, Ukraine is fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/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. - [Fake: New York Ad Calls to Help Israel Instead of Ukraine - Video](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-new-york-ad-calls-to-help-israel-instead-of-ukraine-video/) - The owner of the billboard, Clear Channel Outdoors, told Reuters that the ad in the video is fake. - [Fake USA Today video reports supposed New York ‘brawl’ involving Ukrainian delegate](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-usa-today-video-reports-supposed-new-york-brawl-involving-ukrainian-delegate/) - The video, which has USA Today's logo and style, has been shared across multiple social media platforms. - [FACT CHECK: Post Claims To Show Letter From Vladimir Putin | Check Your Fact](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-post-claims-to-show-letter-from-vladimir-putin-check-your-fact/) - There is no evidence Putin released or wrote this letter - [FACT CHECK: No Evidence 'Glory To Urine' Billboard Is Real | Check Your Fact](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-no-evidence-glory-to-urine-billboard-is-real-check-your-fact/) - There is no evidence, though, that this occurred. Check Your Fact did not find any credible news outlets reporting on the alleged billboard. Instead, multiple outlets, including fact-checking website Snopes, reported that the billboard was a viral fake. - [Fake: In USA Ad Сalls Not to “Burn Money” to Support Israel, but to Help Ukraine – Video](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-in-usa-ad-сalls-not-to-burn-money-to-support-israel-but-to-help-ukraine-video/) - Advertising campaign calling for "stand with Ukraine," which was allegedly initiated by the Ukrainian government, is fake. The corporation that installed the billboard shown in the video denied the existence of such an advertisement. - [Billboard in New York City shows "Stand with Israel" ad replacing "Stand with Ukraine" ad.](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/billboard-in-new-york-city-shows-stand-with-israel-ad-replacing-stand-with-ukraine-ad/) - New York City billboard ad showing 'Stand with Israel' replacing Ukraine is fake A video claiming to show a pro-Israel ad replaced a pro-Ukraine ad on a New York City digital billboard is fabricated and didn't appear there, the company that owns the billboard said. - [Was a 16-year-old Russian beaten to death by Ukrainians?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/was-a-16-year-old-russian-beaten-to-death-by-ukrainians/) - The claim that a Russian youth was beaten to death by a "mob of Ukrainian refugees" in the German city of Euskirchen was published in a video addressing Russians in Germany. However, the incident never happened. - [Why are fake covers of French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo circulating in Russia?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/why-are-fake-covers-of-french-satirical-magazine-charlie-hebdo-circulating-in-russia/) - There have been at least six fake covers of French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo circulating online, especially on Russian Telegram channels, over the past six months. And Charlie Hebdo isn't the only magazine targeted- fake covers of numerous international media outlets have also been circulating online since the start of the war in Ukraine. The FRANCE 24 Observers team spoke to an independent Russian media outlet that investigated these fake covers being posted. - [When Russian propaganda mimics French news to spread disinformation - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/when-russian-propaganda-mimics-french-news-to-spread-disinformation-truth-or-fake/) - For several months, at least six fake anti-Ukraine covers of the French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo have been circulating online, especially on Russian Telegram channels. Now a fake news report, attributed to French media outlet 20 Minutes, falsely accuses Russian independent journalist Ilya Ber of being behind these Charlie Hebdo covers. We debunk this false news report in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [The Many Deaths of Vladimir Putin](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/the-many-deaths-of-vladimir-putin/) - Shortly after Russia launched its brutal war against Ukraine, rumors began circulating about Vladimir Putin's health. It's not the first time. - [This video does not show Mexican cartel members with US weapons smuggled from Ukraine - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/this-video-does-not-show-mexican-cartel-members-with-us-weapons-smuggled-from-ukraine-truth-or-fake/) - Social media users are sharing a viral video that allegedly shows US Javelin anti-tank missile systems, destined for Ukraine, in the hands of Mexican cartel members. The artillery in question is not a Javelin; experts conclude that the cartel members in the video are carrying another type of weapon. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [Photofake: Anti-Ukrainian Billboards Appear in Poland](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/photofake-anti-ukrainian-billboards-appear-in-poland/) - The photograph circulated by Russian media and pro-Kremlin social media users as proof of anti-Ukrainian advertising in Poland, is an example of basic photoshop manipulation. There are scores of identical photos on the web which containe different advertisements on the billboards. Using the Mediamodifier website, your image can be inserted on this billboard with the same background, completely free of charge. - [No, Ukrainian refugees were not banned from shops in Prague - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-ukrainian-refugees-were-not-banned-from-shops-in-prague-truth-or-fake/) - A photoshopped picture is circulating online of two shops in Prague that allegedly refused entry to Ukrainians. The owners of the shop has denied these claims. Meanwhile, some social media users claim that Ukrainian refugees were evicted from a hotel in Bulgaria. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [Old photos resurface with false claim that they show British ships 'bombed in Ukraine'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/old-photos-resurface-with-false-claim-that-they-show-british-ships-bombed-in-ukraine/) - Two photos have been shared in social media posts alongside false claims that they show the aftermath of British cargo ships bombed by the Russian air force in a port in Odesa in southern Ukraine on July 16, 2023. However, the photos were in fact taken in Libya and Indonesia respectively and predate Russia's invasion of Ukraine. - [No, this stamp in tribute to a Nazi veteran was not issued by Ukraine - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-this-stamp-in-tribute-to-a-nazi-veteran-was-not-issued-by-ukraine-truth-or-fake/) - The Kremlin accuses Ukraine of issuing a national stamp with the face of 98-year-old Yaroslav Hunka, a Canadian-Ukrainian soldier who served in a Nazi military unit during World War II and was wrongfully honoured in the Canadian parliament last week with a standing ovation. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [No, Ukraine didn't release a postal stamp of a pro-Nazi soldier](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-ukraine-didnt-release-a-postal-stamp-of-a-pro-nazi-soldier/) - Pro-Russian social media accounts have been circulating an image of what they say is a Ukrainian postage stamp showing a Ukrainian veteran who fought alongside the Nazis in World World II. It turns out, however, that this isn"t a real stamp. - [No, Russian president Vladimir Putin did not wish former South African president Jacob Zuma happy birthday - Africa Check](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-russian-president-vladimir-putin-did-not-wish-former-south-african-president-jacob-zuma-happy-birthday-africa-check/) - Much has been made of the South African government's close ties to Russia following news that the country will host Russian president Vladimir Putin in 2023. But images suggesting Putin congratulated former president Jacob Zuma on his birthday - on live TV - are fabricated. - [No, the BBC didn’t report that Ukraine is selling weapons to Hamas](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-the-bbc-didnt-report-that-ukraine-is-selling-weapons-to-hamas/) - No, the BBC report that said Ukraine is selling weapons to Hamas is not real. The fake video is being promoted by pro-Russia social media accounts. - [Manipulation: Ukraine To Become Uninhabitable - Foreign Affairs](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/manipulation-ukraine-to-become-uninhabitable-foreign-affairs/) - A recent article talks about steps to be taken to help Ukrainian energy networks avoid collapse in the face of relentless Russian bombardment. The author argues that this is no less important than the supply of modern weapons. The possibility of Ukraine becoming uninhabitable is discussed only in the event of a complete lack of support from the West, and the total Russian destruction of Ukraine's energy infrastructure. - [Manipulation: British Military Expert Says Ukraine Can't Retake Crimea](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/manipulation-british-military-expert-says-ukraine-cant-retake-crimea/) - In his opinion piece for the British conservative Daily Telegraph newspaper, retired British Colonel Richard Kemp does not write that Ukraine "cannot seize Crimea." On the contrary, Kemp emphasizes that "Russia's complete collapse is surprisingly close," Ukraine will be able to return the Crimean Peninsula which was annexed in 2014 and "achieve the complete collapse of Putin's forces" with the full support of its partners. - [Manipulation: UN Accuses Ukrainian Security Forces of Torturing Civilians](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/manipulation-un-accuses-ukrainian-security-forces-of-torturing-civilians/) - The UN report on the detention of civilians during Russia's full-scale attack on Ukraine focuses mainly on the atrocities committed by the Russian military on the territory of Ukraine. The report documents more than 900 cases of arbitrary detention of civilians, including children and the elderly. The "vast majority" of these cases were committed by the Russian Federation. Moreover, executions committed by Russian troops are equated with a war crime. No such executions have been recorded on the Ukrainian side. - [Fake: Ukrainian Linguistic Russophobia: Common Hare No Longer to be Called Rusak](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukrainian-linguistic-russophobia-common-hare-no-longer-to-be-called-rusak/) - A doctored video is circulating online making an outrageous linguistic claim against Ukrainians. StopFake analyzed the video and found it to be doctored. Russian propagandists edited a false claim into the ticker of a legitimate news story from Ukrainian television. - [Fake: Ukrainian Servicemen Given Vouchers Instead of Salaries](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukrainian-servicemen-given-vouchers-instead-of-salaries/) - There are no vouchers issued as "payment for service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine". Russian propagandists took a military bond Ukraine issued in 2014 and created fake, claiming that this document is issued to Ukrainian military in lieu of salary payments. - [Fake: Ukrainian Authorities Planning to Mobilize Nuclear Plant Workers - Document](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukrainian-authorities-planning-to-mobilize-nuclear-plant-workers-document/) - A "document" purporting to be an order for the mobilization of Ukraine's nuclear plant workers is being disseminated online. The document is a fake as evidenced by the many errors in the text of the letter. Furthermore, some of the "signers" of this "document" are no longer members of Ukraine's parliament. Mobilization preparation and management is not the responsibility of Ukraine's legislative body. - [Fake: Ukrainian Soldiers Fire on Car with Russian Speaking Mother and Child](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukrainian-soldiers-fire-on-car-with-russian-speaking-mother-and-child/) - Russian media are disseminating a video claiming it shows a Ukrainian soldier shooting at a car with a woman and child inside because the woman was speaking Russian. This poorly staged video was shot in Russian occupied Ukraine near Donetsk. The alleged Russian speaking woman and child are never seen, the location of the alleged incident is a spot where Ukrainian military simply could not be present, all and the cross painted on the back of the alleged Ukrainian military vehicle - a symbol that has never been used by the Ukrainian military, all point to the the video being yet another Russian fake. - [Fake: Ukrainian Army Beat Brazilian Volunteer Who Tried to Escape](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukrainian-army-beat-brazilian-volunteer-who-tried-to-escape/) - The video is another propaganda staging. The man allegedly being 'beaten' on the back with a stick does not have a Brazilian Portuguese accent, as it should be if he were really from Brazil. StopFake confirmed that the man spoke European Portuguese, which was evidently not his native language. Another important argument is the fact that the Brazilians, who are indeed among the volunteers, do not serve in the 128th brigade of the Ukrainian Forces. Like other foreign volunteers who came to defend Ukraine, Brazilians serve only as part of the Armed Forces International Legion. - [Fake: Polish TV Uses Poland Map that Includes Neighboring Ukrainian Regions](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-polish-tv-uses-poland-map-that-includes-neighboring-ukrainian-regions/) - The Polish television channel TVP, whose logo was used on a Russian fake showing a map of Poland that includes neighboring Ukrainian territories, denied they had ever used such a map during any of their programming. The screenshot used by Russian media was taken from a TVP weather forecast, a map was photoshopped with a new map and a presenter from another Polish television channel. - [Fake: Ukraine Selling Stale Leftovers Due to Bread Shortages](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukraine-selling-stale-leftovers-due-to-bread-shortages/) - Russian media is disseminating fake stories claiming Ukraine is selling stale repackaged bread as the country is suffering from bread shortages. Bread manufacturer Kyivkhlib's hotline reported that they do not produce the kinds of bread products described in these Russian stories. Russian propagandist claims that there is a bread shortage in Ukraine are also untrue. While experts predict an increase in bread prices throughout 2023, there are absolutely no bread shortages in Ukraine. - [Fake: Polish Defense Ministry Urges Citizens to Defend Europe from Wagner Group Founder -...](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-polish-defense-ministry-urges-citizens-to-defend-europe-from-wagner-group-founder/) - An "advertising poster" in the photo was faked. The press service of the Ministry of National Defense of Poland, at the request of a StopFake journalist, stated that none of their departments responsible for recruiting candidates for the Polish Army is the author of this poster. - [FAKE: The USA recognized the superiority of Russian tanks over Western counterparts](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-the-usa-recognized-the-superiority-of-russian-tanks-over-western-counterparts/) - Military Watch Magazine regularly spreads pro-Russian propaganda. Experts note the advantages of Western tanks over Russian ones - [Fake: Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Icons To Be Auctioned in Paris](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-kyiv-pechersk-lavra-icons-to-be-auctioned-in-paris/) - A French auction house representative told StopFake that a billboard advertising the sale of Ukrainian icons from the Kyiv Monastery of the Caves is fake, and no such an auction is planned. The Osenat website has no auctions scheduled for October 1. Claims that the West is exporting and selling Ukrainian artworks are Russian disinformation. - [Fake: Kyiv Throws a ''Makhachkala on Fire'' Party](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/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. - [Fake: Lyceum in Ivano-Frankivsk Launches an LGBT Club](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-lyceum-in-ivano-frankivsk-launches-an-lgbt-club/) - In a comment to StopFake, the lyceum denied the information circulating online. Besides, the cited announcement has not been posted on the school's official website. - [Fake: Kyivstar Charity Campaign Reveals Real Numbers of Deceased Ukrainian Soldiers](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-kyivstar-charity-campaign-reveals-real-numbers-of-deceased-ukrainian-soldiers/) - The mobile operator's press service stated that they did not publish this video, nor did they launch such a charity campaign. Kyivstar believes that this disinformation attack is aimed at deliberately causing suffering to the relatives of the victims and creating a public outcry. - [Fake: Flag with Nazi Swastika in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-flag-with-nazi-swastika-in-ukraine/) - On September 20, the official Twitter account of the Permanent Mission of Russia in Geneva published a photo entitled "Modern Ukraine. Human Rights on the Upgrade", showing a building with Ukrainian and Nazi flags. However, this photo has been "wandering" around the Network under different titles for a long time. Let us recall that it was taken during the shooting of a movie in Kharkiv in 2011. - [Fake: Document Says that Ukrainian General Requests Additional Burial Plots at the Zaporizhia Cemetery...](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-document-says-that-ukrainian-general-requests-additional-burial-plots-at-the-zaporizhia-cemetery/) - This "letter" has been forged, as evidenced by numerous gross errors in the text and vocabulary not typical of official documents. Specifically, the "letter" incorrectly states the addressee's official position and the location of the cemetery for victims of World War II, and the surname of the secretary of the Zaporizhia city council is misspelled. - [Fake: Charlie Hebdo Ridicules Ukrainian Fencer Olha Kharlan](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-charlie-hebdo-ridicules-ukrainian-fencer-olha-kharlan/) - Russia's propaganda machine periodically disseminates fake French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo magazine covers, to buttress the disinformation narrative the Kremlin in currently pushing. Whatever Russian media and its acolytes claim, there is no Charlie Hebo cover dedicated to Ukrainian Fencer Olha Kharlan. - [Fake: France Congratulates Ukraine on Independence Day With a Map without Crimea](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/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: Dish Called "Smash Trump" Appeared in Dnipro Café](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-dish-called-smash-trump-appeared-in-dnipro-cafa/) - There is no evidence that such a meal has actually appeared in Ukraine. The original source of this claim is the Telegram channel of Yulia Vityazeva, the former host of the Russian propaganda programme Solovyov Live. In addition, there is no mention of this dish in any credible source, and the name of the restaurant remains unknown. Furthermore, digital analysis of the image's flaws suggests that it was most likely artificially generated or altered. All of this suggests that the information is false. - [Fake weather forecast accuses Poland of swallowing Ukrainian territory - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-weather-forecast-accuses-poland-of-swallowing-ukrainian-territory-truth-or-fake/) - Purported images of Polish state television have circulated on Twitter showing a national map of Poland's borders, but overpowering much of Ukraine's territory. The channel itself and the country's secretary of state have slammed this as the "Russian propaganda machine" trying to destroy Ukraine's positive relationship with Warsaw. We take a closer look in this edition of Truth or Fake, with Vedika Bahl. - [FACT CHECK: No, German Satirical Magazine Cover Does Not Show Comparison Between Israelis and Ukrainians | Check Your Fact](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-no-german-satirical-magazine-cover-does-not-show-comparison-between-israelis-and-ukrainians-check-your-fact/) - Verdict: False This is not a genuine cover from Titanic. It cannot be found through a search of the publication's social media accounts. - [FACT CHECK: No, Orthodox Relics From Kyiv Will Not Be Auctioned In France On October 1 | Check Your Fact](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/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. - [Fact check: How propaganda denigrates Ukrainian refugees](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-how-propaganda-denigrates-ukrainian-refugees/) - Ukrainian refugees are portrayed in some media and social media channels as ungrateful, dangerous and parasitic. DW explains why such propagandist tactics often work - and how to recognize them for what they are. - [Doppelganger: France accuses Russia of usurping news websites in disinformation campaign - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/doppelganger-france-accuses-russia-of-usurping-news-websites-in-disinformation-campaign-truth-or-fake/) - France has uncovered a major disinformation campaign by Russia, in which leading French media websites like Le Monde, Le Parisien and 20 Minutes have been imitated in order to spread fake news about the war in Ukraine. We tell you how to identify these fake news websites in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [FACT CHECK: Facebook Video Does Not Show CNN Ad Mentioning Ukraine | Check Your Fact](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-facebook-video-does-not-show-cnn-ad-mentioning-ukraine-check-your-fact/) - The Facebook video purports to show a CNN advertisement mentioning Ukraine on a billboard in Times Square. Kyiv is all over. Will the Russians stop there or go further? Discover this and more on Political Briefing, the text of the alleged advertisement reads. The video's caption claims 'few people believe Ukraine will win' its ongoing war with Russia. The video is not authentic, however. CNN spokesperson Emily Kuhn denied the video's authenticity in an email to Reuters. - [Debunking an alleged anti-Ukraine poster in Paris metro station - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/debunking-an-alleged-anti-ukraine-poster-in-paris-metro-station-truth-or-fake/) - Russian media and Telegram accounts have been sharing an edited anti-Ukraine poster, allegedly located in the middle of a Parisian metro station. Pro-Russian channels claims the poster shows French people telling Ukrainian refugees that they've overstayed their welcome. We debunk these claims in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [Claims that Vladimir Putin destroyed an 'adrenochrome warehouse in Ukraine' lack evidence](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/claims-that-vladimir-putin-destroyed-an-adrenochrome-warehouse-in-ukraine-lack-evidence/) - A recent blog post builds on a fictitious narrative that Russian President Vladimir Putin is stymieing the production of adrenochrome in Ukraine.......We found no credible news reports or sources to corroborate the unfounded allegations, which were published on Real Raw News, a site that regularly posts fake news. The blog's stories are written by someone using a pseudonym and the site has a disclaimer saying it contains "humor, parody and satire," though the author has defended his stories as truth. The same site wrote separately that Putin intercepted a shipment of adrenochrome bound for the United States. We rated that Pants on Fire!......We rate claims that Putin destroyed an adrenochrome warehouse in Ukraine Pants on Fire! - [Claim of 1 million Ukrainian soldiers dead has no official backing](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/claim-of-1-million-ukrainian-soldiers-dead-has-no-official-backing/) - Reuters reported in April that leaked documents allegedly from U.S. intelligence agencies estimated as many as 354,000 Ukrainian and Russian soldiers have died or been injured in the war. Reuters has not been able to independently verify the documents, and U.S. officials said some files appeared to be altered. The Facebook video's claim that 1 million Ukrainian soldiers have been "wiped out" is much higher than any official reported estimates. So we rate this claim False. - [Did a former Ukraine minister go yachting in Europe days after his dismissal? Not quite - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/did-a-former-ukraine-minister-go-yachting-in-europe-days-after-his-dismissal-not-quite-truth-or-fake/) - A photo of former Ukrainian defence minister Oleksii Reznikov is circulating online. Users claim it shows him yachting in Europe with his wife - just days after his dismissal over corruption scandals. Also, a video of a riot inside the Ukrainian parliament is falsely posted as recent. We tell you where these images really come from in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [Fabricated audio of Trump Jr on Ukraine and Russia, spreads online](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fabricated-audio-of-trump-jr-on-ukraine-and-russia-spreads-online/) - Audio purportedly of Donald Trump Jr using his podcast to say the United States should have sent weapons to Russia instead of Ukraine is spreading widely online, with an official Democratic National Committee account among those that shared and deleted it. But the clip is fake, spokesmen for the US president's son and video platform Rumble told AFP. A media forensics expert said the quote -- which is not in the original episode -- appears to be the product of artificial intelligence technology. [...] "The audio in question, which was amplified by the official X account of the DNC, along with countless other major anti-Trump accounts, is 100 percent fake," a Trump Jr spokesman told AFP in a February 26 statement. "It appears to be an AI-generated deep fake." - [Donald Trump Jr. is heard praising Russia in AI-generated audio clip](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/donald-trump-jr-is-heard-praising-russia-in-ai-generated-audio-clip/) - A fabricated audio clip is going viral on social media, in which Donald Trump Jr. allegedly voices his support for Russia on his "Triggered with Don Jr." podcast. In the clip, US President Donald Trump's son appears to say that "the US should have sent weapons to Russia, not Ukraine". We debunk these claims in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [Pic of New York Post headline calling European women leaders an expletive is fake | Snopes.com](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/pic-of-new-york-post-headline-calling-european-women-leaders-an-expletive-is-fake-snopes-com/) - Fake. Context: The image was a misleadingly edited screenshot of an article that ran in the New York Post. The real headline of that article was, "Meet the tough women leaders taking on Vladimir Putin." - [Fake front page Ukraine story linked to Russian disinformation | AAP](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-front-page-ukraine-story-linked-to-russian-disinformation-aap/) - WHAT WAS CLAIMED: A UK regional newspaper says 70,000 Ukrainian Soldiers died in Kursk. OUR VERDICT: False. The newspaper front page is fake. - [Fake: Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Proposed to Resettle Gaza Residents to Ukraine and Syria](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-israeli-prime-minister-netanyahu-proposed-to-resettle-gaza-residents-to-ukraine-and-syria/) - The statement about the proposal of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resettle the population of Gaza to Ukraine and Syria is a fake. - [Fake: Ukrainians Arrested in Israel for Planning Terror Attack in Jerusalem | StopFake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukrainians-arrested-in-israel-for-planning-terror-attack-in-jerusalem-stopfake/) - The Israeli police have not reported the arrest of Ukrainians for preparing a terrorist attack in Jerusalem. Nor has the Times of Israel, the multilingual online Israeli newspaper quoted by the propagandists, published any video containing such information. - [A Fox livestream news report labeled Kyiv a Russian city. Here's what we know | Snopes.com](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/a-fox-livestream-news-report-labeled-kyiv-a-russian-city-heres-what-we-know-snopes-com/) - Claim: A Fox News broadcast labeled Kyiv (the capital of Ukraine) a Russian city on Easter 2025. Rating: Mostly true. What's True: The mistake appeared on LiveNOW from Fox, a news service delivered by Fox Television Stations. What's False: However, while LiveNOW from Fox and Fox News are both part of the Fox Corporation, they are not interchangeable nor run by the same business within the corporation. - [Fake: Cardinal Faskifo Promised to Seize All of Putin's Assets in Vatican Bank if Elected Pope | StopFake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-cardinal-faskifo-promised-to-seize-all-of-putins-assets-in-vatican-bank-if-elected-pope-stopfake/) - No such cardinal exists, and his photo was generated by artificial intelligence. In addition, the Vatican Bank does not hold accounts for governments, foreign individuals or clients unrelated to the Catholic Church or the Holy See. - [Fake: Head of Ukrainian Orthodox Church Claims Pope Died for Supporting Russia | StopFake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-head-of-ukrainian-orthodox-church-claims-pope-died-for-supporting-russia-stopfake/) - On the contrary, Metropolitan Epiphanius expressed his sincere condolences on the Pope's death, noting that Pope Francis had dedicated his life to serving God, spreading the Christian faith and launching numerous humanitarian initiatives to help those in need. - [Fake: Hotline for Complaints About "Loud Ukrainian Refugees" Set Up Lisbon | StopFake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-hotline-for-complaints-about-loud-ukrainian-refugees-set-up-lisbon-stopfake/) - There is no evidence that such ads were posted in Lisbon. - [Elaborate Prince Harry disinfo push aims for mass media confusion | AAP](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/elaborate-prince-harry-disinfo-push-aims-for-mass-media-confusion-aap/) - WHAT WAS CLAIMED: A BBC report reveals a Russian missile victim who met Prince Harry is a fraud. OUR VERDICT: False. The BBC report is fake and the boy is a genuine victim of a Russian missile attack. - [German news outlet did not report Russian spies had US defence secretary's phone number - Full Fact](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/german-news-outlet-did-not-report-russian-spies-had-us-defence-secretarys-phone-number-full-fact/) - What was claimed: According to Der Spiegel, German intelligence have just arrested two suspected Russia spies who had US defence secretary Pete Hegseth's private phone number in their mobiles. Our verdict: A spokesperson for Der Spiegel confirmed it did not publish such a story. - [Manipulation: "Portrait of Petliura Hangs Instead of Icon" in UOCC Church | StopFake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/manipulation-portrait-of-petliura-hangs-instead-of-icon-in-uocc-church-stopfake/) - Representatives of Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. Andrew in Toronto have denied claims that a portrait of Symon Petliura hangs in the sanctuary or that the Ukrainian historical figure is being honoured as a "saint". The portrait of Petliura is in a parish hall, not on the altar, and is therefore not an icon. Furthermore, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada (UOCC) is an independent church under the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and is not a parish of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU). - [Video shows Russian drone striking Ukraine, not Indian drone intercepted by Pakistan | Snopes.com](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-shows-russian-drone-striking-ukraine-not-indian-drone-intercepted-by-pakistan-snopes-com/) - The footage does not depict Pakistani forces shooting down an Indian drone. Rather, it shows a Russian drone falling outside Kharkiv, Ukraine. - [Fake: Friedrich Merz Will Come to Russia for The Victory Day Parade - Berliner Zeitung | StopFake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-friedrich-merz-will-come-to-russia-for-the-victory-day-parade-berliner-zeitung-stopfake/) - Propagandists distorted the content of the publication. In fact, the columnist expressed his personal opinion on why such a move would be appropriate from a political point of view. - [Are U.S. Troops on the Ground in Ukraine?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/are-u-s-troops-on-the-ground-in-ukraine/) - While the Pentagon briefing of the news media highlights the most direct role American personnel have played within Ukraine, to call it "boots on the ground" is an overstatement. The team will be weapons experts with the aim of keeping tabs on the U.S.-supplied arms in an operation that does not involve American soldiers fighting alongside Ukrainian forces. The inspectors will not be near the frontline, the Pentagon said. - [PTI Fact Check: Old Ukraine video shared to falsely claim 'Adampur military base damaged in Pakistani airstrike'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/pti-fact-check-old-ukraine-video-shared-to-falsely-claim-adampur-military-base-damaged-in-pakistani-airstrike/) - Multiple social media users recently shared an image claiming it depicted a key military installation in Punjab's Adampur that suffered damage due to Pakistan's airstrikes in the region. In its investigation, the Desk found that the viral image reportedly depicted Russian S-400 missile launch units destroyed by a Ukrainian airstrike in occupied Crimea in April 2024. An old and unrelated image was falsely shared on social media as recent with a false claim. - [FACT CHECK: 2014 Ukraine protests not a 'coup'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-2014-ukraine-protests-not-a-coup/) - The post provides no evidence for its claims and instead links to a digital book that claims to have 'hidden insights from the esoteric realm' - [US shuts down office that fought disinformation from Russia, China and Iran](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/us-shuts-down-office-that-fought-disinformation-from-russia-china-and-iran/) - The US State Department has shut down its Global Engagement Center, which aimed to counter disinformation from countries including Russia, China and Iran. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed on Wednesday that the centre restricted free speech in the US and elsewhere. - [FACT CHECK: No, The Colors Of Ukraine's Flag Have Not Been Added To The Pride Flag | Check Your Fact](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-no-the-colors-of-ukraines-flag-have-not-been-added-to-the-pride-flag-check-your-fact/) - Verdict: False The image originated as satire. There is no evidence the colors of Ukraine’s flag have been added to the pride flag. - [Fabricated story falsely claims Vladimir Putin destroyed an adrenochrome lab in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fabricated-story-falsely-claims-vladimir-putin-destroyed-an-adrenochrome-lab-in-ukraine/) - This story was fabricated. It appeared on Real Raw News, a site that regularly publishes false, fantastical stories authored by someone using a pseudonym. Real Raw News stories are authored by someone using a pseudonym and the site has a disclaimer saying it contains "humor, parody and satire," though the author has defended his stories as truth. We found no credible news reports or other sources to corroborate the claims in this post. QAnon promotes a number of conspiracy theories that invoke pedophilia and a Democratic cabal. QAnon adherents were present during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. These ideas also infiltrated political discourse as recently as the 2022 midterm elections. We rate this claim Pants on Fire! - [Vladimir Putin didn't intercept shipment of chemical compound adrenochrome](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/vladimir-putin-didnt-intercept-shipment-of-chemical-compound-adrenochrome/) - Adrenochrome features heavily in QAnon conspiracy theories, which purport the baseless idea that a global cabal of pedophiles is harvesting the chemical from the blood of children to stay young and healthy. That's false, and so is the claim that Putin foiled a shipment of it. We found no credible news reports or other sources to corroborate the claims in this post. Real Raw News has a disclaimer saying it contains "humor, parody and satire," though the author has defended his stories as truth. The website also regularly publishes false, fantastical stories authored by someone using a pseudonym. We rate this baseless post Pants on Fire! - [No, the Ukrainian colors were not added to an official pride flag](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-the-ukrainian-colors-were-not-added-to-an-official-pride-flag/) - An image of a flag that incorporated the Ukrainian colors originated as satire. This particular image isn't affiliated with any official LGBTQ organizations. Snopes reported that Dublin's LGBTQ Pride Festival designed a flyer that used a different image of a flag that incorporated Ukrainian colors as a signal of welcome displaced Ukrainian refugees. Our ruling Greene and others shared an image that showed the pride flag altered to incorporate the colors of the Ukrainian flag as if it were real. This isn't a genuine flag used by the LGBTQ community. It originated as satire. We rate this False - [Story about TikTok dances to help Ukraine is satire](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/story-about-tiktok-dances-to-help-ukraine-is-satire/) - We found the March 1 story on Cinch News. Other headlines on the site were suspicious ' "It's time to abolish gendered days," for example. A "Why" section confirmed Cinch is "a satirical publication." We rate claims that this is a real news story False. - [Ukraine's army is not using cats to spot Russian snipers](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/ukraines-army-is-not-using-cats-to-spot-russian-snipers/) - A tweet spread as a screenshot online says the Ukrainian army is using cats to locate Russian snipers via lasers attached to their rifles. But there is no evidence to corroborate the claim, a military expert dismissed it as "complete garbage," and the author of the post acknowledged it was intended as a joke. - [Video Fake: Ukrainian Refugee Complaining About Living in Europe](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-fake-ukrainian-refugee-complaining-about-living-in-europe/) - The video circulating online is satirical and its author is not and has never been a 'Ukrainian refugee in Europe.' The woman from the video permanently lives in Ukraine and films many satirical sketches on TikTok. However, Russian propaganda used the 48-second joke video to once again discredit Ukrainian refugees. - [Fake: Vatican First to Pay Russia for Gas in Rubles](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-vatican-first-to-pay-russia-for-gas-in-rubles/) - The Vatican allegedly paying Russia for gas in rubles turned out to be Twitter joke, the person who posted it, ended up apologizing for it. Even though the post was a joke, Russian media and social media users rushed to republish it as real news. - [No, This Isn't a Real Headline About 'Five TikTok Dances You Can Do to Support Ukraine'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-this-isnt-a-real-headline-about-five-tiktok-dances-you-can-do-to-support-ukraine/) - Claim: A headline from an actual news organization in 2022 suggested: "Here's 5 Tik-Tok dances you can do to help Ukraine fight Russia." Rating: Originated as Satire - [Fake: Lithuania Dismantles Railway to Kaliningrad](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-lithuania-dismantles-railway-to-kaliningrad/) - The primary source of the claim that Lithuania dismantled the Kaliningrad railway is the Panorama satirical, fictional news site. The publication does alert its readers that all texts on the site are satire and not real news. - [FACT CHECK: Facebook Post Falsely Claims Lloyd Austin Was Killed In Ukraine | Check Your Fact](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-facebook-post-falsely-claims-lloyd-austin-was-killed-in-ukraine-check-your-fact/) - The claim stems from a Jan. 7 article published by the satire site, 'Real Raw News.' - [Posts falsely claim Steven Seagal with Russian forces in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/posts-falsely-claim-steven-seagal-with-russian-forces-in-ukraine/) - Social media posts feature an alleged CNN tweet that claims American actor Steven Seagal took up arms alongside Russian special forces in Ukraine. But CNN said the tweet -- which includes an image of Seagal in fatigues and carrying a weapon -- is fake, and his representatives also rejected the claim, saying the actor wants peace for both countries. - [Video game falsely shared as 'live footage' of Ukraine conflict](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-game-falsely-shared-as-live-footage-of-ukraine-conflict/) - As Russia pressed on with its invasion of Ukraine, a video clip was viewed thousands of times in Facebook and YouTube posts that claimed it showed live footage of the fighting. In reality, the footage was taken from a combat video game called ARMA 3. - [This animation video circulated online months before Russia's attack on Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/this-animation-video-circulated-online-months-before-russias-attack-on-ukraine/) - A video has been viewed tens of thousands of times on Facebook alongside a claim it shows Russia bombing Ukraine. The video was shared shortly after Russian forces invaded the neighbouring country. But the video has been shared in a false context: it is actually an animation clip that has circulated online since at least October 2021. - [Video footage from 2014 misleadingly cast as Russian invasion](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-footage-from-2014-misleadingly-cast-as-russian-invasion/) - Footage of armored vehicles set alight by Molotov cocktails on a Ukrainian street is being presented on social media as local resistance against Russia's ongoing invasion. This is false; the recording is from Ukraine, but it was shot in 2014 in Kyiv during the country's popular protest movement, when demonstrators torched the army's vehicles. - [Old video game footage falsely shared as 'combat in Ukraine after Russian invasion'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/old-video-game-footage-falsely-shared-as-combat-in-ukraine-after-russian-invasion/) - A video has been viewed tens of thousands of times across social media platforms alongside a claim it shows missiles over Ukraine after Russian forces invaded on February 24. But the video has been shared in a false context: it shows digitally animated footage from the video game War Thunder that circulated online months before Russia's invasion of Ukraine. - [This video shows a Libyan military jet shot down by rebels in 2011](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/this-video-shows-a-libyan-military-jet-shot-down-by-rebels-in-2011/) - A video of a plane engulfed in flames and falling from the sky has been viewed more than 1.5 million times in social media posts that claim it shows a Russian fighter jet shot down by Ukrainian forces in February 2022. In reality, the video predates the Russian invasion of Ukraine and shows a Libyan jet targeted by rebels in 2011. - [Video with inaccurate subtitles does not show 'Putin praising Pakistan PM Imran Khan'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-with-inaccurate-subtitles-does-not-show-putin-praising-pakistan-pm-imran-khan/) - A video has circulated in social media posts that claim it shows Russian President Vladimir Putin praising Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan after the two leaders met in Moscow on the day Russia invaded neighbouring Ukraine. The clip was viewed hundreds of thousands of times in posts by Pakistan-based social media users. In fact, the video's English-language subtitles have been misleadingly altered. In the original clip, Putin was shown criticising Ukraine. - [This video shows an explosion in China in 2015, not Ukraine in 2022](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/this-video-shows-an-explosion-in-china-in-2015-not-ukraine-in-2022/) - As Russian troops invaded Ukraine, a video was viewed hundreds of thousands of times in social media posts that claimed it showed a huge explosion at a power plant in the separatist Luhansk region. While there have been reports of a fire at a power plant in the region, the video has been shared in a false context. It actually shows a deadly blast that ripped through the Chinese port city of Tianjin in 2015. - [Old image shows Ukrainians praying to mark 2014 separatist attacks, unrelated to current conflict](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/old-image-shows-ukrainians-praying-to-mark-2014-separatist-attacks-unrelated-to-current-conflict/) - Facebook posts are circulating in Africa claiming to feature an image of Ukrainians kneeling and praying in the snow days before Russian troops invaded their country on February 24, 2022. In reality, the picture dates back to 2019 and shows residents of Kharkiv who had been praying every day in the city square since March 2014 when Russian separatists attacked Ukraine. - [Two old photos show Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, not Russia attacking Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/two-old-photos-show-israeli-airstrikes-in-the-gaza-strip-not-russia-attacking-ukraine/) - Two images of huge explosions among residential buildings have been shared hundreds of times on social media alongside a claim that they show Russia's attack on Ukraine. But the claim is false: the photos show Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip in 2018 and 2021. - [Old photo shared in posts claiming 'Russian flag was raised in Kharkiv'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/old-photo-shared-in-posts-claiming-russian-flag-was-raised-in-kharkiv/) - As Russia pressed on with its invasion of Ukraine, a photo of a Russian flag being raised at a building in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, circulated in social media posts that claimed it had "fallen". However, the photo was shared in a misleading context; the original photo -- taken by Reuters news agency -- is from a pro-Russian protest in 2014. As of March 2, 2022, fighting was ongoing in Kharkiv after heavy shelling. - [Old footage of Ukrainian soldiers recirculates after Russian invasion in 2022](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/old-footage-of-ukrainian-soldiers-recirculates-after-russian-invasion-in-2022/) - After Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, a video of men in military uniform embracing women was viewed more than 350,000 times in social media posts that claimed it showed Ukrainians saying goodbye to loved ones before going off to fight. In fact, the footage was taken from a documentary about the 2014 conflict between Ukraine and Russia. - [The 2012 photo shows a Palestinian girl confronting an Israeli soldier, unrelated to Ukraine conflict](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/the-2012-photo-shows-a-palestinian-girl-confronting-an-israeli-soldier-unrelated-to-ukraine-conflict/) - Three photos have been shared thousands of times on Facebook in Tanzania and Kenya alongside a claim that they show a young Ukrainian girl confronting a Russian soldier. But this is false: the images are screenshots from a YouTube video of Palestinian activist Ahed Tamimi challenging an Israeli soldier in the occupied West Bank in 2012. - [The photos show scenes from a youth paramilitary camp near Kyiv in 2015 and 2017](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/the-photos-show-scenes-from-a-youth-paramilitary-camp-near-kyiv-in-2015-and-2017/) - A series of photos of children wearing military fatigues and brandishing weapons is circulating in multiple posts online which claim they are Ukrainian children training to fight after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. In fact, the pictures were taken in 2015 and 2017 at a youth paramilitary camp on the outskirts of Ukraine's capital, Kyiv. - [Posts use 2014 riot image to falsely compare Ukraine's capital days before and after Russian invasion](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/posts-use-2014-riot-image-to-falsely-compare-ukraines-capital-days-before-and-after-russian-invasion/) - Facebook posts with contrasting aerial images showing Ukraine's capital Kyiv both untouched by war and in ruins have been shared hundreds of times with the claim that the pictures show the city before and after Russia's invasion. The claim is misleading; while the first image of the city intact is fresh, the second showing devastation in the capital was taken about eight years ago during deadly protests that ushered in a change of government. - [Video game footage falsely shared as live video of Ukraine crisis](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-game-footage-falsely-shared-as-live-video-of-ukraine-crisis/) - Several supposedly 'live' videos featuring firepower hitting buildings and shooting planes out of the nighttime sky have been shared on Facebook in South Africa with claims that they show Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, this is false: these hours-long videos actually show a military simulation video game called Arma 3. - [Pictures show various Russian ballistic weapons but not its new "Satan 2" missile](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/pictures-show-various-russian-ballistic-weapons-but-not-its-new-satan-2-missile/) - Images of three different missile systems have been shared widely on Facebook alongside a claim that Russia recently unveiled a new weapon that could eradicate every living being on Earth. But this is false: the weapons featured in the posts are old and do not show the fearsome new RS-28 Sarmat, also known as Satan 2, which will only enter service towards the end of 2022, according to experts. - [These images were taken during the 2008 Georgia-Russia war, not in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/these-images-were-taken-during-the-2008-georgia-russia-war-not-in-ukraine/) - Facebook posts asking for prayers for victims of the war in Ukraine, accompanied by photographs of suffering civilians, have been shared dozens of times in Kenya and Tanzania. But these posts are misleading; the pictures actually show victims of the 2008 war between Georgia and Russia. - [Old image of food truck in Canada shared in posts about Sikhs giving support in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/old-image-of-food-truck-in-canada-shared-in-posts-about-sikhs-giving-support-in-ukraine/) - As Russian troops invaded Ukraine, an image of a food truck was shared thousands of times in social media posts that claimed it shows members of the Sikh community offering free food to people affected by the conflict. However, the photo was shared in a false context. While there have been reports by Indian media outlets about a Sikh humanitarian organisation offering support to people who have fled war-torn Ukraine, the image of the food truck shows a Sikh community initiative in Canada. - [Old photo of children saluting Ukrainian soldiers circulates in online posts about Russia's recent invasion](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/old-photo-of-children-saluting-ukrainian-soldiers-circulates-in-online-posts-about-russias-recent-invasion/) - A photo of two children facing tanks has been shared alongside claims it shows Ukrainian kids saluting soldiers as they head off to battle Russian forces currently invading the country. But the image has been shared out of context: AFP Fact Check found the photo was taken in 2016 by Ukrainian photographer Dmitry Muravsky. - [Posts falsely claim photo shows Ukraine's first female fighter pilot](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/posts-falsely-claim-photo-shows-ukraines-first-female-fighter-pilot/) - Social media posts featuring an image of a woman in military uniform claim she is Ukraine's first female fighter pilot and that she died during Russia's invasion. But the Ukrainian Defense Ministry says the photo shows a soldier who won a 2016 beauty contest organized by the military, and the country's first female combat pilot is now a politician. - [Old air crash photo shared in posts about Russia's invasion of Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/old-air-crash-photo-shared-in-posts-about-russias-invasion-of-ukraine/) - Social media posts and news reports about Russia's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine have repeatedly shared an image of a burning jet alongside a claim that "six Russian fighter planes" were shot down. Whilst Ukraine's military said it had shot down six Russian aircraft on the first day of the invasion, the image has been shared in a false context. The photographer who captured the original image told AFP it was taken in 1993. The image corresponds to reports from 1993 about a crash involving Russian aircraft during a UK airshow. - [This is fictional footage from a 2016 drill, not a recent BBC report on the Ukraine-Russia crisis](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/this-is-fictional-footage-from-a-2016-drill-not-a-recent-bbc-report-on-the-ukraine-russia-crisis/) - Footage of what looks like a news report has been circulating on Facebook in Nigeria claiming to show a BBC reporter broadcasting on the ongoing Ukraine-Russia crisis and warning of an impending nuclear war. But this is false; the video has been online since at least 2016. Furthermore, the BBC confirmed the footage is fictional. - [Photo shows former attorney general of Crimea, not current prosecutor general of Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/photo-shows-former-attorney-general-of-crimea-not-current-prosecutor-general-of-ukraine/) - Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a photo was shared repeatedly in Facebook posts that claim it shows Ukraine's female prosecutor general, who they say has "caught the public's attention" because of her "stunning" looks. In fact, the photo shows the former attorney general of Crimea, Natalya Poklonskaya, who was appointed by Russia after it annexed the Ukrainian peninsula in 2014. Ukraine's current chief prosecutor is Iryna Venediktova. - [This video shows the aftermath of the Lebanon port blast in 2020 -- not Ukraine in 2022](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/this-video-shows-the-aftermath-of-the-lebanon-port-blast-in-2020-not-ukraine-in-2022/) - A video of heavily damaged buildings has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times online alongside a claim it shows the "situation in Ukraine" as a civilian disaster is growing in the country following Russia's invasion. But the video has been shared in a false context: it shows the aftermath of a cataclysmic port blast in Lebanon that levelled entire neighbourhoods in the capital Beirut in August 2020. - [Pictures of Ukrainians throwing Molotov cocktails taken during anti-government protests in 2014](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/pictures-of-ukrainians-throwing-molotov-cocktails-taken-during-anti-government-protests-in-2014/) - Social media posts shared hundreds of times show photos of people lobbing Molotov cocktails against a backdrop of flames. They claim the pictures show Ukrainians targeting Russian tanks invading the country. While Ukrainians have been making Molotov cocktails in response to the Russian invasion, the photos were taken as anti-government protests swept the capital Kyiv in 2014. - [Old thunderstorm video falsely shared as 'footage of Russia attacking Ukrainian city'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/old-thunderstorm-video-falsely-shared-as-footage-of-russia-attacking-ukrainian-city/) - A nighttime video of buildings illuminated by ominous flashes of light has been viewed thousands of times globally on social media alongside a claim it shows Russian forces attacking the Ukrainian city of Mariupol. While the southeastern port city has been under heavy attack, the video was shared in a false context. The footage has circulated online months before the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The social media user who filmed the clip told AFP it shows a thunderstorm in the Russian town of Volzhsk. - [Old footage of a Canadian train ferrying armoured vehicles unrelated to war in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/old-footage-of-a-canadian-train-ferrying-armoured-vehicles-unrelated-to-war-in-ukraine/) - A video of a long train transporting military vehicles has been shared on Facebook alongside a claim that the footage shows the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) sending tanks and equipment to Ukraine in support of its war against Russia. But this is false; the video has been circulating online since at least 2012 and shows a Canadian train operating in North America. - [There are no US-run biolabs in Ukraine, contrary to social media posts](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/there-are-no-us-run-biolabs-in-ukraine-contrary-to-social-media-posts/) - There are no U.S.-run biological weapons labs operating in Ukraine. The U.S. Defense Department and the Ukraine Ministry of Health have had a partnership since 2005 to improve public health laboratories and prevent the threat of outbreaks of infectious diseases. That effort is part of the Cooperative Threat Reduction Program, which began in 1991 to reduce the threat of existing weapons of mass destruction programs in former Soviet Republics. Our ruling A social media user tweeted that Russia was targeting U.S.-run biolabs in its invasion of Ukraine. That account was soon suspended by Twitter. There are no U.S.-run biolabs in Ukraine. The country is one of many former Soviet Union republics, and other countries, partnering with the Defense Department as part of the Cooperative Threat Reduction Program. It's the latest claim in a series of disinformation efforts by the Russians, an expert told PolitiFact. While the U.S. may provide funding to upgrade or build labs in other countries, the labs are run by the partnering nations and the program's goal is to prevent biological threats, not create them. We rate this claim False. - [This video is from a climate change protest in Austria. It doesn't show crisis actors in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/this-video-is-from-a-climate-change-protest-in-austria-it-doesnt-show-crisis-actors-in-ukraine/) - The people under the tarps aren't crisis actors from Ukraine trying to fool people into thinking they are dead. They were part of a protest against climate change that was held in Vienna, Austria, on Feb. 4. The clip is from a Feb. 4 demonstration against climate change in Vienna. The reporter, Marvin Bergauer, is from an Austrian news channel called OE24 TV and is speaking German in the video. An English translation of the chyron on the video says "Vienna: Demo against climate policy." The people under the tarps aren't crisis actors ' from Germany, Ukraine or anywhere else ' trying to fool people into thinking that they are dead. They're protesters from Austria in a video taken before the Russian invasion of Ukraine began. We rate this False. - [Photo of children sending off Ukrainian troops is from 2016, not 2022](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/photo-of-children-sending-off-ukrainian-troops-is-from-2016-not-2022/) - The viral image of children waving off troops dates back to 2016. It does not depict the current conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Our ruling Social media posts claim that a viral image, which shows two young children holding hands and saluting troops, was captured in Ukraine in 2022. But the photo traces back to 2016. We rate these posts False. - [Old photos digitally altered to include China's national flag](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/old-photos-digitally-altered-to-include-chinas-national-flag/) - Picture showing cars with smashed windows are circulating in multiple social media posts that claim they are vehicles in Ukraine targeted after the Russian invasion for displaying stickers of the Chinese flag. In fact, the pictures were digitally altered to add the flag and were taken years before Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. - [Photo shows aftermath of 2018 fire in Turkey, not 'elderly man in Ukraine'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/photo-shows-aftermath-of-2018-fire-in-turkey-not-elderly-man-in-ukraine/) - A photo of an elderly man clutching a cat has been shared in social media posts around the world that claim he was seeking shelter from Russian shelling in Ukraine. While millions of people have fled Ukraine since the Russian invasion, the photo actually shows a man with his cat at the scene of a fire in Turkey in 2018. - [Video shows Putin's dog barking at Japanese journalists in 2016, not 2022](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-shows-putins-dog-barking-at-japanese-journalists-in-2016-not-2022/) - A video has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times in Facebook posts that claim it shows Russian President Vladimir Putin trying to embarrass a "Japanese delegation" by bringing his dog to an official meeting. The posts -- which circulated online after Russia's invasion of Ukraine -- refer to Japan's alignment with the United States and other countries, which have imposed sanctions on Moscow. But the video has been shared in a false context. It shows Putin bringing his dog to an interview with Japanese journalists at the Kremlin in 2016. - [Ukrainian boxer sold medal for charity in 2012, not 2022](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/ukrainian-boxer-sold-medal-for-charity-in-2012-not-2022/) - Social media posts shared in 2022 picture Ukrainian former professional boxer Wladimir Klitschko alongside text saying the athlete auctioned his Olympic gold medal to raise money for children in his home country. But the move is not related to the ongoing war with Russia; Klitschko sold his award in 2012, a decade before President Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion of Ukraine. - [These images were taken in Melilla, and do not show African migrants fleeing Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/these-images-were-taken-in-melilla-and-do-not-show-african-migrants-fleeing-ukraine/) - Facebook posts published in Ethiopia and Nigeria have claimed that Africans trying to flee the war in Ukraine have been mistreated and racially discriminated against based on images showing black men with visible injuries being held in captivity. There have been widespread reports about the mistreatment of Africans trying to leave the country, but these images were taken at a refugee camp in Melilla, a Spanish enclave on the north coast of Morocco - not in Ukraine. - [Photo shows Ukrainian flag on French Statue of Liberty replica](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/photo-shows-ukrainian-flag-on-french-statue-of-liberty-replica/) - Online posts claim the Statue of Liberty in New York City was adorned with a Ukrainian flag as a sign of solidarity following the Russian invasion. But a reverse image search found that the photo shows a replica Statue of Liberty located in Colmar, France, that was also photographed on March 2, 2022 by AFP. - [Russia's UN ambassador did not say Trump was overthrown](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/russias-un-ambassador-did-not-say-trump-was-overthrown/) - Social media posts claim Russia's ambassador to the United Nations said during a General Assembly session that former US president Donald Trump was "overthrown." But diplomat Vassily Nebenzia's full remarks make clear he was referring to the revolution that toppled Ukraine's president in February 2014, not Trump's 2020 electoral defeat. - [Posts misleadingly link pharmaceutical event in India with Russia's invasion of Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/posts-misleadingly-link-pharmaceutical-event-in-india-with-russias-invasion-of-ukraine/) - Several images have been shared repeatedly in social media posts that claim they show a minaret in India's capital lit up with the colours of the Russian flag to show "support" for Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. The posts circulated online after a similar tweet was shared by the state-run Chinese tabloid Global Times. The claim is misleading: the Indian government said the building in New Delhi was illuminated as part of a week-long event to promote affordable medicines. Local media reports also said the minaret was illuminated for the pharmaceutical event, not Russia's invasion of Ukraine. - [This is an old NASA photo doctored to add a tractor](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/this-is-an-old-nasa-photo-doctored-to-add-a-tractor/) - Multiple social media posts purport to show a photo of a Ukrainian farmer stealing a Russian rocket. However, the image has been doctored. The original photo was taken by NASA in 2018 and shows a rocket towed by a train, not a tractor. - [Old military training drill video falsely passed off as footage of US soldiers fighting in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/old-military-training-drill-video-falsely-passed-off-as-footage-of-us-soldiers-fighting-in-ukraine/) - A video of soldiers jumping out of a plane with parachutes has been shared tens of thousands of times on Facebook in South Africa alongside a claim that it shows US paratroopers joining the war in Ukraine. But this is false: the footage, which has been viewed millions of times, has been online since at least 2016 and features US soldiers performing parachute drills at the Pope Army Airfield in North Carolina. - [Video of crying boy at Polish border shared with misleading claim 'he fled from Ukraine alone'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-of-crying-boy-at-polish-border-shared-with-misleading-claim-he-fled-from-ukraine-alone/) - A video has been viewed millions of times online alongside a claim it shows a young Ukrainian boy crying helplessly after fleeing to neighbouring Poland "alone". This is misleading. Reuters news agency, which filmed the footage, told AFP that the boy was seen walking behind his mother in the second half of the video. The Polish Border Guard separately clarified that the boy was "with his family" when he crossed into Poland. - [This photo shows a plane towed for a 2011 exhibit in Croatia](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/this-photo-shows-a-plane-towed-for-a-2011-exhibit-in-croatia/) - A photo of a tractor towing a military aircraft has been shared thousands of times in social media posts that claim it shows a Ukrainian farmer capturing a Russian jet. While there have been reports of Ukrainian farmers making off with Russian military hardware, the picture was taken at an exhibit in 2011 to mark the anniversary of the armed forces of Croatia. - [This footage shows a military exercise in the Netherlands in 2018](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/this-footage-shows-a-military-exercise-in-the-netherlands-in-2018/) - A video of military helicopters hoisting tanks into the air has been viewed millions of times in Facebook posts that claim it shows a Russian attack on a military base in Ukraine. The clip circulated as Russia intensified attacks in Ukraine. However, the footage actually shows a military exercise in the Netherlands in 2018. - [Old video of Russian paratroopers jumping from plane shared with false claim about 'invasion of Ukraine'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/old-video-of-russian-paratroopers-jumping-from-plane-shared-with-false-claim-about-invasion-of-ukraine/) - A video viewed more than a million times has been shared alongside a claim it shows Russian troops parachuting into Ukraine following Moscow's invasion of its pro-Western neighbour in February 2022. While there have been reports of Russian paratroopers being deployed as part of the invasion, this video has circulated since 2014 in a social media post about a military exercise conducted in Russia. - [This photo shows firefighters in Australia, not Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/this-photo-shows-firefighters-in-australia-not-ukraine/) - A photo of firefighters covered in soot has been shared thousands of times in social media posts that claim it shows Ukrainian firemen working to "save lives" after the Russian invasion. Although Ukraine's firefighters have been working at the sites of Russian air strikes since Moscow began bombarding Ukrainian cities, the image actually shows firefighters in Australia. - [Old photos circulate after Russian forces attack Ukrainian nuclear power plant](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/old-photos-circulate-after-russian-forces-attack-ukrainian-nuclear-power-plant/) - Two photos have been shared in a report that links them to a fire at a Ukrainian nuclear power plant following a Russian attack in March 2022. However, the images -- viewed thousands of times -- have been shared in a misleading context. Both photos predate the Russian attack: one image has circulated in reports since 2011 about an oil refinery fire in Japan, while the other has circulated in reports since January 2022 about a Russian military drill. - [Tulsi Gabbard falsely claims US 'not so different' from Russia on freedom of speech](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/tulsi-gabbard-falsely-claims-us-not-so-different-from-russia-on-freedom-of-speech/) - Since its invasion of Ukraine, Russia has restricted dissenting voices, independent news reporting and public discourse on social media platforms. A new law in Russia threatens up to 15 years of prison time for spreading information about the war that authorities consider to be "false." There are no parallels in the U.S., where freedom of speech, expression and the press are safeguarded by the Constitution. Gabbard alleged censorship by social media companies, but experts say those claims are not supported by evidence. Our ruling Gabbard said, "What is happening here is not so different from what we're seeing happening in Russia, where you have got state TV and controlled messaging across the board." Since its invasion of Ukraine, Russia ' a country with a long history of suppressing free speech and access to information ' has restricted dissenting voices, independent news reporting and public discourse on social media platforms, including with a new law threatening prison time for spreading "false" information about the war. Those measures are without parallel in the U.S., where freedom of speech, expression and the press are enshrined in the Constitution. We rate Gabbard's claim Pants on Fire! - [Viral image of helicopter lifting tractor does not show NATO 'resupplying Ukrainian farmers'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/viral-image-of-helicopter-lifting-tractor-does-not-show-nato-resupplying-ukrainian-farmers/) - A viral photo of a helicopter airlifting a tractor predates Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. An Indian tractor manufacturer posted it on Twitter in November 2020. The helicopter in the photo is labeled "Indian Air Force." India is not a member of NATO. - [One America News runs conspiratorial segment claiming strike on Mariupol hospital was US false flag](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/one-america-news-runs-conspiratorial-segment-claiming-strike-on-mariupol-hospital-was-us-false-flag/) - The aftermath of the attack on a maternity hospital in Mariupol, Ukraine, was captured on video and in photos showing that it was an actual attack. A Pentagon spokesperson called OAN host Pearson Sharp's claims "ridiculous." Several independent experts who spoke to PolitiFact agreed that it was completely without merit. Russian officials have conceded the attack occurred. Our ruling Sharp said the attack on the Mariupol hospital had "the makings of yet another false flag operation" by the U.S. There is no evidence that the attack was staged or a false flag carried out by the U.S. Its aftermath was documented by workers, witnesses and journalists on the ground. We rate OAN's claim Pants on Fire! - [Video appears to show Kenyan soldiers, not Russians](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-appears-to-show-kenyan-soldiers-not-russians/) - The soldiers seen in the video don't appear to be wearing Russian uniforms, an expert on land warfare said. The uniforms appear to match those worn by soldiers in the Kenya Defence Forces. A longer version of the video says the soldiers are members of the Kenyan military. Our ruling A video claimed to show Russian soldiers fleeing for safety after failing to fire a rocket-propelled grenade. One expert told us the soldiers in the video don't appear to be Russian, based on their uniforms and lack of armbands. The uniforms do not seem to match ones in photos we found of Russian soldiers. The uniforms appear to match those worn by the military in Kenya, based on images and a longer version of the video found on YouTube. We rate this claim False. - [The Space Foundation didn't revoke honors from Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/the-space-foundation-didnt-revoke-honors-from-russian-cosmonaut-yuri-gagarin/) - The Space Foundation removed Yuri Gagarin's name from an upcoming fundraising event after it received derogatory and anti-Russia comments on its social media accounts. The organization did not revoke any formal honors from the cosmonaut. Exhibits related to Gagarin are still on display at the foundation's gallery in Colorado, and his accomplishments will still be celebrated at the annual event, the group said. Our ruling A Facebook post claims, "the Space Foundation has erased the honors previously bestowed on Yuri Gagarin, the first man to ever be in space. His name was stripped 'in light of current events.'" This is misleading. The Space Foundation removed Gagarin's name from an event after it received derogatory and anti-Russian comments on its social media accounts due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. But the organization did not revoke any formal honors from the cosmonaut. Gagarin's exhibits are still on display at the foundation and his accomplishments will still be celebrated at the event. The post contains an element of truth but ignores critical facts that would give a different impression. We rate it Mostly False. - [Video shows Gaza tower hit by Israeli strike in 2021, not Ukrainian defence ministry](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-shows-gaza-tower-hit-by-israeli-strike-in-2021-not-ukrainian-defence-ministry/) - Footage of a building collapsing after it was pummelled by missiles has been viewed thousands of times in social media posts that claim it shows a Russian strike on the Ukrainian defence ministry. However, the video shows Israeli strikes on a tower in Gaza in May 2021. - [Photo of couple draped in Russian and Ukrainian flags has circulated online since 2019](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/photo-of-couple-draped-in-russian-and-ukrainian-flags-has-circulated-online-since-2019/) - A photo of a couple embracing while draped in both the Russian and Ukrainian flags has circulated online after Moscow's invasion of its pro-Western neighbour alongside a claim it shows "love during [the] war". The image -- which was shared repeatedly in posts linking it to the war in Ukraine -- has circulated in reports since 2019 about a couple embracing at a concert in Poland. - [Old photos of vehicles lined up at fuel stations in UK circulate in Kenya to justify local shortage](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/old-photos-of-vehicles-lined-up-at-fuel-stations-in-uk-circulate-in-kenya-to-justify-local-shortage/) - Images of vehicles in the United Kingdom queuing at petrol stations are circulating in Kenya as proof that fuel scarcity in the East African nation is not unique. Tweets sharing the claim downplay the Kenyan government's role in the crisis, noting that the same scene is playing out in the UK. However, the pictures used as proof are old and the UK is not experiencing fuel shortages like Kenya. - [Photo shows British paratrooper, not Ukrainian soldier](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/photo-shows-british-paratrooper-not-ukrainian-soldier/) - Social media posts shared after Russia invaded Ukraine claim a photo shows one of Kyiv's soldiers crying. But the picture was taken years earlier and shows a British paratrooper at a ceremony at which he received the beret of his brother, who was killed in Afghanistan. - [Old footage of Vladimir Putin does not show him 'frustrated' after Ukraine press briefing](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/old-footage-of-vladimir-putin-does-not-show-him-frustrated-after-ukraine-press-briefing/) - A video of Russian President Vladimir Putin ignoring his official motorcade to go for a walk has been viewed millions of times on Facebook alongside claims that it shows his frustration following a recent press briefing related to the Ukraine invasion. However, this is false; the video is from 2013 and was taken after Putin attended the funeral of his long-time judo trainer. - [Ukrainian island defenders were captured by Russia, not killed](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/ukrainian-island-defenders-were-captured-by-russia-not-killed/) - Social media posts, online articles and Ukraine's president hailed 13 of the country's border guards as heroes, saying they were killed on a small Black Sea island after rejecting a Russian warship's surrender demand. But Kyiv's navy later admitted the troops were captive rather than dead, and Moscow said dozens had surrendered. - [Video of 'fake Ukraine casualties' shows filming for a TV show about a pandemic](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-of-fake-ukraine-casualties-shows-filming-for-a-tv-show-about-a-pandemic/) - Footage of a man and woman having fake blood applied has been viewed thousands of times in posts claiming it shows Ukraine "faking" civilian casualties following the Russian invasion. In fact, the clip was filmed in 2020 on the set of a series called "Contamin". - [Photo shows Slovakian soldier returning from Afghanistan in 2012 -- it does not relate to Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/photo-shows-slovakian-soldier-returning-from-afghanistan-in-2012-it-does-not-relate-to-ukraine/) - After Russia's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine, an image of a man kissing a woman's pregnant belly circulated in online posts that claimed it shows a Ukrainian soldier kissing his "unborn child goodbye" as he prepared to fight for his country. But the image -- which has been shared hundreds of times -- has circulated in a false context. It was originally published by the Slovakian defence ministry in a 2012 post about soldiers returning from a mission in Afghanistan. - [This is not a genuine listing for 'a Russian tank on eBay'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/this-is-not-a-genuine-listing-for-a-russian-tank-on-ebay/) - An image that appears to show an eBay listing for a Russian tank has been shared tens of thousands of times on social media alongside a claim Ukrainians are selling armoured combat vehicles after seizing them. The posts are false; the purported listing has been created using a stock photo that has circulated online since at least 2010. A spokesperson for eBay told AFP the listing was not genuine. According to its website, the e-commerce company does not allow military equipment to be sold on its platform. - [Production footage from sci-fi film falsely shared as 'video of staged Russian attack in Ukraine'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/production-footage-from-sci-fi-film-falsely-shared-as-video-of-staged-russian-attack-in-ukraine/) - As the civilian death toll mounted in Ukraine following Russia's invasion, a video has been viewed tens of thousands of times in social media posts that claim it shows a "staged scene of the Russian military bombing of Ukrainian civilians". But the clip in fact shows production footage for a science fiction film released years before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the movie's director told AFP. The scene was shot in the United Kingdom - not Ukraine. - [Video shows US Marine in 2018, not Ukrainian soldier in 2022](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-shows-us-marine-in-2018-not-ukrainian-soldier-in-2022/) - Social media posts claim a video featuring a man in military uniform tearfully embracing a woman and a baby depicts a Ukrainian soldier heading to war. But the clip shows the 2018 homecoming of an American Marine who met his son for the first time. - [This photo of a tank has been doctored to add a Ukrainian flag](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/this-photo-of-a-tank-has-been-doctored-to-add-a-ukrainian-flag/) - Facebook posts shared hundreds of times purport to show a photo of a Ukrainian tank in Iraq. They accuse Ukraine of hypocrisy for condemning Russia's invasion, despite apparently having played a role in the Iraq War. In fact, the tank photo has been doctored to add a Ukrainian flag and coat of arms. While Ukrainian troops did serve in Iraq, the photo resembles images of American troops at the Iraq-Kuwait border during the Gulf War. - [Video has circulated in reports about raid related to Mexican drug lord, not Ukrainian president](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-has-circulated-in-reports-about-raid-related-to-mexican-drug-lord-not-ukrainian-president/) - A video has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times in multiple Facebook posts that claim it shows the Russian military "storming the Ukrainian president's house". This is false; the clip has circulated since 2016 in reports about a raid that led to the arrest of Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman. As of March 14, 2022, Russian forces have not seized control of the presidential palace in Ukraine's capital Kyiv. - [Videos with false subtitles do not show Russian leader threatening war with Nigeria over Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/videos-with-false-subtitles-do-not-show-russian-leader-threatening-war-with-nigeria-over-ukraine/) - Videos shared on Facebook claim to show Russian President Vladimir Putin warning Nigeria to stay out of the war in Ukraine or risk entering into its own conflict. But this is false: AFP Fact Check found that the clips use false subtitle translations. One video is from 2020 and shows Putin addressing Russians about the novel coronavirus. In another, he does address Russia's ongoing attack on Ukraine but makes no mention of Nigeria. - [Story that claims Putin bombed a Biden-owned villa and 'hammered' biolabs, pedophile rings is bogus](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/story-that-claims-putin-bombed-a-biden-owned-villa-and-hammered-biolabs-pedophile-rings-is-bogus/) - A story that claimed Russian President Vladimir Putin bombed a villa in Ukraine owned by President Joe Biden is bogus. It was created by a misinformation website that regularly publishes made-up stories. We found no evidence that Biden has a villa in Ukraine. Claims about nefarious biolabs in Ukraine ' some supposedly "U.S. owned" ' are also fabricated, and part of disinformation efforts by Russians. It's unclear what the blog is talking about in its reference to "pedophile rings," but it claims that Putin is wiping out "child trafficking covens" in Ukraine, and we found no evidence that these exist. - [Senior US military officer was not captured by Russian forces in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/senior-us-military-officer-was-not-captured-by-russian-forces-in-ukraine/) - As Russian strikes pounded the besieged port city of Mariupol in Ukraine, Facebook posts shared in various languages claimed US General Roger L. Cloutier was captured by Russian forces there. However, NATO said the rumour was "completely false" and that Cloutier, who leads NATO's Allied Land Command, had not been to Ukraine since July 2021. Cloutier was in Turkey when the false claims about his whereabouts circulated online. - [Video claiming 'Ukraine responsible for train station attack' was not produced by BBC](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-claiming-ukraine-responsible-for-train-station-attack-was-not-produced-by-bbc/) - A video has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times in social media posts that claim it is a report from the BBC that states Ukraine was responsible for a deadly missile attack on a train station in the eastern city of Kramatorsk. The British broadcaster's press team said it did not produce the "fake" video and was "taking action" to get it removed from social media. AFP identified various visual features in the video that indicated it has been fabricated to imitate a report from the BBC. - [This video does not show the Moskva warship exploding -- it's a 2013 Norwegian military exercise](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/this-video-does-not-show-the-moskva-warship-exploding-its-a-2013-norwegian-military-exercise/) - A video has been viewed millions of times on social media, alongside the claim that it shows the Russian warship Moskva exploding. The claim is false: the video is a clipped and edited version of one that has been circulating online since at least 2013, which shows the Norwegian armed forces using a decommissioned frigate for target practice. - [Picture does not show decorated officer among Russian prisoners](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/picture-does-not-show-decorated-officer-among-russian-prisoners/) - Social media users shared a photo claiming to show that a senior US military commander was among captives when Ukrainian soldiers defending the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol surrendered to Russian troops in May. But the claim is false; retired Admiral Eric Olson confirmed to AFP that he was not in Ukraine, and the photo appeared in Russian media a month before the surrender. - [Photo of Putin wearing crinkled suit has circulated online since 2017](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/photo-of-putin-wearing-crinkled-suit-has-circulated-online-since-2017/) - An image of Russian President Vladimir Putin has been shared thousands of times online alongside a claim he "has started to wear a bulletproof vest" after Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Part of Putin's wrinkled suit jacket was circled in the posts as evidence for the claim. The photo has been shared in a false context: it has circulated in reports since mid-2017, almost five years before Russian troops invaded Ukraine. - [Unproven claims of US-funded Ukraine bioweapons labs spread online](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/unproven-claims-of-us-funded-ukraine-bioweapons-labs-spread-online/) - Online articles and social media posts claim US-funded labs in Ukraine are developing biological warfare weapons, saying this is part of the justification for the Russian attack on its eastern European neighbor. But former US officials and non-proliferation experts say the labs are working to detect and prevent the spread of bioweapons, and have also helped in containing disease outbreaks. - [Pro-Russian Facebook Accounts Use the Video of the National Police of Ukraine to Deny the Bucha Massacre | mythdetector.ge](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/pro-russian-facebook-accounts-use-the-video-of-the-national-police-of-ukraine-to-deny-the-bucha-massacre-mythdetector-ge/) - The aforementioned posts voiced the assertion that no corpses can be found in the video published by the National Police of Ukraine. In fact, two bodies do appear in the selected shots of the video. [...] Notably, the account “Find the truth” does not publish the full version of the video. In the post, the scene showing the first body has been cropped out. - [Slovak Government: Russia's Claims It Destroyed S-300 Air Defense Systems Supplied to Ukraine is...](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/slovak-government-russias-claims-it-destroyed-s-300-air-defense-systems-supplied-to-ukraine-is/) - Slovakia has refuted Russian claims that S-300 air defense systems it supplied to Ukraine were destroyed. - [Pro-Kremlin Disinformation Outlets Referenced By Hundreds Of Wikipedia Articles](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/pro-kremlin-disinformation-outlets-referenced-by-hundreds-of-wikipedia-articlesi¼/) - The Kremlin continues to insulate the Russian population from the outside world in terms of access to reliable information, including an increasingly threatening stance towards Wikipedia. Russian media regulator Roskomnadzor claimed that Wikipedia had become the source of "a new line of constant attacks on Russians" and that its articles promoted "an exclusively anti-Russian interpretation of events". The future of Wikipedia in Russia is up in the air, but as of yet, the online encyclopaedia still remains accessible. - [Putin did not nationalize Russian central bank, and Rothchilds never controlled Russia](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/putin-did-not-nationalize-russian-central-bank-and-rothchilds-never-controlled-russia/) - Russian President Vladimir Putin was not responsible for the nationalization of the Russian centralized bank, which took place in 1917. • The Rothschild family banking business has had an office in Russia since the 1990s, but it has no oversight over the country's currency or monetary policies, which are controlled by the Bank of Russia. • The Rothschild family long has been the target of conspiracy theories, and their wealth is believed to be responsible for inspiring the anti-Semitic trope that Jewish people "control" the world's money. Our ruling A Facebook post says Putin "ended the Rothschild's control over Russia by nationalizing the Russian centralized bank." Putin did not nationalize the Russian centralized bank; that occurred in 1917. Evidence does not support the claim that the Rothschild family had control over Russia. The family's banking business has had an office in Russia since the 1990s ' though it recently suspended operations ' but it has no oversight over the country's currency or monetary policies, which are controlled by the Bank of Russia. We rate this claim False. - [Video clip of military helicopter crash is from a video game, not the war in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-clip-of-military-helicopter-crash-is-from-a-video-game-not-the-war-in-ukraine/) - This isn't a real video showing the Ukrainian military shooting down Russian helicopters. It's a simulation from the Arma 3 video game. Using keyword searches we found the same video on YouTube, which described the scene as a simulation from Arma 3, a military tactical shooter video game that's been used several times in false claims about the fighting in Ukraine. The same Facebook account posted another video titled "Rus_sian Helicopter Convoy firing at U_kraine Military Base." It, too, is from the same game and doesn't depict real-life combat. We rate these posts False. UPDATE, June 7, 2022: We updated this fact-check to include another Facebook video misrepresenting video game footage. - [The Pentagon didn't 'admit' that there are 46 US-funded biolabs in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/the-pentagon-didnt-admit-that-there-are-46-us-funded-biolabs-in-ukraine/) - The United States government didn't admit that there are 46 U.S.-funded biolabs in Ukraine. The document referenced by far-right and socialist websites repeats known information about 46 Ukrainian-owned and -operated laboratories, health facilities and diagnostic sites that have received support from the U.S. The government fact sheet specifically states that Ukraine "has no nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons programs." Our ruling A Gateway Pundit article said, "US Department of Defense Finally Comes Clean - Admits in Public Document that There Are 46 US Military-Funded Biolabs in Ukraine." There was no "coming clean" ' and the government made no such admission. The document referenced in the stories repeated known information about 46 Ukrainian-owned-and-operated laboratories, health facilities and diagnostic sites that have received support from the U.S. The document specifically states that Ukraine "has no nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons programs." We rate this claim False. - [This visual effects video does not show 'Russia's vacuum bomb attack in Ukraine'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/this-visual-effects-video-does-not-show-russias-vacuum-bomb-attack-in-ukraine/) - A video has been viewed tens of thousands of times in multiple social media posts that claim it shows Russia attacking Ukraine with a vacuum bomb in 2022. The claim, however, is false. Although Russia has been accused of using such weapons in Ukraine, the video in fact is a digital creation of a visual effects artist. - [Video dates back to 2017 post about Estonian railway repairs, unrelated to EU sanctioning Russia](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-dates-back-to-2017-post-about-estonian-railway-repairs-unrelated-to-eu-sanctioning-russia/) - A video of a railway track being removed has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times after it circulated in posts that claim it shows Lithuania cutting off transit with a Russian exclave after the EU sanctioned certain goods in response to Russia's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine in 2022. Although Lithuania did follow the EU sanctions in blocking certain goods to Kaliningrad, the video has been shared in a false context. It was uploaded in a 2017 post about railway repairs in Estonia, years before Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Keyword searches found no official reports about Lithuania removing the railway track. - [Video from 2018 used in misleading post claiming Russian president recently arrived in South Africa](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-from-2018-used-in-misleading-post-claiming-russian-president-recently-arrived-in-south-africa/) - With Eastern Europe in turmoil following the invasion of Ukraine, a Facebook post shared hundreds of times claims Russian President Vladimir Putin is 'in South Africa'. The post includes a video broadcast showing Putin arriving in the country for alliance talks. However, this is misleading: the video was filmed in July 2018 ahead of the 10th summit of the BRICS group, which was hosted by South Africa. - [This clip shows a climate protest in Italy, not Ukrainian protesters in Spain](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/this-clip-shows-a-climate-protest-in-italy-not-ukrainian-protesters-in-spain/) - A video clip of motorists angrily dragging away demonstrators who were blocking a highway has been viewed tens of thousands of times in online posts that claim it shows Ukrainian anti-war protesters obstructing traffic in Spain. This is false: the clip was filmed in a highway in the Italian capital Rome. The group that staged the protest told AFP it showed a climate demonstration unrelated to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. - [Photo shows tourists at Russian amusement park, not 'Chinese soldiers going to Ukraine'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/photo-shows-tourists-at-russian-amusement-park-not-chinese-soldiers-going-to-ukraine/) - A photo of several people wearing military uniforms with Chinese and Russian flags has been shared hundreds of times in social media posts that claim it shows Chinese soldiers joining the Russian army to fight in Ukraine. This is false. AFP traced the photo to the website of a military-themed amusement park in Russia. The photographer who took pictures of the event said the people in the photo were "tourists". - [Post shows video game footage, not the war in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/post-shows-video-game-footage-not-the-war-in-ukraine/) - What's being described as footage of the war in Ukraine is seen through a scope, with faint chatter in the background and the blast of weapons obliterating tanks on the ground. "In Saturday Russian artillery tanks was completely destroyed by Bayraktar TB2 drones," reads a grammatically problematic July 3 Facebook post sharing the video. But if you watch long enough, the clip is clearly glitchy and the aesthetics might seem familiar ' we've previously fact-checked videos like it that mischaracterize video game footage to make it seem like it's a recording of live combat in Eastern Europe. Searching for the video's description online, we found a YouTube post that gives more context, informing the reader that this isn't real war footage. We rate claims that this is real war footage False. - [Odesa Missile Strike Fakes: "Ukrainians bomb themselves,", "HIMARS hit Odesa" and "UN not condemning...](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/odesa-missile-strike-fakes-ukrainians-bomb-themselves-himars-hit-odesa-and-un-not-condemning/) - On July 24th Russia's Defense Ministry confirmed that Odesa was shelled by Russian armed forces. The information that a warehouse was hit with Harpoon missiles is likely untrue. The Ukrainian Military's press office said that Russian Kalibr cruise missiles damaged a pumping station. The types of explosions that rocked the port of Odesa do not indicate that an ammunition depot was struck. The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres explicitly condemned the strikes on the port. This attack took place less than 24 hours after Russia signed an agreement freeing up grain export from Ukrainian ports. - [Yes, Russian court gave US teen only months in prison for marijuana smuggling - but basketball star Griner got nine years for lesser crime - Africa Check](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/yes-russian-court-gave-us-teen-only-months-in-prison-for-marijuana-smuggling-but-basketball-star-griner-got-nine-years-for-lesser-crime-africa-check/) - A Russian court sentenced Brittney Griner, a basketball star from the US, to nine years in prison for bringing a small amount of marijuana into the country. By contrast, US teenager Audrey Lorber was given a slap on the wrist for a slightly more serious case of the same crime. - [Your guide to geolocating photos and videos posted online](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/your-guide-to-geolocating-photos-and-videos-posted-online/) - Determining whether a scene actually took place where a social media user said it did - also known as geolocation - has become a major part of verifying social media posts. In this article, we take a look at some essential geolocation tools and walk you through a few case studies from the FRANCE 24 Observers team. - [Social media posts overplay North Korea's support for Russian invasion of Ukraine, analysts say](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/social-media-posts-overplay-north-koreas-support-for-russian-invasion-of-ukraine-analysts-say/) - Social media posts claim North Korea has decided to send troops to Ukraine to support Russia, citing a report by Russian state media. However, the report makes no mention of North Korea sending troops to Ukraine. There have been no official reports or statements to support the claim, as of April 26. North Korean experts told AFP it was "highly unlikely" that Pyongyang would deploy troops to Ukraine. - [Fake: 87.3% of Women Who Fled Ukraine Filed for Divorce | StopFake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-87-3-of-women-who-fled-ukraine-filed-for-divorce-stopfake/) - This information is not true. Ukraine's Justice Ministry has not published such statistics. According to the department, the number of divorces has overall increased in the country, but not so drastically. - [Posts do not show 'Putin condemning Denmark for plundering Indonesian oil tanker'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/posts-do-not-show-putin-condemning-denmark-for-plundering-indonesian-oil-tanker/) - A video has been viewed millions of times in social media posts that claim it shows Russian President Vladimir Putin angrily condemning Danish authorities for "plundering" an Indonesian tanker after it collected oil from Russia. This is false; the footage shows a ship that was blocked off the coast of Denmark in March 2022 by Greenpeace activists who were calling for a ban on the import of fossil fuels from Russia. The clip of Putin was taken from an unrelated speech he gave in March 2021, in which he accused the West of trying to "cancel" Russian culture. - [This video does not show dead Russian soldiers being honoured in 2022, it is from Ukraine in 2015](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/this-video-does-not-show-dead-russian-soldiers-being-honoured-in-2022-it-is-from-ukraine-in-2015/) - In the days after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a video circulated online alongside the claim it showed Russian civilians honouring their soldiers killed in the conflict. However, the claim is false. The video is clipped from one posted in 2015, which says it shows Ukrainians paying their respects to soldiers who died fighting in the country's eastern Donbas region in 2015. - [Video of mannequin shows TV drama, not Ukraine 'faking dead bodies' in Bucha](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-of-mannequin-shows-tv-drama-not-ukraine-faking-dead-bodies-in-bucha/) - Footage of two men handling a mannequin is circulating in social media posts that claim it shows a "prop" passed off as a dead body in the Ukrainian town of Bucha, where dozens of corpses were discovered in April after Russian forces retreated. In fact, the video -- viewed hundreds of thousands of times -- was not filmed in Bucha. It was recorded for a Russian TV drama in Vsevolozhsk near Saint Petersburg on March 20, 2022. - [Video featured since 2020 in reports about Turkish attack in Syria, does not show Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-featured-since-2020-in-reports-about-turkish-attack-in-syria-does-not-show-ukraine/) - After Russia pressed on with its invasion of Ukraine, a video surfaced in social media posts in various languages claiming it shows a Ukrainian drone attack on Russian tanks. But the footage -- which has been viewed tens of thousands of times -- has been shared in a false context. It has circulated since March 2020 in reports about a Turkish drone assault on Syrian forces. - [Undamaged windows are not evidence of staged Ukraine violence](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/undamaged-windows-are-not-evidence-of-staged-ukraine-violence/) - Social media posts claim a photo shows cars damaged by a Russian bomb near a building with intact windows in Bucha, suggesting it proves violence in the Ukrainian town was staged. But there is no evidence of a strike near the building, and residents said military vehicles were used to upend the cars -- accounts confirmed by media reports and other images from the town. - [Old footage shows soldiers of the French Foreign Legion, not Russian troops in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/old-footage-shows-soldiers-of-the-french-foreign-legion-not-russian-troops-in-ukraine/) - A video viewed more than 300,000 times on Facebook has been shared alongside claims that it shows Russian and Ukrainian soldiers fighting in February 2022. This is false; the video, which has been online since at least 2019, shows troops of the French Foreign Legion in battle, although it remains unclear where the footage was filmed. - [This clip does not show Russian missiles in Ukraine -- it was taken from a video game](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/this-clip-does-not-show-russian-missiles-in-ukraine-it-was-taken-from-a-video-game/) - A video has been viewed thousands of times in multiple Facebook and Weibo posts alongside a claim it shows Russian troops blowing up a military convoy carrying US-supplied weapons to Ukraine. However, the claim is false; the clip in fact shows computer-generated imagery from a war video game called ARMA 3. - [Photo shows Moscow's first McDonald's restaurant opening in 1990, not chain's closure in Russia](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/photo-shows-moscows-first-mcdonalds-restaurant-opening-in-1990-not-chains-closure-in-russia/) - A photo has been shared hundreds of times in social media posts that claim it shows Russians queuing to purchase their final meal at a McDonald's restaurant before the American fast-food giant closed all outlets in Russia following the invasion of Ukraine. Although local media reported that Russians flocked to McDonald's restaurants after the closure was announced, the photo has been shared in a false context. It was taken by an AFP photographer in January 1990 at the opening of the first McDonald's restaurant in the Soviet Union. - [Putin's Generation Z: Kremlin pro-war propaganda targets young Russians](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/putins-generation-z-kremlin-pro-war-propaganda-targets-young-russians/) - Vladimir Putin's Ukraine War is not going according to plan, with Ukrainian forces rebuffing attempts to capture Kyiv and forcing a general Russian retreat from the north of the country. Nevertheless, there remains no end in sight to hostilities, with every indication that Moscow is preparing for a long campaign. As the Russian military begins a new offensive in eastern Ukraine, the Kremlin is accelerating efforts to indoctrinate young Russians and consolidate the pro-war consensus on the domestic front for a further generation. - [Putin's Fake: War in Ukraine Conforms with UN Charter](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/putins-fake-war-in-ukraine-conforms-with-un-charter/) - The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation which began on February 24, 2022, is a flagrant violation of international law and a naked act of aggression. - [Operation May 9. How Soviet Fakes and Propaganda Became the Source of a New...](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/operation-may-9-how-soviet-fakes-and-propaganda-became-the-source-of-a-new/) - May 9 - Victory Day - "the Soviet people's victory in the Great Patriotic War 1941-1945" was never simply a commemorative holiday, it has always been an important ideological instrument. From its inception, this holiday has been a deep and profound manifestation of state propaganda. However, the kind of metamorphosis regarding World War II that has taken place in today's Russia, could not have been foreseen even by Stalin. - [Photo Fake: Polish Military Order to Attack Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/photo-fake-polish-military-order-to-attack-ukraine/) - Ukraine's intelligence services never published any such document. The "order" is a fake. Poland's Armed Forces High Command confirms this is a fake, as does a detailed analysis of the document image. - [Social media posts share false claim about 'NATO-supplied fighter jets arriving in Ukraine'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/social-media-posts-share-false-claim-about-nato-supplied-fighter-jets-arriving-in-ukraine/) - A claim that NATO has sent fighter jets to Ukraine to help the country fight invading Russian forces was shared by multiple social media posts in August 2022. The claim, however, is false. While there was a proposal in March to supply Ukraine with Soviet-era jets through a US air base, Washington rejected the idea over fears it could escalate the conflict. Separately, NATO's press office told AFP that the claim was "not accurate". - [Video shows Putin's face superimposed on exiled tycoon's body for anti-Kremlin film promo](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-shows-putins-face-superimposed-on-exiled-tycoons-body-for-anti-kremlin-film-promo/) - Footage that appears to show Russian President Vladimir Putin behind bars has surfaced in social media posts claiming he was arrested on terrorism charges. However, the clip has been doctored to superimpose Putin's face onto that of Mikhail Khodorkovsky, an oil tycoon who spent a decade in jail. The altered video was originally published to promote a documentary that accused Russian authorities of orchestrating a series of apartment block bombings in 1999. - [Ukrainian naval ship' destroyed by Russia is actually just an old bridge - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/ukrainian-naval-ship-destroyed-by-russia-is-actually-just-an-old-bridge-truth-or-fake/) - The Russian ministry of defence has released a video claiming its forces have struck an "amphibious" Ukrainian vehicle near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. However, by geolocating the alleged target from the footage, we discovered it is in fact the remnants of a bridge built during World War II. We explain the details in this edition of Truth or Fake with Vedika Bahl. - [Video shows bombing in Syria in 2021, not Russian suicide bomber opposed to military call-up](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-shows-bombing-in-syria-in-2021-not-russian-suicide-bomber-opposed-to-military-call-up/) - After Moscow announced in September 2022 that it would call up some 300,000 reservists to fight in Ukraine, a video was viewed tens of thousands of times in social media posts that claim it shows a suicide bombing in Russia that targeted a recruitment officer. The claim, however, is false. While there were protests against the "partial" mobilisation in Russia, this video has circulated since at least 2021 in reports about a bombing in Syria. - [Posts mischaracterize photo of BBC journalist during attack in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/posts-mischaracterize-photo-of-bbc-journalist-during-attack-in-ukraine/) - Screenshots of a BBC news report shared on social media purport to show a journalist exaggerating the danger of a Russian attack on Irpin, Ukraine. This is misleading; the reporter has refuted the claim, and the posts ignore the shelling that took place in the area where the footage was filmed. - [War in Ukraine: Fact-checking Russian claims that Nato troops are fighting in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/war-in-ukraine-fact-checking-russian-claims-that-nato-troops-are-fighting-in-ukraine/) - It's well known that foreign fighters have joined Ukrainian military units. However, claims are being made by Russian officials and media outlets of serving Nato troops on the ground in Ukraine. [...] Russian media outlets haven't provided evidence of serving Nato personnel on the ground, only pointing to the presence of individual foreign fighters on the battlefield. - [The Ukrainian commander-in-chief 's 'swastika' bracelet - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/the-ukrainian-commander-in-chief-s-swastika-bracelet-truth-or-fake/) - General Valery Zaluzhny, commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces, recently posted a photo of himself on Twitter allegedly wearing a bracelet with a swastika. In fact, what appears to be a swastika is actually a Viking symbol. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [We take a look at the Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief 's 'swastika' bracelet - France 24](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/we-take-a-look-at-the-ukrainian-commander-in-chief-s-swastika-bracelet-france-24/) - General Valery Zaluzhny, Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine's armed forces, recently posted a photo of himself on Twitter allegedly wearing a bracelet with a swastika. In fact, what appears to be a swastika in the photo, is actually a Viking symbol. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [Video game clip falsely shared as footage of Russian tanks struck by US-supplied missiles in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-game-clip-falsely-shared-as-footage-of-russian-tanks-struck-by-us-supplied-missiles-in-ukraine/) - A video viewed tens of thousands of times on social media has been falsely shared as showing Ukrainian troops attacking Russian tanks with US-made Javelin anti-tank missiles. While the missiles are among armaments sent by the United States and Western countries to Ukraine after Russia's invasion in February 2022, the clip in fact shows footage from the video game ARMA 3. - [This photo of Ukraine plunged into darkness is photoshopped](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/this-photo-of-ukraine-plunged-into-darkness-is-photoshopped/) - Has the entire Ukrainian territory been plunged into darkness due to Russian bombing? That's what some people on social networks have been saying since November 23, while sharing what appears to be an aerial photograph of Europe. While millions of Ukrainians have indeed lost power, this image has been manipulated using a photo that dates back to 2012. - [This video was filmed years before the 2022 Ukraine-Russia crisis](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/this-video-was-filmed-years-before-the-2022-ukraine-russia-crisis/) - A video that shows a military tank hurtling down the street has been viewed thousands of times in social media posts that claim it was filmed in Ukraine in January 2022, after Western leaders sounded the alarm over a potential Russian invasion. The posts are misleading; the footage was filmed in May 2014, when deadly clashes erupted between Ukrainian troops and separatists in the city of Mariupol. - [The man in this video is an actor, but it does not mean the Ukraine war is being staged - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/the-man-in-this-video-is-an-actor-but-it-does-not-mean-the-ukraine-war-is-being-staged-truth-or-fake/) - Since the start of the war in Ukraine, repeated false claims have appeared on social media alleging that the entire conflict is being staged. FRANCE 24's fact-checking team debunk the latest example: two videos that show a man in Ukrainian army uniform being filmed, as he appears to act out a scene on the battlefield. - [Video game clip falsely shared as NATO military convoy being destroyed in Ukraine - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-game-clip-falsely-shared-as-nato-military-convoy-being-destroyed-in-ukraine-truth-or-fake/) - A viral post on Facebook claims to show a convoy of NATO military advisers being destroyed by Russian missiles. While many users believe that the images represent actual fighting, they were actually taken from a war video game series called Arma 3. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [Video clips mischaracterized as showing fake Ukraine war footage](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-clips-mischaracterized-as-showing-fake-ukraine-war-footage/) - A recent Instagram post sharing a TikTok video issues a "wake up call," purportedly pointing to several clips as evidence that scenes of war in Ukraine have been staged. Using reverse image searches and InVid, a site that helps identify the origins of video clips, we found the ones featured in the Instagram post, and neither is meant to show real footage of the war in Ukraine. Those claims were wrong, and so is this one. We rate the claim that these clips show fake war footage in Ukraine Pants on Fire. - [Poland missile strike: Beware of images on Twitter unrelated to the blast - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/poland-missile-strike-beware-of-images-on-twitter-unrelated-to-the-blast-truth-or-fake/) - Some users on social media are sharing images that allegedly show debris of the S-300 air defence missile that killed two people in Poland this Tuesday. But one of the images being shared is actually from projectile remains found in Dagestan in October 2020. We tell you which images to look out for in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [What Is Behind Claim Joe Biden 'Laundered' Billions in Ukraine Aid via FTX?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/what-is-behind-claim-joe-biden-laundered-billions-in-ukraine-aid-via-ftx/) - The claim that funds were effectively "laundered" from Ukraine via FTX back into the U.S., less so to the Democratic party coffers or Biden himself, is unevidenced. Newsweek has investigated the coverage of this claim across social media and larger media outlets and could find no transaction ID, statements, or any other tangible evidence to support the idea that U.S. funding or crypto donations were washed back to the Democratic Party, through a Ukrainian investment in FTX or otherwise. The claim does not acknowledge the auditing and scrutiny that U.S. foreign aid receives to ensure that it is spent appropriately on measures relating to Ukrainian assistance. - [This Al Jazeera report on 'Nazi Ukrainians' at the World Cup is fake - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/this-al-jazeera-report-on-nazi-ukrainians-at-the-world-cup-is-fake-truth-or-fake/) - A video report attributed to broadcaster Al Jazeera has been circulating online, claiming that drunken Ukrainian football fans were detained at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar for giving a Nazi salute and defacing posters with a Hitler moustache. But all is not as it seems, so what's true and what's fake? Find out in this edition with Vedika Bahl. - [Photos of war makeup in Ukraine are from combat medic training in 2016](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/photos-of-war-makeup-in-ukraine-are-from-combat-medic-training-in-2016/) - Four photos being shared on social media of a woman having war wound makeup applied to her face and body are from a medic training exercise in 2016. At least one of the images was posted by an Instagram user whose profile describes her as a combat medic in Ukraine. The same woman appears in three of the photos. A Twitter user with the same handle as the Instagram user tweeted Nov. 25 that "enemy propagandists" stole her photos from the 2016 training sessions to misrepresent them. Allegations that images showing war devastation in Ukraine were staged have been shared on social media since Russia invaded the country in February. We've debunked multiple claims about photos, including a false one that said a teacher injured on the first day of the war was a crisis actor. Our ruling An Instagram post claims that photos of war wound makeup being applied to a woman are fake combat photos, implying the violence in Ukraine isn't real. But the photos can be traced to an Instagram user who described herself as a combat medic veteran. She shared at least one of the images on Instagram in 2016. A woman with the same handle on Twitter wrote that the photos were from training sessions and were being misrepresented by "enemy propagandists." There is no evidence the photos were staged to show an injury from the current battle in Ukraine. We rate the claim False. UPDATE, Dec. 1, 5:30 p.m. ET: The story was updated Dec. 1 to add the response from an Instagram user received after publication of this article. - [Posts falsely link Texas video to Ukraine conflict](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/posts-falsely-link-texas-video-to-ukraine-conflict/) - A video of a flock of birds swooping over a freeway in the US state of Texas has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times in online posts that falsely claim it shows a murder of crows in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv in January 2023. The claim circulated online during the 11th month of Russia's war in Ukraine. - [Team Jorge': Journalists expose the business of disinformation black ops - Tech 24](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/team-jorge-journalists-expose-the-business-of-disinformation-black-ops-tech-24/) - This week saw the release of a wide-ranging investigation into the lucrative disinformation industry, published by a media consortium led by the French NGO Forbidden Stories. At the centre of the story is a shadowy Israeli group nicknamed "Team Jorge" who claims it has influenced 33 elections worldwide with a potent combination of phone hacking and thousands of fake profiles. FRANCE 24's Technology Editor Peter O'Brien dives into the systems they use to wage disinformation "black ops". - [What do we know about the Ukrainian soldier accused of wearing an 'Islamic State badge'?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/what-do-we-know-about-the-ukrainian-soldier-accused-of-wearing-an-islamic-state-badge/) - Since Thursday, February 16, numerous posts online have featured screenshots of a Danish television report showing a Ukrainian soldier with a patch on his uniform that some are saying means he belongs to the Islamic State organisation. However, there is no clear proof of what this patch represents. The Ukrainian soldier in question has given his own version of events. - [Photo from Biden Warsaw speech altered to add vulgar gesture](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/photo-from-biden-warsaw-speech-altered-to-add-vulgar-gesture/) - An image shared widely on social media purports to show a pair of middle fingers directed at Joe Biden after the US president's speech in Warsaw, Poland. But the picture has been digitally manipulated; the original photo shared by Biden and the White House depicts a thumbs-up gesture in the crowd. - [Twitter is not restricting Ukrainian flag emoji](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/twitter-is-not-restricting-ukrainian-flag-emoji/) - A widely shared image claims to show a notice from Twitter informing users that only the platform's paid subscribers would be able to feature the Ukrainian flag emoji on their profiles. This is false; the supposed screenshot appears to be a digital fabrication, and Twitter has made no such policy announcement. - [Posts omitted some of Microsoft co-founder's comments](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/posts-omitted-some-of-microsoft-co-founders-comments/) - Some prominent conservatives in the United States are sharing a video that appears to show Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates calling the Ukrainian government one of the worst in the world amid the war with Russia. This is misleading; the original footage shows the billionaire philanthropist was referring to Ukraine's past, but the clip was deceptively edited to omit the word "pre-war" from the start of his sentence. - [Why these images do not prove that Vladimir Putin sent a 'body double' to Mariupol](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/why-these-images-do-not-prove-that-vladimir-putin-sent-a-body-double-to-mariupol/) - Did Vladimir Putin really use a body double during his recent visit to Mariupol, Ukraine? That's the question posed by several posts that began circulating on social media on March 20, 2023. However, while these posts claim to show evidence of physical differences in the president's face, the images they rely on are far from conclusive. - [Video games & reality: How to tell the difference? - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-games-reality-how-to-tell-the-difference-truth-or-fake/) - Soldiers fighting... missiles destroying tanks... war scenes in full splendor. Footage from video games is so realistic that it is often used to portray real-life war scenes. - [Truth or Fake 2023: image verification in the age of AI and video games](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/truth-or-fake-2023-image-verification-in-the-age-of-ai-and-video-games/) - For France's Press and Media in Schools Week 2023, France 24's Observers team, specialised in debunking misinformation, has produced a new annual edition of "Truth or Fake", a short programme giving tips on how to disentangle fact from fiction. - [Posts use old video to falsely claim Russian president visited South Africa in March 2023](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/posts-use-old-video-to-falsely-claim-russian-president-visited-south-africa-in-march-2023/) - After the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant last month for Russian President Vladimir Putin, a video re-emerged on social media claiming to show him arriving in South Africa for an official visit. But this is false: the video was filmed in July 2018 ahead of the 10th summit of the BRICS group, which South Africa hosted. AFP Fact Check previously debunked a similar claim about the video a few months after Russia invaded Ukraine. - [U.S. spending in Afghanistan dwarfs aid to Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/u-s-spending-in-afghanistan-dwarfs-aid-to-ukraine/) - Congress has approved about $111 billion in aid to Ukraine since the country was invaded by Russia in February 2022. During a 20-year entanglement in Afghanistan, the U.S. spent between $825 billion and $2.3 trillion, depending on the source of the estimate and what's being included. Even taking the lower estimate of $825 billion, the U.S. would have spent $714 billion more in Afghanistan than in aid to Ukraine. We rate the claim that the amount the U.S. has spent in Ukraine is "double the U.S. expenditure for its own war in Afghanistan" False. - [Yes some Ukrainians are destroying Russian books, but why? - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/yes-some-ukrainians-are-destroying-russian-books-but-why-truth-or-fake/) - A video showing hundreds of Russian books being shovelled out of trucks, onto the floor and then packed up has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times on social media. The scene takes place in Ukraine and has sparked comparisons by pro-Russians to Nazi book-burning. Put into context though, it's an unfair comparison. We tell you why in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [Ukraine: One year of misinformation and how it has shaped the war narrative - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/ukraine-one-year-of-misinformation-and-how-it-has-shaped-the-war-narrative-truth-or-fake/) - On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, triggering a ground war, but also an information war online. Since then, the FRANCE 24 Observers team has debunked 115 pieces of fake news shared via online photos and videos. But what are the main themes in these false narratives? What techniques were used to misinform? In this edition of Truth or Fake with Vedika Bahl, we take a look back at one year in fake news. - [The war in Ukraine isn't 'fake,' and these photos don't prove that it is](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/the-war-in-ukraine-isnt-fake-and-these-photos-dont-prove-that-it-is/) - Construction workers in Ukraine have been working to repair homes damaged by missiles during the country's war with Russia. Their efforts have been captured by amateur and professional photographers, as well as multiple news organizations. A photo of a reconstructed building is not proof the war is fake. The war is real and has left thousands of civilians dead. Images from professional and amateur photographers captured the repair progress. European Pressphoto Agency published multiple before-and-after images of the building. One montage of images shared on Twitter on Feb. 26, 2023, appears to show the building repairs at different phases. We rate claims that these images prove the war in Ukraine is fake Pants on Fire! - [Ukraine: How a film clip fuelled false claims the war is staged - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/ukraine-how-a-film-clip-fuelled-false-claims-the-war-is-staged-truth-or-fake/) - Lights, camera, action! A viral video of soldiers falling to the ground from explosions - with cameras present - has fuelled accusations the war in Ukraine is staged. But it's simply behind-the-scenes footage of a Ukrainian short film. We spoke exclusively to the producer and director in this edition of Truth or Fake with Vedika Bahl. - [Old port fire video falsely shared as 'Israeli attack on Iran's military aid to Russia'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/old-port-fire-video-falsely-shared-as-israeli-attack-on-irans-military-aid-to-russia/) - An old video of a smoking field of debris has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times in Chinese-language social media posts that falsely claim it shows Iranian military aid for Russia blown up by Israel in March 2023. But there is no evidence the event described in the posts actually occurred. The video was in fact shared by an Afghan official in the aftermath of a massive port fire in the country in February 2021. - [Old video falsely shared as anti-Putin protest in Russia in May 2023](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/old-video-falsely-shared-as-anti-putin-protest-in-russia-in-may-2023/) - A video has surfaced in social media posts that falsely claim it shows protesters rallying against Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in May 2023. While Russians have genuinely protested against Putin's war in Ukraine, the footage shows an anti-Kremlin protest in May 2013. - [Old video of Russian tank toppling over at military parade resurfaces in Ukraine war posts](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/old-video-of-russian-tank-toppling-over-at-military-parade-resurfaces-in-ukraine-war-posts/) - An old video of a Russian tank toppling over at a military parade has been viewed tens of thousands of times in posts that misleadingly claim the driver who overturned the vehicle subsequently avoided being sent to the front line in the war against Ukraine. The clip -- which recirculated shortly after a military parade in Moscow in May 2023 -- corresponds with media reports from 2018 about an accident at another event in the western Russian city of Kursk. - [What's behind this fake advert calling on North Africans to fight in Ukraine to get EU citizenship](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/whats-behind-this-fake-advert-calling-on-north-africans-to-fight-in-ukraine-to-get-eu-citizenship/) - Since May 21, a number of posts online have been claiming that an advertisement posted on the British jobs website Adzuna offers proof that Western countries are recruiting mercenaries in Africa and the Middle East to go and fight in Ukraine. However, we investigated and determined that this post isn't real. - [Video shows Ukraine prisoner swap, contrary to pro-Russia claims](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-shows-ukraine-prisoner-swap-contrary-to-pro-russia-claims/) - Social media posts claim a video depicts Ukrainian soldiers surrendering to the Russian army. This is false; the clip shows a prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Wagner mercenaries in late May 2023 near the city of Bakhmut. - [Old video of explosion at Ukrainian dam falsely linked to latest blast in June 2023](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/old-video-of-explosion-at-ukrainian-dam-falsely-linked-to-latest-blast-in-june-2023/) - A video appearing to show an explosion has circulated widely in social media posts that misleadingly claim it captured the moment the Kakhovka Dam in Ukraine was destroyed in June 2023. The footage was in fact taken in 2022 when another explosion occurred at the dam during Russia's invasion of Ukraine. - [The war in Ukraine is real and ongoing, despite nonsense social media posts](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/the-war-in-ukraine-is-real-and-ongoing-despite-nonsense-social-media-posts/) - That's because it trafficks in misinformation about the war that we've encountered before. Previous posts have falsely claimed that various photos are evidence the war is fake, that video clips prove it's staged, that it's scripted. None of that was accurate, and neither is the claim that there's no war in Ukraine. It defies more than a year of news coverage from reporters with media outlets from around the world giving dispatches from Ukraine, describing the front lines, the lives of civilians and more. We rate this post Pants on Fire! - [Video shows Russia blew up farm machinery, not Leopard 2 tanks - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-shows-russia-blew-up-farm-machinery-not-leopard-2-tanks-truth-or-fake/) - Russia's ministry of defence published a Telegram video allegedly showing its "successful destruction" of several Ukrainian tanks, including Leopard 2 battle tanks. But analysis of the video shows several holes in this argument, and the "tanks" share more similarities with agricultural machinery. Vedika Bahl explains in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [These images don't show confrontations between Wagner group and Russian army - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/these-images-dont-show-confrontations-between-wagner-group-and-russian-army-truth-or-fake/) - Some users on social media are sharing extremely realistic video game footage, claiming that it's real-life images coming out of the Wagner group rebellion this weekend. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [These videos do not show clashes between the Wagner Group and Russian forces](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/these-videos-do-not-show-clashes-between-the-wagner-group-and-russian-forces/) - In the aftermath of the armed rebellion attempt by Yevgeny Prigozhin's Wagner mercenary group against the Russian army command on Saturday June 24, people began sharing images online purporting to show the two sides fighting. But at least two of these videos were taken from the video game Arma 3 - and it's not the first time this military video game has been used to spread misinformation. - [Nova Kakhovka dam breach: Old image resurfaces to falsely illustrate today's damage - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/nova-kakhovka-dam-breach-old-image-resurfaces-to-falsely-illustrate-todays-damage-truth-or-fake/) - An image from a November 2022 explosion in the Nova Kakhovka dam is going viral. Some users claim that it shows the precise moment Russian forces blew up the dam, while others say it shows the destruction of the dam by Ukrainian armed forces. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [Posts falsely claim Ukraine cathedral destruction was staged](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/posts-falsely-claim-ukraine-cathedral-destruction-was-staged/) - Social media posts claim footage of people easily removing debris from a Ukrainian cathedral after a Russian air strike proves the attack was faked. This is false; AFP and other news outlets covered the destruction, and the original video appears to show a woman carrying pieces of lightweight insulation. - [Old photos resurface with false claim that they show British ships 'bombed in Ukraine' | Fact Check](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/old-photos-resurface-with-false-claim-that-they-show-british-ships-bombed-in-ukraine-fact-check/) - Two photos have been shared in social media posts alongside false claims that they show the aftermath of British cargo ships bombed by the Russian air force in a port in Odesa in southern Ukraine on July 16, 2023. However, the photos were in fact taken in Libya and Indonesia respectively and predate Russia's invasion of Ukraine. - [Ukraine not recruiting Canadians to fight in war against Russia](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/ukraine-not-recruiting-canadians-to-fight-in-war-against-russia/) - Social media posts claim Ukraine has asked the Canadian government to send residents of Ukrainian descent to fight in the war against Russia. This is false; both countries told AFP there is no such recruitment campaign. - [Photos of French villa falsely tied to Ukrainian defense minister](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/photos-of-french-villa-falsely-tied-to-ukrainian-defense-minister/) - Social media posts claim photos show a multimillion-dollar property recently purchased by the daughter of Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov. This is false; the luxury villa in Cannes, France has been on the market since October 2021, according to a real estate firm and the owners of the house. - [Video game clip shared as genuine footage of Russia's invasion of Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/video-game-clip-shared-as-genuine-footage-of-russias-invasion-of-ukraine/) - Footage that appears to show helicopters obliterated by missiles has racked up tens of thousands of views in social media posts that claim it shows combat between Russian and Ukrainian forces. While some social media users appeared to believe the clip was genuine, it was taken from war video game series Arma. - [No, Ukrainians did not set fire to an Orthodox Church - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-ukrainians-did-not-set-fire-to-an-orthodox-church-truth-or-fake/) - In Ukraine, fake news continues to fuel the information war. In recent days, a video purporting to show a Ukrainian Orthodox church on fire has appeared on social media, with captions accusing "radical Ukrainians" of arson. The claims fit neatly into a Russian narrative that accuses Ukrainians of persecuting followers of the Moscow Patriarchate wing of the Church. But as we explain in this edition, the video is bogus. - [No, Ukraine does not really look like this from space - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-ukraine-does-not-really-look-like-this-from-space-truth-or-fake/) - A satellite photo of Europe being shared on social media appears to show a complete blackout in Ukraine. But the power outages, albeit extensive, are not total. The photo has been manipulated - we explain how in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [No, this video is not 'proof' that Ukraine destroyed the Nova Kakhovka dam - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-this-video-is-not-proof-that-ukraine-destroyed-the-nova-kakhovka-dam-truth-or-fake/) - A viral video on Twitter purports to show "clear indication that Ukraine was the original culprit" behind the collapse of the Nova Kakhovka dam. Even though both Russia and Ukraine are blaming each other for the destruction of the dam, the video in question is not recent and has nothing to do with the dam breach. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [No, this photo doesn't show the destruction of a Ukrainian military base in Odesa - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-this-photo-doesnt-show-the-destruction-of-a-ukrainian-military-base-in-odesa-truth-or-fake/) - Some pro-Russian web users in West Africa have been sharing a photo that allegedly illustrates the destruction of a Ukrainian military base in Odesa on September 25. However, the photo has nothing to do with the war in Ukraine. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [Is Ukraine really developing a dirty bomb? Be careful of Russian claims](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/is-ukraine-really-developing-a-dirty-bomb-be-careful-of-russian-claims/) - Ukraine is apparently in the process of developing a so-called dirty bomb - a bomb containing radioactive elements - or, at least, that's the narrative that Moscow has been peddling since October 23, 2022. The Russian Ministry of Defence posted these claims to Telegram and Twitter, along with illustrated documents meant to support these claims. But the images published in these documents are old and some of them were even taken in Russia. - [No, BBC journalist Jeremy Bowen did not 'stage' a Ukraine report - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-bbc-journalist-jeremy-bowen-did-not-stage-a-ukraine-report-truth-or-fake/) - A screenshot from a BBC report is circulating heavily on social media, with claims that the reporter is pretending to be on the frontlines whilst a woman stands casually in the background with a shopping bag. What's true and what's fake? We explain the details in this edition of Truth or Fake with Vedika Bahl. - [No, these videos do not prove the Ukrainian army is using chemical weapons - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-these-videos-do-not-prove-the-ukrainian-army-is-using-chemical-weapons-truth-or-fake/) - Videos purporting to show the Ukrainian army making or using chemical weapons keep surfacing on pro-Russian accounts. We debunk two of them in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [No, Russia did not 'capture and destroy' Ukraine's Leopard 2 tanks - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-russia-did-not-capture-and-destroy-ukraines-leopard-2-tanks-truth-or-fake/) - According to social media images, Leopard 2 tanks - recently delivered to Ukraine after weeks of waiting - have been destroyed by Russia's Wagner mercenary group. But Wagner's head Yevgeny Prigozhin has denied the claims, and the images have in fact been around on the internet for a while. We take a closer look in this edition of Truth or Fake with Vedika Bahl. - [No, a Latvian town did not decorate its Christmas tree with Nazi symbols - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-a-latvian-town-did-not-decorate-its-christmas-tree-with-nazi-symbols-truth-or-fake/) - The town of Lielvārde in Latvia has attracted attention from social media users after images and video of its Christmas tree - decorated with swastikas - were posted online. Internet users were quick to condemn the move as "fascist" and "pro-Nazi" - but is all as it seems? We take a closer look in this edition of Truth or Fake with Vedika Bahl. - [Here's what we know about the Ukrainian soldier accused of wearing an IS group badge - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/heres-what-we-know-about-the-ukrainian-soldier-accused-of-wearing-an-is-group-badge-truth-or-fake/) - Images of a Ukrainian soldier on the frontline wearing what seems to be an Islamic State (IS) group badge on his arm have taken the internet by storm. Some users and media outlets claim this is evidence of links between the terrorist group and Ukraine. The soldier himself says differently. We tell you what we know so far in this edition of Truth or Fake, with Vedika Bahl. - [False claim uses video game footage to illustrate 'possibilities of Russian aviation' - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/false-claim-uses-video-game-footage-to-illustrate-possibilities-of-russian-aviation-truth-or-fake/) - A viral video claims to show the impressive maneuvers of a Russian pilot. The video is actually an extract from a highly realistic combat simulator video game that has been continuously used in fake claims. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [Film production footage sparks both Russian and Ukrainian disinformation - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/film-production-footage-sparks-both-russian-and-ukrainian-disinformation-truth-or-fake/) - Images circulating on social media from a Ukrainian film production do not prove that Ukraine is staging the war, but neither do they prove "Russian illiteracy". We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [Five fact-checks about the war in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/five-fact-checks-about-the-war-in-ukraine/) - Russia's invasion of Ukraine this year kept our fact-checkers very busy. We wrote 92 articles debunking false claims about information related to the war. These ranged from claims the Bucha massacre was staged to false TV reports and accusations of Nazism among Ukrainians. To mark the end of the year, we made a list of some of our top fact-checks about Ukraine. - [Did Vladimir Putin use paid actors in his New Year's speech? - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/did-vladimir-putin-use-paid-actors-in-his-new-years-speech-truth-or-fake/) - Internet sleuths are setting social media alight with claims that the Russian president used "paid extras" in his New Year's Eve address, after they found previous official photographs featuring a blonde woman with a striking resemblance to one pictured during the speech. These claims have made media headlines across the globe. We take a closer look in this edition of Truth or Fake with Vedika Bahl. - [Geolocation proves video showing soldiers harassing Russian-speaking woman is staged - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/geolocation-proves-video-showing-soldiers-harassing-russian-speaking-woman-is-staged-truth-or-fake/) - A video shared by everyone from prominent Russian media to official Kremlin social media accounts purports to show Ukrainian soldiers harassing a woman and her child. But open source communities' debunking of the video has prompted an unusual backtrack from some of the pro-Russian lobby. We take a closer look in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [Debunking Russia's 'dirty bomb' allegations - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/debunking-russias-dirty-bomb-allegations-truth-or-fake/) - Russia recently accused Ukraine of fabricating a "dirty bomb". These allegations were made on official Kremlin Telegram and Twitter accounts, accompanied by explanatory slides that seemed to implicitly support their claims. However, we found that many of the images are unrelated to the accusations. For example, some of the images presented as Ukrainian nuclear plants are actually Russian nuclear facilities. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [Debunking claims that Ukraine staged injuries following Russian missile strike on Kyiv - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/debunking-claims-that-ukraine-staged-injuries-following-russian-missile-strike-on-kyiv-truth-or-fake/) - Pro-Russian accounts claim that Ukrainian "propaganda" and mainstream Western media are showing fake victims, following a Russian missile strike in Kyiv on October 10. AP and Reuters reporters on the scene were able to confirm that the civilians in the viral posts are real victims of the war in Ukraine. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [Debunking claims that Ukraine is staging Russian war crimes - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/debunking-claims-that-ukraine-is-staging-russian-war-crimes-truth-or-fake/) - A video from a film production in Ukraine has been widely shared on social media. Pro-Kremlin users falsely claim the video is evidence that Ukraine is staging Russian atrocities. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [Debunking claims that Ukraine is using child soldiers - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/debunking-claims-that-ukraine-is-using-child-soldiers-truth-or-fake/) - The latest pro-Russian narrative in the war in Ukraine is that the Ukrainian army is sending children and teenagers to the frontline. To illustrate this claim, users are posting a video on Twitter that shows three young soldiers, claiming they are children. Our team were able to identify two of the three soldiers in the video. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [Debunking claims that US Abrams tanks were seen in Poland - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/debunking-claims-that-us-abrams-tanks-were-seen-in-poland-truth-or-fake/) - In a video circulating on social media, some users claim to show American M1 Abrams tanks and military infantry vehicles in Poland, allegedly heading to Ukraine. These false claims began to circulate online on January 25, when President Joe Biden announced that US Abrams tanks would be delivered to Ukraine. We tell you where this video was actually filmed in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [Debunking claims that Poland's army will create 'special' LGBT units - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/debunking-claims-that-polands-army-will-create-special-lgbt-units-truth-or-fake/) - Russian social media channels and media are sharing a doctored video that alleges Poland will form army units of "non-traditional orientation". We disprove these claims in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [Debunking claims that Izium mass graves are Ukrainian propaganda - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/debunking-claims-that-izium-mass-graves-are-ukrainian-propaganda-truth-or-fake/) - Pro-Russian accounts on social media are falsely claiming that certain civilian graves found in Izium date from before the Russian occupation. In this edition of Truth or Fake, we debunk claims that the graves were staged by Ukrainian authorities. - [Debunking a Ukrainian MP's strange visit to Thailand - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/debunking-a-ukrainian-mps-strange-visit-to-thailand-truth-or-fake/) - Mykola Tyshchenko, a Ukrainian MP, has been expelled from the war-torn country's ruling party over a trip to Thailand earlier this month. The trip came to light through an encounter that was organised with the MP by the Ukrainian embassy in Thailand. Traces of this event were later deleted online. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [Debunking claims that Polish Leopard 2 tanks got stuck in mud in Ukraine - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/debunking-claims-that-polish-leopard-2-tanks-got-stuck-in-mud-in-ukraine-truth-or-fake/) - Social media users are sharing a video that falsely claims Polish Leopard 2 tanks were captured while stuck in deep mud somewhere in Ukraine. But the misleading video has nothing to do with the war in Ukraine. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [Courchevel restaurant explains Ukrainian 'burial dance' mix-up - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/courchevel-restaurant-explains-ukrainian-burial-dance-mix-up-truth-or-fake/) - In a video circulating on social media, users claim that a waiter at an upscale French ski resort wearing a Russian flag jumpsuit carried a Ukrainian "coffin" during a champagne parade. The FRANCE 24 Observers team contacted Bagatelle Courchevel; the restaurant explained that the scene had nothing to do with the war in Ukraine. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [Crimea bridge: The fake videos circulating online - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/crimea-bridge-the-fake-videos-circulating-online-truth-or-fake/) - The explosion on the Kerch bridge to Crimea triggered many theories online regarding who or what caused the explosion. Was it a boat, a missile or a truck? We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [Chinese influencer impersonates Russian soldier using deepfake filter - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/chinese-influencer-impersonates-russian-soldier-using-deepfake-filter-truth-or-fake/) - An man posing as "Paul Kochadie" fooled over 400,000 followers on his Douyin account (TikTok's equivalent in China) by using artificial intelligence to pretend to be a Russian soldier on the Ukrainian frontline. This man, who sent "daily" updates about the war in Ukraine, was neither Russian nor a soldier, but instead a resident of Henan, China. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake. - [Anti-Ukraine trolls use 'Operation Matryoshka' campaign to spread fake news](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/anti-ukraine-trolls-use-operation-matryoshka-campaign-to-spread-fake-news/) - Not content with simply creating and spreading fake news, anti-Ukraine trolls are now also using a new disinformation tactic: a method dubbed "Operation Matryoshka" (or Russian doll), which has been exposed by the "Bot Blocker" collective and AFP fact checkers. It is designed to divert the attention of journalists and muddy the waters of information even more. - [FAKE: Soldiers of the 57th separate motorized infantry brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine gave up their weapons and joined the 'Luhansk People's Republic'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-soldiers-of-the-57th-separate-motorized-infantry-brigade-of-the-armed-forces-of-ukraine-gave-up-their-weapons-and-joined-the-luhansk-peoples-republic/) - The Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have denied this information. The Ukrainian military did not put down their weapons and did not side with the Luhansk People's Republic. - [Misleading posts link old Russia protest video with Ukraine invasion](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/misleading-posts-link-old-russia-protest-video-with-ukraine-invasion/) - A video of a violent clash between demonstrators and police officers has been viewed tens of thousands of times on social media alongside a claim it shows Russians protesting against Putin's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine. But while thousands were detained across Russia over Ukraine protests, the video had been shared in a misleading context. The footage has previously circulated in reports since January 2021 about a Chechen student who fought with riot police in Moscow during protests calling for the release of a Kremlin critic. - [Misleading posts circulate old footage of two Russian Tu-160 bombers arriving in South Africa](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/misleading-posts-circulate-old-footage-of-two-russian-tu-160-bombers-arriving-in-south-africa/) - A Facebook post has shared a broadcast video of warplanes as proof that a pair of supersonic Russian nuclear jets touched down in South Africa's capital Pretoria amid the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. However, the claim has been shared out of context: the footage, while authentic, was taken in 2019 when Russia landed two of its heralded 'White Swans' strategic bombers in South Africa to 'deepen military cooperation' between the two nations. - [Misleading post claims Syria footage shows Ukraine conflict](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/misleading-post-claims-syria-footage-shows-ukraine-conflict/) - A Facebook post claims a video shows fighting in Ukraine. This is misleading; most of the footage was shot in Syria and released by Kurdish forces, while part of the clip is taken from CNN coverage of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. - [Misleading claims on US border guards deploying to Europe spread online](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/misleading-claims-on-us-border-guards-deploying-to-europe-spread-online/) - Social media posts claim US President Joe Biden's administration is leaving the country's southern border exposed by asking guards protecting it to deploy to Europe to assist Americans fleeing Ukraine. But US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) says the claim incorrectly conflates different branches of the agency, and that the personnel in question are not primarily tasked with guarding against illegal border crossings and smuggling. - [Kyiv rebuilt residential tower damaged by missile](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/kyiv-rebuilt-residential-tower-damaged-by-missile/) - A residential tower in Kyiv that was hit by a missile soon after Russia launched its war against Ukraine has become a subject of misinformation. Social media users claim pictures, showing the building seemingly intact, prove the war that began more than a year ago is not real. But AFP found authentic evidence of extensive damage to the building, and the restoration that followed. - [James Bond promo footage of choir in Russia falsely linked to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/james-bond-promo-footage-of-choir-in-russia-falsely-linked-to-moscows-invasion-of-ukraine/) - A video circulating online after Russia's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine has racked up tens of thousands of views alongside a claim it shows members of the "Russian army choir" being arrested for singing about peace in Russian President Vladimir Putin's hometown of Saint Petersburg. In reality, the video corresponds to old footage published in reports since 2015 about a stunt staged to promote the James Bond film "Spectre". - [Movie footage shared with false claim that it shows 'Ukrainian soldier murdering civilians in Chechnya'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/movie-footage-shared-with-false-claim-that-it-shows-ukrainian-soldier-murdering-civilians-in-chechnya/) - A video has been viewed tens of thousands of times after it was shared in social media posts with a claim that it shows "a Ukrainian soldier killing Muslim Chechens during Ukraine's attack on Chechnya". However, the claim is false. The clip was actually taken from the opening scene of a French feature film called "The Search", which shows the execution of a Chechen family by Russian soldiers. The 2014 movie was set against the backdrop of the Russian-Chechen war in 1999. Since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, it was Russia - not Ukraine - that fought wars in Chechnya. - [Internet hoaxers falsely identify US comic Sam Hyde as 'Ghost of Kyiv'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/internet-hoaxers-falsely-identify-us-comic-sam-hyde-as-ghost-of-kyiv/) - Social media users are sharing an image of what appears to be US comic Sam Hyde in a fighter jet cockpit as proof that he is the mythical 'Ghost of Kyiv' responsible for shooting down numerous Russian jets amid the country's invasion of Ukraine. This is false: while the existence of the viral 'Ghost of Kyiv' is unsubstantiated, AFP Fact Check found that an image of a US pilot has been edited to add Hyde's face. This claim has nevertheless been taken seriously by some social media users who are not familiar with the US comic. It is part of a long-running hoax linking the comedian to tragic events worldwide. - [Inaccurate posts claim NATO countries giving warplanes to Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/inaccurate-posts-claim-nato-countries-giving-warplanes-to-ukraine/) - Social media posts claim that three NATO countries will give 70 warplanes to Ukraine to aid the fight against invading Russian forces. This is misleading; while Kyiv said Poland, Bulgaria and Slovakia would provide the aircraft, officials from all three countries denied that they would do so. - [Image shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visiting Russia in 2019, not 2022](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/image-shows-north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-visiting-russia-in-2019-not-2022/) - An image of Kim Jong Un has been shared repeatedly in posts that claim the North Korean leader visited Moscow as Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a speech in September 2022. Some posts written in Korean also claim South Korean media ignored Kim's visit. But the claim -- which circulated as Russia pushed on with its war in neighbouring Ukraine -- is false. The posts show Kim's visit to the Russian port city of Vladivostok in April 2019 for a summit with Putin. - [Hoax news broadcast falsely claims to show Ukrainian Nazis arrested in Qatar](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/hoax-news-broadcast-falsely-claims-to-show-ukrainian-nazis-arrested-in-qatar/) - The Al Jazeera news network has denied broadcasting a video claiming Ukrainian fans were arrested in Qatar for adding Nazi graffiti to a picture of the World Cup 2022 mascot. The channel added that its logos had been used without its permission. No such arrest has been announced by the Qatari authorities and Ukraine did not even qualify for this year's football tournament. Additionally, many of the images visible in the clip - which repeats the Russian narrative that Ukraine is under the sway of Nazi ideology - are taken from events unrelated to the global competition. - [German daily Bild did not produce report about 'Ukrainian refugees burning down a house'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/german-daily-bild-did-not-produce-report-about-ukrainian-refugees-burning-down-a-house/) - A video has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times in social media posts that claim it is a report by German tabloid newspaper Bild about Ukrainian refugees who burned down a house while attempting to set fire to a Russian flag. However, the claims are false; AFP found the video had been fabricated using unrelated old clips to look like a real Bild production. A spokesperson for the newspaper confirmed the report was not genuine. - [Images of Biden eating ice cream in Ukraine are doctored](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/images-of-biden-eating-ice-cream-in-ukraine-are-doctored/) - Images purporting to show Joe Biden eating ice cream in Ukraine have widely circulated on social media since the US president's surprise visit to the country on February 20, 2023. But the photos are manipulated; the original pictures show Biden in the US states of Ohio and Oregon. - [Forged poster shared to claim 'homeless people recruited in US to fight in Ukraine'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/forged-poster-shared-to-claim-homeless-people-recruited-in-us-to-fight-in-ukraine/) - Shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine, an international legion backing the Kyiv government started an advertising campaign to drum up overseas support and recruit fighters from abroad. However, a fabricated poster shared thousands of times online, allegedly targeting people on welfare in the United States, is not related to this campaign. Ukrainian authorities say the image -- which AFP found has several inconsistencies in its formatting -- is a forgery. - [Footage shows Ukraine in 2022, not Russia in 2018](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/footage-shows-ukraine-in-2022-not-russia-in-2018/) - Social media posts claim US broadcaster ABC misrepresented a video of a 2018 gas explosion in Russia as footage from the war in Ukraine. This is false; the clip was shot in Ukraine by a Turkish news agency, and a similar video from AFP confirms that the incident took place following Russia's 2022 invasion of its eastern European neighbor. - [Footage shows Polish flag at German band's rock concert, not Indonesian flag](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/footage-shows-polish-flag-at-german-bands-rock-concert-not-indonesian-flag/) - Two videos have been viewed over a million times in social media posts that claim they show an Indonesian flag flown during a concert by German rock band Scorpions after Indonesian President Joko Widodo visited Ukraine and Russia to urge peace talks in late June 2022. The claim is false; the videos were taken during a Scorpions concert in Poland on May 28, 2022. News reports say the Polish and Ukrainian flags had been flown at the concert, not the Indonesian flag. - [Footage of blaze on oil drilling platform filmed years before Ukraine attack](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/footage-of-blaze-on-oil-drilling-platform-filmed-years-before-ukraine-attack/) - After Ukraine struck an oil drilling platform in the Black Sea that it said was being used by Russian troops, footage was viewed thousands of times in Chinese-language social media posts that claimed it showed the attack. However, the footage has circulated online since at least 2004, although AFP was unable to confirm where it was filmed. - [Footage has circulated online since 2010 in posts about US and Iraqi forces retaking Iraqi shrine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/footage-has-circulated-online-since-2010-in-posts-about-us-and-iraqi-forces-retaking-iraqi-shrine/) - After Russia invaded neighbouring Ukraine, a video was viewed millions of times in multiple Facebook posts that claimed it shows fighting between soldiers from the two countries. In fact, the video has circulated online since 2010. A visual analysis of the clip found it corresponds with a raid by American and Iraqi troops on a shrine in Iraq in 2004. - [Fake CNN tweet shared in posts accusing broadcaster of fabricating 'Ukraine bomb' story](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-cnn-tweet-shared-in-posts-accusing-broadcaster-of-fabricating-ukraine-bomb-story/) - Multiple social media posts claim CNN fabricated a story about a "bomb attack" at the hotel of a journalist in Ukraine in a tweet that actually showed an old photo of a hotel in Serbia. However, CNN reported no such story and said the tweet was fake. The screenshot of the doctored tweet features the social media handle of a prankster who has previously shared fake CNN tweets. - [Fake translation added to French president's UN speech about Russia's invasion of Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-translation-added-to-french-presidents-un-speech-about-russias-invasion-of-ukraine/) - A TikTok video shared thousands of times claims to show President Emmanuel Macron apologising to France's former African colonies and pledging reparations during a UN speech in New York in April 2023. But the claim is false: AFP Fact Check traced the footage of the address to a speech from last September and found that the original English translation was replaced with a fake voiceover. Macron did not discuss Africa but talked about the Russian-Ukrainian invasion. - [DonMak eateries opened in Ukraine in 2016 after McDonald's departure from pro-Russian cities](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/donmak-eateries-opened-in-ukraine-in-2016-after-mcdonalds-departure-from-pro-russian-cities/) - A Facebook post claims that Russia created its own version of McDonald's after the fast-food chain temporarily shut down operations in the country in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This is misleading; DonMak opened in Ukraine's separatist-controlled cities of Donetsk and Luhansk a few years after Russia's conflict with Ukraine in 2014. The images in the post were taken in Ukraine, not Russia, several years ago. - [Fake CNN tweet falsely reports first US casualty in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-cnn-tweet-falsely-reports-first-us-casualty-in-ukraine/) - Social media posts claim CNN lied to the public by tweeting that a man was the first US casualty in Ukraine after previously featuring the same photo in a post about his execution in Afghanistan. This is false; the network says the tweets are not from its official accounts, and the man pictured is a YouTube video game commentator who continues to livestream on the platform. - [No, Ukraine isn't the money laundering or child sex trafficking capital of the world](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-ukraine-isnt-the-money-laundering-or-child-sex-trafficking-capital-of-the-world/) - Other countries have worse money laundering and human trafficking problems than Ukraine, according to experts and government reports. Now amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a post claiming Ukraine is the "money laundering and child sex trafficking capital of the world!" According to the State Department's latest Trafficking in Persons report, Russia has a more serious problem with child sex trafficking than Ukraine. Both countries struggle with the issue, the report said, but Ukraine took action to address it between 2020 and 2021, while Russia failed to make "significant efforts" to eliminate the problem. While Ukraine convicted traffickers, increased financial assistance to victims, and launched awareness campaigns, Russia "convicted only one trafficker," failed to "initiate any new prosecutions of suspected traffickers," and "offered no funding or programs to provide services for trafficking victims." Russia, not Ukraine, is among 11 governments the report says have "a documented 'policy or pattern' of human trafficking, trafficking in government-funded programs, forced labor in government-affiliated medical services or other sectors, sexual slavery in government camps, or employment or recruitment of child soldiers. The report also ranks countries based on the extent of government efforts to meet minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking. Tier 1, the United States' ranking, is the highest, but it doesn't mean the country has no human trafficking problems. Rather, it means the country fully meets minimum standards to eliminate trafficking. Tier 2 ' Ukraine's tier ' means a country's government doesn't fully meet the minimum standards but is making significant efforts to bring itself into compliance. Tier 3 includes countries such as Afghanistan and Russia that don't meet the minimum standards and aren't trying to. We rate this post False. - [No, Ukraine's military is not camouflaging tanks as houses](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-ukraines-military-is-not-camouflaging-tanks-as-houses/) - An October 2020 article from the news outlet RBC-Ukraine said the car was decorated to look like a Ukrainian village house. The car motor was hidden, and the driver's seat was built into the floor. Side mirrors that would normally be on a car were replaced with cameras inside the structure, RBC-Ukraine reported. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, there have been numerous false and misleading claims about the war and both countries' military units. We rate the claim that a Ukrainian tank is using a house as camouflage False. - [No, this woman driving an armored vehicle isn't Ukrainian. She's Russian and the clip is from 2021](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-this-woman-driving-an-armored-vehicle-isnt-ukrainian-shes-russian-and-the-clip-is-from-2021/) - The clip does not show a Ukrainian woman teaching people how to drive an abandoned Russian armored carrier amid the war. The TikToker is a Russian auto-blogger named Nastya Tuman and the video is from February 2021. The Facebook video is a compilation of several clips she shared on her TikTok page on Feb. 16, 2021. Tuman speaks Russian throughout the videos and excitedly describes the vehicle, saying it has 8-wheel drive, a seating shooter and a hatch for the driver-mechanic. She also discusses how to start it, instructing viewers on how to turn it on and shift into gear. The clip was made by a Russian woman and is from February 2021. It is unrelated to the current conflict in Ukraine. We rate posts claiming otherwise False. - [No, this photo of Ukrainians training for combat doesn't prove the war is fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-this-photo-of-ukrainians-training-for-combat-doesnt-prove-the-war-is-fake/) - A Reuters photo of Ukrainians training for combat is being used as supposed evidence that the war there is fake. It's not. A screenshot of a tweet by conservative activist Jack Posobiec is spreading on social media as evidence that the war in Ukraine is staged. Trudy Rubin, a foreign affairs columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer, wrote from outside of Kyiv in February that civilian trainees were "practicing with cardboard guns or plastic paintball guns or hunting rifles from home until they are provided military weapons." Even members of the U.S. military have used paintball guns for training exercises. The war in Ukraine is real, and it has been well-documented by reporters and citizens on the ground in the country. We rate claims that this photo proves it's being staged Pants on Fire. - [No, U.S. Army forces aren't in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-u-s-army-forces-arent-in-ukraine/) - U.S. Army members aren't in Ukraine, according to the Department of Defense. The Pentagon relocated National Guard members in February who were training Ukrainian military members in February. There were 160 Florida National Guard troops training Ukraine's military when Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin temporarily relocated them to Europe in February. And 3,000 more American troops from the 82nd Airborne were also deployed to Europe from Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The National Guard has continued to support Ukrainian soldiers remotely, according to the Army. For example, a June article on the Army's website shares how a Ukrainian soldier called a member of the Washington Army National Guard for help with a failed anti-tank missile. But we rate claims that U.S. Army forces are stationed in Ukraine False. - [No, Ukraine does not have nuclear bombs or "dirty bombs"](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-ukraine-does-not-have-nuclear-bombs-or-dirty-bombs/) - Ukraine does not have a nuclear bomb or a "dirty bomb," according to experts and watchdogs. The country used to have Soviet-era nuclear weapons but returned them to Russia after the Soviet Union collapsed. Ukraine also dismantled or destroyed its nuclear missiles and silos. Its nuclear materials are now used for peaceful purposes. Experts and watchdogs say Ukraine has neither a nuclear bomb nor a "dirty bomb." Ukraine used to have nuclear weapons but it transferred them to Russia after the Soviet Union collapsed and dismantled or destroyed its nuclear missiles and silos. The nation's nuclear materials are now used for peaceful purposes. We rate the post False. - [No, this isn't a picture of Ukrainian students celebrating Hitler's birthday](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-this-isnt-a-picture-of-ukrainian-students-celebrating-hitlers-birthday/) - An image of Russians forming the number 55 to celebrate the anniversary of Yuri Gagarin rocketing into space has been mischaracterized to wrongly claim that it shows Ukrainian students celebrating Hitler's birthday. Anyone confusing this shape for a swastika is mistaken. While the the numbers are made with straight lines like a swastika ' lacking the curve that's often used to write the number five ' the angles are off. The two ends of both fives point in the same direction, whereas each end of a swastika points in a different direction. But what's more, this photo wasn't taken in Lviv in 2022. It was shot in Penza, Russia, in 2016, to celebrate the 55th anniversary of Cosmonautics Day. The "55" can be seen at the 47 mark, and it's followed by an image of Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet pilot who became the first person to orbit the earth on April 12, 1961. We rate this post Pants on Fire! - [No, this isn't a recent photo of Russian priests blessing 'Satan'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-this-isnt-a-recent-photo-of-russian-priests-blessing-satan/) - A photo being shared amid the war in Ukraine shows Russian priests blessing a missile before a parade in 2015. It doesn't show them blessing the so-called "Satan 2" missile that was unveiled a year later. - [No, this former Ukrainian beauty queen has not joined the Ukrainian military to fight Russians](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-this-former-ukrainian-beauty-queen-has-not-joined-the-ukrainian-military-to-fight-russians/) - The viral photograph shows Anastasiia Lenna, the 2015 Miss Grand Ukraine winner, posing with an airsoft gun. She confirmed that she did not join the Ukrainian military and said she posted the staged image to inspire people. Our ruling A Facebook post claims it shows a Ukrainian beauty queen fighting against the Russians invading Ukraine. That's not the case. Lenna did not join the Ukrainian military. She posted a photo in which she's posing with an airsoft gun. She said the photo was meant to inspire people. We rate this post False. - [No, this document doesn't show classified Ukrainian military orders to attack the Donbas region](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-this-document-doesnt-show-classified-ukrainian-military-orders-to-attack-the-donbas-region/) - The document isn't classified, and there are no direct statements in it about an attack on the Donbas. It makes references to a training camp on the opposite side of the country. Our ruling Russian officials shared a Ukrainian document on Twitter with claims that it showed secret, classified orders for a military offensive on the Donbas region in southeastern Ukraine. This is wrong. There is no proof that the document is classified, and there are no direct statements in it about an attack on the Donbas. The document makes references to a training camp on the opposite side of the country. We rate claims about a document showing a planned military offensive in the Donbas False. - [No, this Edmonton jacket isn't proof CNN staged a fire as part of its Ukraine coverage](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-this-edmonton-jacket-isnt-proof-cnn-staged-a-fire-as-part-of-its-ukraine-coverage/) - A Canadian charity has for years donated firefighter gear to Ukrainians. A jacket bearing the name of the city Edmonton that appeared in live CNN coverage in Ukraine came from the group, the charity said. An April 2019 Instagram post from the group shows piles of jackets bound for Ukraine. A 2018 post says: "Sharing more gear outside Lviv." The second photo in this post shows someone holding up a jacket that says "Edmonton" that resembles the one that appears in the CNN broadcast. We rate claims that this jacket is evidence that CNN staged the scene, or that Lemon isn't in Ukraine, False. - [No, Putin didn't say the West is controlled by Satanic pedophiles](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-putin-didnt-say-the-west-is-controlled-by-satanic-pedophiles/) - During a 2013 speech, Vladimir Putin mentioned Satan and pedophilia, but he didn't say that the West is controlled by Satanic pedophiles. The headline that Putin said the West is controlled by Satanic pedophiles was posted on a blog five years ago and also relies on this 2013 speech, but presents it as if Putin made the comments during former President Donald Trump's tenure. The blog, like the headlines in the Faceook video, sound themes familiar among those who follow QAnon, a movement that claims without evidence that there is a global cabal of child sex traffickers that Trump is trying to thwart. The rest of the headlines that appear in the video vary in accuracy. "Putin calls Bill and Hillary Clinton 'the same Satan'" was published in PJ Media in 2016 after Putin quoted a Russian proverb while talking about former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's desire to be president like her husband, former President Bill Clinton. "As we say, husband and wife are the same Satan," Putin said. "Putin: All U.S. presidents are puppets ' 'dark men in suits rule America'" appeared on blog posts in 2017 that paraphrased comments Putin made to the French publication Le Figaro. According to an English Translation of Putin's remarks that appeared on the Kremlin's website, he did not mention puppets but said: "I have already spoken to three U.S. presidents. They come and go, but politics stay the same at all times. Do you know why? Because of the powerful bureaucracy. When a person is elected, they may have some ideas. Then people with briefcases arrive, well dressed, wearing dark suits, just like mine, except for the red tie, since they wear black or dark blue ones. These people start explaining how things are done. And instantly, everything changes. This is what happens with every administration." - [No, NATO Allied Land Command leader wasn't captured by Russians in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-nato-allied-land-command-leader-wasnt-captured-by-russians-in-ukraine/) - Lt. Gen. Roger L. Cloutier Jr., commander of NATO's Allied Land Command, has not been captured by Russian forces in Mariupol, the Allied Land Command confirmed. Cloutier posted photos from a recent event in Turkey to his LinkedIn profile, where he disputed the internet rumors alleging that he had been captured. - [No, Putin didn't free 35,000 children from Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-putin-didnt-free-35000-children-from-ukraine/) - This unfounded claim originated on a website known for publishing misinformation. Putin has freed 35,000 children in Ukraine, a country he's invaded, or anywhere else. There are no credible sources nor news reports to support this. Searching for evidence that Putin saved thousands of children, we only found articles reporting that Russian police jailed several children for leaving flowers at Ukraine's embassy in Moscow. We rate this post Pants on Fire! - [No, Moscow was not targeted in a missile attack](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-moscow-was-not-targeted-in-a-missile-attack/) - The video does not show a missile attack against the city of Moscow. Footage used in a social media video claiming to be from the attack was taken from unrelated incidents. Our ruling A Facebook video shared images claiming to be from a missile strike on Moscow, implying Ukraine launched the attack against the Russian capital. There appears to be no basis to the claim as there has been no reporting or corroborating evidence that missiles were launched at the city. The video misrepresented footage from a separate incident several years ago as being from the attack and falsely claimed a fire at a Russian facility was part of a Ukrainian military strike. We rate this claim Pants on Fire! - [No, Defense Department didn't award COVID-19 contract in Ukraine before virus emerged](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-defense-department-didnt-award-covid-19-contract-in-ukraine-before-virus-emerged/) - This claim is inaccurate. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency, a U.S. Defense Department arm that works to deter attacks and emerging threats, in November 2019 awarded a contract for non-COVID-19 training support in Ukraine, the agency said. An agency spokesperson said the contract's description was modified in 2020, months after the virus emerged, to focus on COVID-19 research. The Defense Department typically modifies contracts over time to address emerging needs. The Defense Department did not pay for COVID-19 research in Ukraine before the virus emerged. We rate this claim False. - [No evidence to support claims that Ukraine is killing people for speaking Russian](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-evidence-to-support-claims-that-ukraine-is-killing-people-for-speaking-russian/) - Russia has leaned on claims that Ukraine has killed Russian speakers in the country and that Russians are the targets of genocide there, but there's no evidence to support that. Ukraine appealed to the U.N.'s International Court of Justice in the Hague to rule on the Russian government's claims of genocide "in the Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts of Ukraine," calling them false. The court ruled 13-2 on March 16 that the Kremlin's justification for the war was unjustified and ordered Russia to stop its invasion. Judges from Russia and China were the two dissenting votes. We rate this post False. - [No evidence that Ukraine attacked a train station in one of its cities](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-evidence-that-ukraine-attacked-a-train-station-in-one-of-its-cities/) - There's no credible evidence that Ukraine was behind the April 8 attack at the Kramatorsk train station. A video used to bolster this claim is fake ' it did not come from the BBC. The claim has largely been spread by pro-Kremlin accounts following reports of civilian casualties and contradict earlier Russian posts that initially took credit for the bombing. The Tochka-U missile used in the attack, and the serial number on it, isn't proof that it came from the Ukrainian army. Several news reports, legitimate photos and videos show that Russia has used these missile systems recently. Our ruling Facebook posts claim that Ukraine was responsible for the Kramatorsk train station bombing. A video used to bolster this rumor is fake. Although the video has a BBC logo, it was not produced by the news organization. There's no credible evidence that Ukraine was behind the attack. The Tochka missile used in the attack, and the serial number on it, isn't proof that it came from the Ukrainian army. Several news reports, legitimate photos and videos show that Russia has used these missile systems recently. The rumors that Ukraine attacked the train station have largely been spread by pro-Kremlin social media accounts. We rate this claim False. - [No, a Ukrainian attack didn't destroy a Moscow skyscraper](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-a-ukrainian-attack-didnt-destroy-a-moscow-skyscraper/) - A fire broke out on the roof of a Russian skyscraper, according to state news, and was extinguished with minimal damage. We found no evidence to support the suggestion that the incident is connected to the country's invasion of Ukraine. A Polish news organization, also citing the Tass agency, said "the fire affected one square meter of space." We didn't see any credible reports tying the fire to a Ukrainian attack, or any attack. We rate this post False. - [New Russian nuke weapon dubbed Satan 2 cannot destroy 'everything breathing in the world'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/new-russian-nuke-weapon-dubbed-satan-2-cannot-destroy-everything-breathing-in-the-world/) - Russian state media says the missile can destroy an area the size of Texas or France, not the world. We could not find more objective reports detailing the same destructive power. "Individual warheads would strike distinct targets within a very limited ballistic 'footprint,' or many warheads from the same missile would strike the same target, increasing the likelihood of destroying that target completely," according to a 2021 report from EurAsian Times. The weapon is believed to be able to evade missile defense systems and its deployment is expected around 2022, said a March 1 Congressional Research Service report. We rate the claim that a Russian nuclear weapon dubbed Satan 2 is "capable of destroying everything breathing in the world" False. - [News and other programs are broadcast live on Russian television, despite claims otherwise](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/news-and-other-programs-are-broadcast-live-on-russian-television-despite-claims-otherwise/) - An employee at state-owned Channel One in Russia recently interrupted a live news broadcast to protest the war in Ukraine. Multiple experts say there are live news broadcasts and other live events on Russian TV. A former employee of the station said that all Channel One news is live. An expert we spoke with said that's because of the country's many time zones. Our ruling A Facebook post said that a Russian journalist's protest during a state TV broadcast couldn't be real because "there are no live on air television broadcasts in Russia. None. Ever." But experts we spoke with, including journalists who have worked in Russia, said that is not true. There are many live broadcasts, including the news show that was interrupted by an employee's protest. There has been no evidence presented that shows her actions were staged as part of a Russian propaganda effort. We rate this claim False. - [News video of shot up car was filmed in Ukraine, not West Virginia](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/news-video-of-shot-up-car-was-filmed-in-ukraine-not-west-virginia/) - A West Virginia State Police captain confirmed that the Uber's window decal was an expired inspection sticker from the state. But that doesn't mean that the car itself wasn't in Ukraine. The video showing the car was recorded in Irpin, Ukraine, according to Reuters, which owns the video. It's not uncommon for cars to be exported from the U.S. to other countries, including Ukraine. Our ruling A Facebook post claimed that "a West Virginia inspection sticker on an Uber" proves the car was not in Ukraine. A West Virginia State Police Captain confirmed that the decal on the car was an expired sticker from the state. However, this doesn't mean that the car wasn't in Ukraine ' a spokesperson for Reuters, which owns the video, confirmed that the video was filmed there. It's not uncommon for cars to be exported from the U.S. to other countries, including Ukraine. We rate this claim False. - [No credible reports indicate that Starlink was used in Russian ship attack](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-credible-reports-indicate-that-starlink-was-used-in-russian-ship-attack/) - • There are no credible government or media reports that indicate the Starlink satellite service was used to facilitate the attack on the Russian ship Moskva. • The Russian government did not order the destruction of the Starlink satellite service. That claim originated on a fraudulent website falsely identifying itself as the official website of a Russian political party. Our ruling A Facebook post says, "Space X's Starlink internet constellation has angered Russia as it was reported that the Starlink satellite constellation was used to guide the fire" on the Russian ship Moskva. But there are no credible government or media reports that indicate the Starlink service was involved in the attack on Moskva. The claim that a Russian official ordered the destruction of the Starlink satellite service originated on a fraudulent website. We rate this claim False. - [NATO and U.S. troops and trainers have not died in Ukraine war](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/nato-and-u-s-troops-and-trainers-have-not-died-in-ukraine-war/) - There are no NATO troops or trainers in Ukraine, and no NATO personnel have been killed in Ukraine since Russia's invasion in February 2022, NATO said. The U.S. has sent troops to countries surrounding Ukraine that are NATO members, but the U.S. has not sent troops into Ukraine. The Pentagon announced in December that Ukrainian troops would travel to a U.S. base in Grafenwöhr, Germany for military training from soldiers from the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command's 7th Army Training Command. It's unclear how many Russian or Ukrainian soldiers have been killed or wounded so far. U.S. Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in January that Russia alone has had more than 100,000 killed or wounded. We rate the claim that in Ukraine, 2,458 NATO soldiers and 234 NATO military trainers have died, some of whom are from the U.S., Pants on Fire! - [J.D. Vance says transgender rights drives looming conflict in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/j-d-vance-says-transgender-rights-drives-looming-conflict-in-ukraine/) - Ohio Senate candidate J.D. Vance said the State Department's focus on transgender rights is inflaming the conflict with Russia in Ukraine. Russia has placed as many as 150,000 troops near Ukraine's borders. Russia has said Ukraine's ties to NATO are a key threat to Russia's national security. Our ruling Vance said that Biden risks war with Russia because Putin doesn't "believe in transgender rights." There is a risk of war, but it is because of Russia's focus on Ukraine's ties to the west and the buildup of Russian forces along Ukraine's border. The State Department noted the threats against transgender people as one issue among many in a report on human rights. It gave much more space to the danger posed by Russia's military policies in its most recent annual threat assessment. The risk of war in Ukraine is not affected by Putin's attitude toward transgender rights. We rate this claim Pants on Fire. Update: This story has been updated to include a response we received from the Vance campaign shortly after initial publication. - [Misinformation accuses Ukraine of 'staging' the war - The Observers](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/misinformation-accuses-ukraine-of-staging-the-war-the-observers/) - Since the Russian war in Ukraine began, misinformation has been spreading widely. And one of the narratives we've seen again and again is the idea that Ukraine has been "staging" atrocities to sway public opinion in Western media outlets. Here's a closer look at three videos we've seen and debunked. - [Iconic photo is from Ukraine war, not Russia gas explosion](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/iconic-photo-is-from-ukraine-war-not-russia-gas-explosion/) - Olena Kurilo, a teacher, was injured on Feb. 24, 2022, when a Russian missile strike hit her apartment complex in Chuhuiv, Ukraine. Her photograph was taken by at least three journalists that day and she was interviewed on video. Photos in news reports that day show the apartment complex is not the building damaged by a 2018 gas explosion in Russia. Our ruling A social media user claims a photo of a Ukrainian woman that went viral after her apartment building was attacked on the first day of Russia's invasion is actually from a 2018 gas explosion in Russia. At least three photojournalists took photos of the woman on Feb. 24 and she was interviewed on camera. Multiple news reports confirmed the attack on the apartment building that day, and images show the building is not the same one damaged in the Russia gas explosion. We rate this claim False. - [Images of Ukrainian flag being replaced with Soviet Union flag are from 2015, not 2022](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/images-of-ukrainian-flag-being-replaced-with-soviet-union-flag-are-from-2015-not-2022/) - Iterations of the collage have been online since at least 2015 and appear to be screenshots of a video that shows pro-Russian forces taking control of the eastern Ukrainian city of Debaltseve. It's unrelated to Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The photos are real, but they're outdated and do not appear to have been taken in Mariupol. The social media posts were miscaptioned. Our ruling A collage shared online claims to show Russian forces replacing the Ukrainian flag with the Soviet Flag in Mariupol in 2022. Iterations of the collage have been online since at least 2015 and appear to feature screenshots of a video that shows pro-Russian forces taking control of the eastern Ukrainian city of Debaltseve. It's unrelated to Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. We rate this False. - [Is there any truth to Russia's 'Ukrainian Nazis' propaganda?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/is-there-any-truth-to-russias-ukrainian-nazis-propaganda/) - Russian propagandists are constantly saying Ukraine is full of Nazis, and posting alleged evidence online. DW's fact-checking team has investigated some of this supposed evidence. - [Is This Real Footage of Ukrainians Burning Russian-Affiliated Orthodox Church?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/is-this-real-footage-of-ukrainians-burning-russian-affiliated-orthodox-church/) - Miscaptioned. Context: The video being shared was posted on YouTube around 10 years ago and is reportedly of a church being burned in Russia. - [How can you spot a fake profile picture on social media? - Truth or Fake [Outdated]](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/how-can-you-spot-a-fake-profile-picture-on-social-media-truth-or-fake/) - Whether it's on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, there are plenty of fake accounts. People using these accounts hide behind a fake avatar and incite debates or mock other users. Sometimes even the profile pictures are completely fabricated - they're not real people. In this episode, the Truth or Fake team shows you how to spot these fake photos. [Ed. note: As of 2024, spammers can use AI to create profile pics that can't be identified using this technique.] - [How a video game has been used to create fake news about the Ukraine war - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/how-a-video-game-has-been-used-to-create-fake-news-about-the-ukraine-war-truth-or-fake/) - Since February, several Facebook and Twitter accounts versed in disinformation have been regularly sharing impressive videos purporting to show the war in Ukraine. But these viral images actually come from a video game called Arma 3. How can you spot these realistic spoofs that have even fooled international media? In this episode, the Truth or Fake team asks Pavel Křižka, representative of Bohemia Interactive, the company that developed Arma 3. - [How to check images on TikTok? - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/how-to-check-images-on-tiktok-truth-or-fake/) - "Victims" of Russia's war in Ukraine who mysteriously move while being filmed? That's according to a recent post on TikTok. It's not true, but how do you prove it? - [How to detect 'deepfakes' - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/how-to-detect-deepfakes-truth-or-fake/) - Using artificial intelligence to make videos of people doing and saying whatever you want them to is the essence of a "deepfake". - [Here's how we debunked these fake anti-Ukraine advertisements - The Observers](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/heres-how-we-debunked-these-fake-anti-ukraine-advertisements-the-observers/) - Since the end of 2022, the FRANCE 24 Observers team has seen several similar examples of fake anti-Ukraine advertisements, reportedly on billboards in the United States and Poland. But when we took a closer look, we found some clues that convinced us these ads were fake and that the videos were edited. - [Germany uncovers pro-Russia disinformation campaign on X - Report](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/germany-uncovers-pro-russia-disinformation-campaign-on-x-report/) - DIGITAL forensic experts in Germany have uncovered a vast, pro-Russia disinformation campaign against the government using thousands of fake accounts on X. - [FTX helped with a cryptocurrency fundraising site, but there's no connection to U.S. aid to Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/ftx-helped-with-a-cryptocurrency-fundraising-site-but-theres-no-connection-to-u-s-aid-to-ukraine/) - FTX, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, announced on Nov. 11 it had filed for bankruptcy. Sam Bankman-Fried resigned as the company's CEO. He is a large donor to Democrats, but has also given to Republicans. FTX partnered with a fundraising site called Aid for Ukraine, where people can donate cryptocurrency to help the country's war effort. FTX's role in the project was to facilitate the conversion of cryptocurrency into regular currency. There's no evidence that U.S. aid money sent to Ukraine was then used to invest in FTX. Most U.S. aid doesn't go directly to the Ukrainian government, but rather through third parties like contractors or humanitarian groups. Our ruling An Instagram post claimed that U.S. aid money sent to Ukraine is being funneled back in the form of campaign contributions to Democrats through the now-bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange FTX. FTX's former CEO was a large donor to Democrats, but has also given to Republicans. The company's connection to Ukraine was partnering with a fundraising site called Aid to Ukraine that allows people to donate cryptocurrency for the country's war effort. That money was then transferred to the Ukrainian government, not the other way around. There is no evidence to support the claim. We rate this False. Update, Nov. 16, 2022: This story was updated to include statements from the U.S. State Department, the United States Agency for International Development and Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Transformation that were received after publication. It also clarifies the job title for Alex Bornyakov. The rating is unchanged. - [Four tips for detecting AI-generated images - Truth or Fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/four-tips-for-detecting-ai-generated-images-truth-or-fake/) - Apps like DALL-E and Midjourney are making it easier and easier to create realistic-looking images using artificial intelligence. In this video, Derek Thomson shares four tips on how to detect them, but warns that the technology is improving fast. - [Fake: Ukrainian Minister Urges to Forbid Russian and Belarusian Tennis Players to Win Matches...](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukrainian-minister-urges-to-forbid-russian-and-belarusian-tennis-players-to-win-matches/) - Dmytro Kuleba never made such statements. In his comment to Express media, Kuleba noted that the Russian and Belarusian tennis player being admitted to Wimbledon will be a victory for Russian propaganda and a sign of collapsing West. - [FBI director didn’t confirm Joe Biden bribery investigation](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fbi-director-didnt-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. - [Fake: Ukrainian Drones for Spraying Poisonous Substances Found](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukrainian-drones-for-spraying-poisonous-substances-found/) - The drones Russian media are claiming Ukrainian troops use to spray poisons are not combat drones, but rather DJI AGRAs T30 agricultural drones which are used in farmland management. According to the All Ukrainian Federation of Drone Owners, the drones in the video circulated by the Russian media belong to their client and they were stolen by the Russian military. - [Fake: Ukrainian Counteroffensive Will Suffer a Crushing Defeat](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukrainian-counteroffensive-will-suffer-a-crushing-defeat/) - The Kremlin media completely distorted a recent Financial Times article, claiming British experts were predicting a crushing defeat for the planned Ukrainian counteroffensive. The FT did discuss the counteroffensive, but mostly in the context of what difficulties the Ukrainian military will face. The article's conclusion is that if the Ukrainian attack is fast and brutal, then the front line will spread and the Russians will flee, just as they did during the counteroffensive near Kharkiv last year. - [Fake: Ukrainian Forces Unable to Counter Russian Missiles](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukrainian-forces-unable-to-counter-russian-missiles/) - Aviation expert Valery Romanenko did not make such claims during an interview with the NTA TV channel. On the contrary, both Ukraine and foreigners emphasize the effectiveness of Ukrainian air defense increasing significantly since the full-scale war with Russia began (up to 80%). - [Fake: Ukrainian Football Association Announces Matches "in Memory of 300,000 Fallen Soldiers"](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukrainian-football-association-announces-matches-in-memory-of-300000-fallen-soldiers/) - The Russian media spread the video with grammatical errors in the accompanying text, which appears to have been written by a person who does not speak Ukrainian. In addition, propaganda announced matches that do not correspond to the official Premier League schedule. In a comment to StopFake, the Ukrainian Football Association also denied the information spread by Russian media. - [Fake: Ukrainian Intelligence Chief Budanov Felt Into a Coma](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukrainian-intelligence-chief-budanov-felt-into-a-coma/) - The website of the German media Stern has no articles about Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov falling into a coma and being hospitalized in Germany. In addition, neither the press center, nor the medical service of the Bundeswehr, nor the German Defense Ministry, nor the Berlin police were able to provide any information regarding the hospitalization of the head of Ukrainian intelligence. According to Ukrainian authorities, Kyrylo Budanov is well and performing at his job. In addition, the intelligence office published several videos with the head of intelligence already after the missile attack on Kyiv on May 29. This, according to the Russian media, was the cause of Budanov being seriously injured. - [Fake: Ukrainian Authorities Doom Population to Starvation](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukrainian-authorities-doom-population-to-starvation/) - The spring planting season in Ukraine is in jeopardy not because of the Ukrainian authorities, but because of the Russian Federation, which on February 24 unleashed a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian farmers were forced to start the spring planting campaign with bullets and missiles flying above them, regions where the war is raging are unable to sow wheat, extra hands needed for spring wheat planting are busy defending Ukraine and fuel shortages plague the entire process throughout the country. Nevertheless the spring planting campaign is underway in 20 farming regions in Ukraine. - [Fake: Ukrainian Authorities Draining Dnipro River to Deploy Armed Forces to Left Bank](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukrainian-authorities-draining-dnipro-river-to-deploy-armed-forces-to-left-bank/) - Russian media are claiming that water levels in Ukraine's main river, the Dnipro, have fallen because Ukraine is draining the river in order to deploy troops to the left bank. In fact, the drop in the Dnipro water level is not connected to any Ukrainian activities, but is the result of Russian shelling which damaged the shut-off valves at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Station. - [Fake: Ukraine's Defense Minister Declares WWIII, Calls on West Not to Be Afraid to...](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukraines-defense-minister-declares-wwiii-calls-on-west-not-to-be-afraid-to/) - Russian propagandist media distorted the meaning of Ukrainian Defense Minister's point. He did not declare WWIII, he said that it had already begun on February 24, when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. [...] Minister Reznikov, of course, did not declare WWIII. In a tried-and-true fashion, Russian media took a phrase out of context, and distorted its meaning to make a mendacious claim. - [Fake: Ukraine's Population Falls to 20 Million](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukraines-population-falls-to-20-million/) - As of January 2023, Ukraine's population ranged from 28 to 34 million people, according to Ukraine's Ptoukha Institute for Demography and Social Studies. Temporarily occupied territories are not included in the calculations. The United Nations Population Fund meanwhile cited a figure of 36.7 million people, taking into account the temporarily occupied territories. - [Fake: Ukraine to Stop All Payments in the Kherson Region](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukraine-to-stop-all-payments-in-the-kherson-region/) - Despite the temporary Russian occupation, residents of Kherson and the surrounding region continue to receive all social benefits they are due. Possible delays in payments may be due to technical problems or additional processing required due to the occupation. - [Fake: Ukraine Wins the Scythian Gold Case Due to Nazism and Occultism in Europe](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukraine-wins-the-scythian-gold-case-due-to-nazism-and-occultism-in-europe/) - Ukraine is the legal owner of the Crimean museums exhibits, which is confirmed by international law and multiple decisions of various courts. In Ukraine, the process of accumulating historical artifacts is not ideological. - [Fake: Ukraine Stages Aspirational Videos to Raise Morale Among the Military](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukraine-stages-aspirational-videos-to-raise-morale-among-the-military/) - A video circulating online shows the filming of the short feature film 'Hope'. The behind-the-scenes videos were taken from the TikTok account of the director Artem Kocharyan, who currently lives in Latvia. The film is based on the real story of his Ukraine acquaintance - a pregnant girl who lost her family due to the Russian aggression. - [Fake: Ukraine Secretly Transplants Soldiers' Organs](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukraine-secretly-transplants-soldiers-organs/) - Ukrainian legislation has prohibited organ transplants of servicemen who died during hostilities in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions since 2019. A new draft law under review is designed to clarify previously adopted norms, broadening the ban on organ removal from servicemen who died in the line of duty anywhere in Ukraine, where hostilities are taking place. - [Fake: Ukraine Revokes the Geneva Convention](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukraine-revokes-the-geneva-convention/) - Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oleh Nikolenko refuted these Russian media claims saying they were not only fake, but also intended to undermine Ukraine's cooperation with international organizations. In a Facebook post Nikolenko wrote: "This fake aims to discredit Ukraine's relations with international humanitarian organizations who are saving victims of Russian aggression and trying to return deported and captured persons home". Nikolenko assured, that despite countless Russian fakes, Ukraine remains committed to its international obligations withing the framework of international law. - [Fake: Ukraine Refuses to Finance Kharkiv, Kyiv Resigned to Russia's Occupation of City](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukraine-refuses-to-finance-kharkiv-kyiv-resigned-to-russias-occupation-of-city/) - Ukraine is not compromising its territorial integrity and sovereignty. The first billion hryvni of financial assistance released for the regions liberated from Russian occupation does not include the Kharkiv region because intensive hostilities are continuing in this northeastern part of Ukraine's territory. Part of the Kharkiv region is still under Russian occupation. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that after all Ukrainian lands currently occupied by Russian troops are liberated, reconstruction work will begin immediately. - [Fake: Ukraine keeps foreign ships out of ports under threat of sinking](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukraine-keeps-foreign-ships-out-of-ports-under-threat-of-sinking/) - International organizations confirm that it is Russia, and not Ukraine, that is blocking some 90 ships carrying foodstuffs in the Black Sea. There have also been at least three recorded cases of Russia bombing merchant ships carrying goods from Black Sea ports. Russian media continue to accuse Ukraine of being "aggressive" not only towards Russia, but also towards the entire civilized world. Since February 24, 2022, state media have actively promoted the claim that Ukrainian authorities are allegedly "forcibly detaining" "some 70 foreign merchant ships" in ports to "blackmail the whole world". Russian media also claim that Ukraine has "deliberately mined" the Black Sea to "create Russophobe provocations". - [Fake: Ukraine Replaces Victory over Nazism Day with Victory Over Russia Holiday](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukraine-replaces-victory-over-nazism-day-with-victory-over-russia-holiday/) - A draft law under parliamentary consideration which has not yet been voted on does not cancel existing national holidays, but simply establishes new public holidays. The draft introduces a Peace Day holiday on September 21, in order to celebrate peaceful life after Ukraine's Victory over Russian military aggression. The May 9 Victory over Nazism day will remain a holiday, but will become a workday. - [Fake: Ukraine Is Preparing A Chemical Attack Near Odesa](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukraine-is-preparing-a-chemical-attack-near-odesai¼/) - This is not the first time that Russia has put out disinformation about Ukrainian Armed Forces "provocations" and launched an attack immediately after releasing the disinformation. This happened on April 8 when Russia launched a missile attack on a train station in Kramatorsk. At that time several Russian media, particularly RIA Novosti published stories about the "Ukrainian terrorist attack in Kramatorsk" right before Russian missiles hit the Kramatorsk train station. Also, on the eve of the shelling of the railway station, many so-called Z-publics that support Russian aggression against Ukraine wrote that the Russian Armed Forces were firing at "a cluster of Ukrainian Army militants" and "wagons with weapons" at the Kramatorsk railway station. Later, all publications were deleted or edited, but all the evidence and screenshots can be viewed in the article by StopFake journalists "Fake: Ukrainian military struck at the Kramatorsk railway station." - [Fake: Ukraine Distributed Counterfeit Money Infected with Tuberculosis in Occupied Donbas](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukraine-distributed-counterfeit-money-infected-with-tuberculosis-in-occupied-donbas/) - This fake was debunked back in 2020. Then, Ukrainian volunteers dropped leaflets in the form of rubles over Russian occupied Luhansk territories. The leaflets were not infected. However, the situation with tuberculosis in the occupied territories is dire and made even worse by the current Russian war against Ukraine. - [Fake: Ukraine Actively Recruits Female Chemists and Biologists](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukraine-actively-recruits-female-chemists-and-biologists/) - In Ukraine, mobilization for women is not compulsory, regardless of their specialties. Currently, about 5,000 women are voluntarily serving in the military. - [Fake: UK Transfer of Uranium Shells to Ukraine is "Nuclear Escalation and a New...](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-uk-transfer-of-uranium-shells-to-ukraine-is-nuclear-escalation-and-a-new/) - The UK Ministry of Defence says depleted uranium is a standard component of modern armaments and is not a nuclear weapon, and calls Russian statements on the issue "deliberate disinformation". The British army has been using depleted uranium in its armor-piercing shells for decades, and independent scientific research has shown that depleted uranium impact on human health and the environment is minimal. - [Fake: Ukraine Asks Interpol to Return those Who Flee Mobilization](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ukraine-asks-interpol-to-return-those-who-flee-mobilization-2/) - 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: Turkey Wants to Seize Part of Russia, Crimea and Donbas](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-turkey-wants-to-seize-part-of-russia-crimea-and-donbas/) - Russian media continue to actively propagate disinformation about Ukrainian-Turkish relations and the relationship between Ankara and the Kremlin. On February 12 several pro-Kremlin publications announced that Turkey has unveiled a plan to seize parts of Russia. The publications claim that a Turkish state television channel showed a map with neighboring states marked up to indicate which territories Turkey would seize. Among the marked areas were Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine's Donbas region. [...] There was absolutely no discussion about seizing neighboring territory in the Turkish television program Russian media refer to, in fact the discussion explored ways of expanding Turkey's political influence to neighboring countries. The map, which Russian media presented as "Ankara's secret plan" was in fact published in the Next 100 Years, a forecast for the 21st century, a 2009 book by George Friedman, an American geopolitical forecaster and international affairs strategist and the founder of the Stratfor research group. Friedman believes that by 2050 Turkey will become the strongest regional geopolitical player and will extend its spheres of influence both to the Arab world and to European countries - this is the forecast that is shown on the map (see video from 00:25:40). Friedman's forecast does not include any Turkish territorial expansion. - [Fake: The West is Stealing Art Objects From Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-the-west-is-stealing-art-objects-from-ukraine/) - Ukraine decided to temporarily evacuate sixteen Byzantine icons from the Khanenko Museum to the Louvre due to continuous Russian shelling of the civilian infrastructure and cultural heritage sites. The Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine assures that the icons will return home as soon as the situation allows. As a reminder, in October 2022, as a result of a Russian missile attack, the historical building and interior decoration of the Khanenko Museum were damaged. - [FAKE: The DPR (Donetsk People's Republic) militants repulsed attack by Ukrainian saboteurs near Horlivka - video](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-the-dpr-donetsk-peoples-republic-militants-repulsed-attack-by-ukrainian-saboteurs-near-horlivka-video/) - Reports of a sabotage near Horlivka are a provocation spread by the DPR and Russia. Via verifying the video metadata, we found out that it had been taken beforehand. A process of verifying on the Metadata2go resource showed that the video had been created on February 8, 2022. And the militants published it as an evidence of the sabotage on February 18. That is to say, that the provocation has been prepared earlier. - [Fake: Spring Sowing Campaign Under Threat As All Grain Taken Out of Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-spring-sowing-campaign-under-threat-as-all-grain-taken-out-of-ukraine/) - Preparations for the spring sowing campaign in Ukraine are in full swing. Despite the Russian invasion, mined fields and the temporary occupation of some regions, Ukraine is preparing to sow enough grain to not only meet the country's annual needs, but to also to allow grain and foodstuffs exports to foreign markets. - [Fake: Surrender of Bakhmut Will Collapse The Front to Western Borders of Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-surrender-of-bakhmut-will-collapse-the-front-to-western-borders-of-ukraine/) - Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) Oleksiy Danilov did not say that surrendering Bakhmut will lead to the collapse of the front to the western borders of Ukraine. - [Fake: Sumy Region Residents are Compelled to Pay for "Forced Evacuation"](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-sumy-region-residents-are-compelled-to-pay-for-forced-evacuation/) - These reports are a complete fabrication. Evacuation from the border areas of Sumy region has not yet begun. The local authorities are still compiling lists of those willing to move to safer regions, after which free transfers and accommodation will be organized for internally displaced persons (IDPs). Sumy Regional Military Administration emphasizes that there will be no emergency or forced evacuation. If someone decides to refuse to be evacuated, it is enough to write a request. - [Fake: Serial Number Confirms Kramatorsk Train Station Hit by Ukrainian Tochka U Missile](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-serial-number-confirms-kramatorsk-train-station-hit-by-ukrainian-tochka-u-missile/) - A serial number is not proof that the Tochka U missile fired on the Kramatorsk train station belongs to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Other objective evidence indicates that the strike was carried out from territory controlled by Russian Federation troops. - [Fake: Russian Defense Ministry: Ukraine Lost 234 Planes and 137 Helicopters since War Began](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-russian-defense-ministry-ukraine-lost-234-planes-and-137-helicopters-since-war-began/) - Russia's Defense Ministry claims to have shot down more planes and helicopters than Ukraine ever had. According to official data, all branches of Ukraine's Armed forces combined were armed with a much smaller number of aircraft than what the Russians claim to have shot down. - [Fake: Russian Forces Destroy Georgian Legion](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-russian-forces-destroy-georgian-legion/) - Georgian National Legion commander Mamuka Mamulashvili and his fighters refute Russian claims that the legion was destroyed by Russian forces. Legion members say this is yet another Kremlin disinformation campaign against Georgian fighters who, together with Ukraine's Armed Forces, are fighting against Russian aggression. Neither the Ukrainian military nor anyone else has confirmed the Legion's alleged demise. - [Fake: Russian Army Destroys Troops who Raised Ukrainian Flag on Snake Island](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-russian-army-destroys-troops-who-raised-ukrainian-flag-on-snake-island/) - Russia's Defense Ministry claims its troops destroyed Ukrainian servicemen who raised the Ukrainian flag on strategic Snake Island after Russian forces withdrew. The Ukraine's General Staff says the troops completed their task and returned to their base unharmed. - [Fake: Russian Military Drone Delivers Food to Kakhovka Disaster Victim](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-russian-military-drone-delivers-food-to-kakhovka-disaster-victim/) - Russian media stole the video made by the Ukrainian forces. They tried to appropriate the hard work of the Ukrainian warriors rescuing the civilian population, which suffered as a result of the Russian terrorist attack on the Kakhovka Hydropower Plant. - [Fake: Russian Air Defense Downs Ukrainian Plane with Western Weapons near Odesa](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-russian-air-defense-downs-ukrainian-plane-with-western-weapons-near-odesa/) - There is no evidence that the Russian army actually shot down a Ukrainian transport plane in the Odesa region. Ukraine's Defense Ministry, the Pentagon and local media all refuted these Russian reports. - [Fake: Russia Will Restore Kakhovka Power Plant in a Year](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-russia-will-restore-kakhovka-power-plant-in-a-year/) - According to Ukrhydroenergo, which Kakhovka Hydropower Plant is a subdivision of, the station blown up by the Russian occupiers was completely destroyed and cannot be restored. The construction of the new hydroelectric power station will last at least five years, provided that Ukrainian specialists work 24/7. - [Fake: Russia Wins All Gold Medals at Japan Physics Olympiad](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-russia-wins-all-gold-medals-at-japan-physics-olympiad/) - The Russian team did not win all the gold medals at the international student physics competition. In reality, Russian students won only five gold medals out of a total o of thirty-seven. - [Fake: Russia Has Blockaded All Major Ukrainian Cities](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-russia-has-blockaded-all-major-ukrainian-cities/) - Russia has not achieved a complete success in any area in Ukraine and does not control a single strategic city. Western intelligence services have noted Ukraine's Armed Forces transitioning from a defensive to a counteroffensive posture. - [Fake: Russia Will Face No Consequences Because of The Hague's Decision in Favor of...](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-russia-will-face-no-consequences-because-of-the-hagues-decision-in-favor-of/) - If Russia refuses to voluntarily comply with the Arbitration Tribunal's decision, Naftohaz has the right to start enforcing it in those states where Russia's assets are located. - [Fake: Russia Has Never Used Cluster Bombs Against Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-russia-has-never-used-cluster-bombs-against-ukraine/) - Numerous reports from international human rights organizations prove that since the beginning of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has regularly deployed cluster bombs against Ukrainian civilians and Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. One such cluster munitions attack was the April 8, 2022, Russian missile strike on the Kramatorsk railway station, which killed at least 58 civilians and injured some 100 people. - [Fake: Ruble Becomes the Strongest Currency in the World](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ruble-becomes-the-strongest-currency-in-the-world/) - Russian media is manipulating a Reuters global foreign currency exchange rate graphic to claim that the ruble has become the strongest currency in the world. The graphic does not indicate the world's strongest currencies, but only notes their rise and fall against the US dollar since the beginning of 2022. The first place on this chart is not occupied by the ruble, but by the Brazilian real. - [Fake: Relatives of a Deceased Soldier Booed](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-relatives-of-a-deceased-soldier-booed/) - The relatives of the deceased Ukrainian soldier were not booed. The video where screams could be heard was taken at a protest near the Resurrection Church in the city of Krasyliv. The memorial service for the deceased Ukrainian soldier was held in the same city, but in the Holy Trinity Church of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. - [Fake: President Nixon "Predicted an American war" in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-president-nixon-predicted-an-american-war-in-ukraine/) - Pro-Kremlin media are actively spreading misinformation about the 37th US President Richard Nixon's alleged prediction of war in Ukraine. Referring to Nixon's declassified letter to the 42nd American President Bill Clinton, Russian media claim that Nixon predicted an "American" Revolution of Dignity and an "American" war in Ukraine. - [Fake: OSCE Provided Communications and Intelligence for Azov in Mariupol](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-osce-provided-communications-and-intelligence-for-azov-in-mariupol/) - The OSCE has categorically denied that it provided communications and intelligence to the Ukrainian military based in the Azovstal plant in Ukraine's southeastern port city of Mariupol. OSCE representatives emphasized that they never provided any additional information, except for open-source official reports, and did not support any of the parties to the conflict. - [Fake: Photo and Video Recording to Be Banned At Ukrainian Cemeteries](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-photo-and-video-recording-to-be-banned-at-ukrainian-cemeteries/) - There is no such law draft on the Ukrainian parliament's website, nor is there any information about this initiative. The screenshot of the Ukrinform website is fake, as the informational agency did not publish this news either. - [Fake: One Third of Annual Patriot Missile Production Destroyed in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-one-third-of-annual-patriot-missile-production-destroyed-in-ukraine/) - Without providing any evidence, anonymous sources are claiming that one third of the Patriot missiles produced annually are being destroyed in Ukraine. There are over 240 Patriot systems in 18 different countries in total (with Ukraine being the 19th), and thousands of missiles with different characteristics are produced for them. This sprint American defense companies have also signed additional contracts with the US Army for the production of Patriot missile systems components. - [Fake: Odesa Levee Wired with Explosives](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-odesa-levee-wired-with-explosives/) - Russian media and pro-Russian Telegram channels are claiming that Maksym Marchenko, the head of Odesa's Regional Military Administration, whom they refer to as the "Nazi governor" ordered the Khadzibey levee north-west from Odesa be wired with explosives. Ukraina.ru, Zavtra.ru and other pro-Kremlin publications also featured similar reports. According to the Russian media "the Nazis will blow up the levee in the event of a Russian attack and put the blame Russian saboteurs" - [Fake: Odesa School Children Recruited to the Front](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-odesa-school-children-recruited-to-the-front/) - Russian propaganda is spreading another fake in the form of a "questionnaire" filled with numerous errors and listing military activities which simply do not exist in the Ukrainian military. Children and minors are not involved in Ukraine's military service in any way. Mobilization is mandatory for individuals aged 18 to 60. - [Fake: NATO Chief says Alliance Preparing for War with Russia for Eight Years](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-nato-chief-says-alliance-preparing-for-war-with-russia-for-eight-years/) - Jens Stoltenberg has never said anything about any eight-year preparation for war with Russia, nor about NATO's plans to "attack" Russia. The NATO Secretary General talked about the foundations of European security, which the Kremlin undermined in 2014 by occupying Ukrainian Crimea and seizing parts of the Luhansk and Donetsk regions. - [Fake: NATO Certain Ukrainian Counteroffensive Will Fail](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-nato-certain-ukrainian-counteroffensive-will-fail/) - Former Commander of US Forces in Europe, Ben Hodges, said nothing about the "future failure" of the Ukrainian counteroffensive. On the contrary, the general expressed cautious optimism regarding the effectiveness of the Ukrainian army in operations against Russian occupiers. - [Fake: Majority of IT Specialists Left Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-majority-of-it-specialists-left-ukraine/) - According to a survey carried out by the IT Ukraine Association, more than 70% of Ukrainian IT specialists work in parts of Ukraine that are safe, the remaining 16% who are mostly women, work abroad. These findings were confirmed by a survey conducted by the DOU IT portal which found that 61% of IT specialists surveyed moved to a safer place, 46% moved to safer places within Ukraine, 14% went abroad. - [Fake: Mass Civilian Casualties in Kyiv Region Staged](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-mass-civilian-casualties-in-kyiv-region-staged/) - There is no doubt that Ukraine's peaceful civilian population was subjected to extreme violence and brutality by the Russian military. Numerous local residents' testimonies from Kyiv area towns that have been under Russian military occupation for a month confirm this. Some of them have already been documented by the international human rights organization Human Rights Watch. - [Fake: Majority of Ukrainians Waiting for Russia to Rescue Them](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-majority-of-ukrainians-waiting-for-russia-to-rescue-them/) - Nine out of ten Ukrainians believe in Ukraine's victory in the war with Russia. 98% of all Ukrainians support the Ukrainian Armed Forces in their fight against the Russian invaders. - [Fake: Kyiv Lying that Russia Has Lost a Third of Its Army in Ukraine...](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-kyiv-lying-that-russia-has-lost-a-third-of-its-army-in-ukraine/) - Ukraine is not the only country saying that Russia has incurred significant losses in its war against Ukraine, the British Ministry of Defense has also said the same thing. Russian allegations that Ukraine is "producing propaganda that even the West does not believe" are simply lies. The heavy losses of the Russian army are becoming increasingly obvious not only to Ukrainians, but also to foreign analysts. - [Fake: Kyiv Bans Easter By Not Allowing People in The Churches](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-kyiv-bans-easter-by-not-allowing-people-in-the-churches/) - Easter holidays were not canceled either in Kyiv nor anywhere else in Ukraine. It will be possible to attend a services before 12 midnight or after 5 am. Those who decide to stay for the night service, will not be able to leave the churches until the end of the curfew. - [Fake: Injured Child Not from Mariupol](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-injured-child-not-from-mariupol/) - The young girl pictured in the photograph taken at the Zaporizhzhia Children's Hospital is 13-year-old Milena, who was evacuated from Mariupol. This photograph was published in the French newspaper Liberation. After being wounded in the jaw, Milena was placed in an induced coma. As of March 26, some 65,000 people were able to escape the besieged port of Mariupol through Ukrainian organized humanitarian corridors. - [Fake: International Organizations Don't Want to Investigate Bucha Atrocities](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-international-organizations-dont-want-to-investigate-bucha-atrocities/) - Amnesty International and many international organizations as well as representatives from various countries have expressed the need to investigate war crimes in the Kyiv region committed by Russian troops. Hundreds of journalists from all over the world and EU representatives have visited the towns where the atrocities were committed, international human rights activists, foreign forensics experts and representatives of the International Criminal Court are all collecting evidence of crimes committed. - [Fake: Kyiv Announces Attacks on Russian Nuclear Power Plants](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-kyiv-announces-attacks-on-russian-nuclear-power-plants/) - In an interview with the Ukrainian Channel Five television network, former Ukrainian Special Forces Deputy commander Serhiy Kryvonos said that Ukrainians knew how to penetrate into and seize a nuclear power plant in peacetime and therefore, hypothetically, are capable of trying to seize a Russian nuclear plant in response to Russia's occupation of the Zaporizhzhia atomic plant. Kryvonos was not speaking in any official capacity, he was speaking hypothetically, and his words do not convey any real intent on the part of Ukraine to seize or attack Russian nuclear power stations. - [Fake: ICEYE Satellite Purchased by Ukrainians is Used for News Broadcasting](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-iceye-satellite-purchased-by-ukrainians-is-used-for-news-broadcasting/) - Ukrainian journalists have not published any investigations regarding the ICEYE satellite purchased by the Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation through donations from Ukrainians. Satellites for television signal transmission and the ICEYE operate in different orbits and serve different purposes. - [Fake: Humanitarian Agencies Killed Civilians and Looted in Soledar](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-humanitarian-agencies-killed-civilians-and-looted-in-soledar/) - Russian media claims that humanitarian agencies killed civilians and looted in Soledar are based on one "interview" with an alleged Soledar resident, an interview which is not supported by any other evidence. The Donetsk Region police have not documented any criminal actions against residents involving international or Ukrainian volunteers. - [Fake: Hungarians Living in Ukraine Report Experiencing Genocide](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-hungarians-living-in-ukraine-report-experiencing-genocide/) - Instead of Hungarians, propagandist sources actually wrote about the Rusyns, one of the ethnic groups populating the Eastern Carpathians. However, no such statements were made by either Hungarians or Rusyns. The claims by Petro Getsko, who is wanted internationally for violating Ukrainian territorial integrity, do not represent the position of the Carpathian Rusyns. The 'Carpatho-Rusyn Nation' noted that they do not support any of Getko's appeals and condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine. - [Fake: Germany Begins Ukrainian Refugee Selection](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-germany-begins-ukrainian-refugee-selection/) - Germany is not conducting any kind of selection of Ukrainian refugees. Germany continues to receive all refugees from Ukraine. Ukrainians do not have to apply for asylum, they are granted temporary protection status which includes all social benefits provided for in Germany's Residence Law Article 24. Once registered with the authorities, these protections are valid for one year and may be extended for up to three years. - [Fake: German Tabloid Bild Reports Russian Military Captured German PzH 2000 Howitzer](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-german-tabloid-bild-reports-russian-military-captured-german-pzh-2000-howitzer/) - The German tabloid newspaper Bild has not reported that Russian forces captured a German PzH 2000 Howitzer, transferred to Ukraine as part of German military assistance. Journalists from the German daily newspaper Welt were unable to find any confirmation of this claim. Russian media have not provided any evidence to support these allegations. - [Fake: Greece Opposes Supplying Ukraine with Weapons](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-greece-opposes-supplying-ukraine-with-weapons/) - Greece pledged military assistance to Ukraine in resisting Russian aggression. The country's defense minister has stated that Greece 'will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.' - [Fake: Germany's Rheinmetall Shares Fall Drastically After Ukraine's Failed Counteroffensive](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-germanys-rheinmetall-shares-fall-drastically-after-ukraines-failed-counteroffensive/) - Data from the Frankfurt Stock Exchange data shows that the value of Rheinmetall group's shares fluctuated, and no sharp drops have been noted. The Ukrainian military highly appreciates the quality of German weapons, and Rheinmetall AG is planning to increase production, as demand for its products is growing, driven by the Russian war in Ukraine. - [Fake: French Protestors Used Weapons the West Provided to Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-french-protestors-used-weapons-the-west-provided-to-ukraine/) - There is no evidence that any weapons provided to Ukraine by Western partners were used during the recent protests in France. - [Fake: European Parliament Doubts Kyiv Can Pay Off its Debts](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-european-parliament-doubts-kyiv-can-pay-off-its-debts/) - French far-right MEP Thierry Mariani, known for his pro-Kremlin views and visit to Russian occupied Crimea, said he doubts Ukraine is capable of paying off its debt. His views are his own and do not reflect the position of the European Parliament and the European Union. The EU continues to provide assistance to Ukraine, through grants that do not need to be repaid and loans provided on very favorable terms. - [Fake: Draft Notices Handed Out to Minors in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-draft-notices-handed-out-to-minors-in-ukraine/) - The document being circulated online purported to be a Ukrainian draft notice is a fake. This document does not bear any similarity to an official Ukrainian draft notice, it contains the wrong category names and does not contain pertinent information that is part of a genuine draft notice. The term military commissariat is repeatedly used in the fake document. However, as of 2021 Ukrainian enlistment centers are called Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Centers. An analysis of the seal used in the document in question also shows that it was doctored and is not the seal of the Bila Tserkva Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Center. - [Fake: Elon Musk Wants to Receive Russian Passport and Thinks Putin Is "Not a...](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-elon-musk-wants-to-receive-russian-passport-and-thinks-putin-is-not-a/) - An excerpt from a broadcast on X (formerly Twitter), in which Elon Musk praises Putin and Russia, was generated by a neural network and shared initially by Russian sources. The original recording of the broadcast with Musk, where he says no such thing, is available online. - [Fake: Crimean Tatars Unanimously Support Russia's "Special Operation" in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-crimean-tatars-unanimously-support-russias-special-operation-in-ukraine/) - Crimean Tatars are Ukraine's indigenous people, they support Ukraine's territorial integrity and categorically oppose the Russian war. In temporarily occupied Crimea, Russian security forces continue pursuing a policy of repression against the Crimean Tatars, massively imprisoning them for supporting Ukraine. - [Fake: Corruption up by 500% in Ukraine Over Past Year, US Aid Not Reaching...](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-corruption-up-by-500-in-ukraine-over-past-year-us-aid-not-reaching/) - This claim about corruption levels in Ukraine is false. During a March 29 hearing in the US House of Representatives on Ukraine aid transparency and accountability oversight mechanisms, the inspectors general of three US government agencies involved in the delivery and distribution of aid to Ukraine stated that "there is no evidence that support for Ukraine has been used improperly". One year after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, international organizations tracking corruption have not recorded an increase in corruption in Ukraine. According to the Transparency International Corruption Index, Ukraine received 33 points in the 2022 rating, one point higher than 2the previous year. - [Fake: Counteroffensive Dead and Wounded Information Published in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-counteroffensive-dead-and-wounded-information-published-in-ukraine/) - Russian propagandists have created a fake site to spread false information about Ukrainian counteroffensive losses. There are no public forums or organizations that track counteroffensive casualty numbers. This information is confidential. Ukrainian military and their allies note that Ukrainian Armed Forces losses are much smaller than those incurred by the Russian army. - [Fake: Biden Quote Criticizing Ukraine's Government](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-biden-quote-criticizing-ukraines-government/) - Some social media accounts circulated this text, claiming it was a real quote from a speech that President Biden gave in Warsaw on Saturday, March 26. President Biden however, did not say these words, not during his Warsaw speech, nor during any of his other public appearances. StopFake analyzed his public speeches as well as transcripts of meetings with media for the period of Februarty 24 through March 26, 2022. We did not find this criticism or any similar criticisms to have been uttered by the American President regarding the Ukrainian government. On the contrary, an analysis of Biden's speeches shows that the statements circulated on the Internet contradict the position of the White House and what the US President has actually said. - [Fake: Azov Regiment Attacks Humanitarian Convoy](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-azov-regiment-attacks-humanitarian-convoy/) - The video which allegedly shows an attack on a humanitarian convoy, in fact shows an attack on the Russian military. This is clear from the distinguishing letter "Z" painted on vehicles, soldiers in Russian camouflage and the weapons they carry. - [Fake: Biden Says Ukraine Must Give Up Territory to End War](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-biden-says-ukraine-must-give-up-territory-to-end-wari¼/) - US President Joe Biden never said that Ukraine should give part of its territory to Rusia in order to end the war that Russia has inflicted on the country. Biden has always stressed that the United States will never force Ukraine into any decision regarding a ceasefire and truce with the Russian Federation, only Kyiv should decide the terms. - [Fake: Britons Want to End Ukraine Military Aid](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-britons-want-to-end-ukraine-military-aid/) - RIA Novosti has taken anonymous comments regarding a British edition Daily Mail story and presented them as the view of all of Britain. Several comments do not make a majority view, much less an official government position. Furthermore, RIA Novosti's claims completely contradict existing poll data, in which 74% of Britons support sending military aid to Ukraine. - [Fake: Austria Agrees To Pay for Russian Gas In Rubles](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-austria-agrees-to-pay-for-russian-gas-in-rubles/) - Austria continues to pay for Russian gas only in Euros and strictly adheres to agreed EU sanctons, said Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer. The politician called the news that Austria paid its Russian gas bill in rubles "another Russian propaganda fake". - [Fake: Atrocities in Bucha, Chemical Attack in Syria, and the Work of White Helmets...](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-atrocities-in-bucha-chemical-attack-in-syria-and-the-work-of-white-helmets/) - Atrocities committed by the Russian military in Bucha, Kyiv region are confirmed not only by Ukrainian authorities but also by governments of other countries and international organizations. Out of 519 cases of reported chemical weapons use in Syria, 349 have been "credibly confirmed". - [FAKE: All calls will be recorded, social media will monitor communication](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-all-calls-will-be-recorded-social-media-will-monitor-communication/) - This claim has been shared in several waves in at least three countries, but it is nothing more than an attempt at inducing panic - [Fake: All Ukrainian Refugees Willingly Going to Russia](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-all-ukrainian-refugees-willingly-going-to-russia/) - Citing the Russian Ombudsman Tatiana Moskalkova, Russian media are claiming that the Kremlin is not forcefully deporting Ukrainians from territories currently occupied by the invading Russian army. [...] The evacuation of civilians from territories occupied by invading Russian troops has been problematic and raised numerous questions from the very beginning of the war. In parts of Mariupol captured by the Russian forces, many civilians had no choice but to go to territories not controlled by Ukraine or to go to Russia. Many did so under pressure from the Russian military, who forced them to leave their shelters and hiding places and directed them to "filtration camps" for identification and interrogation. Those who passed the filtration were then transported to various Russian regions, those who did not were imprisoned. - [Fake: Ankara Considers Crimea Turkish and Wants to Take the Peninsula from Russia](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-ankara-considers-crimea-turkish-and-wants-to-take-the-peninsula-from-russia/) - Turkey has often stated that Ankara does not support Russia's annexation of Crimea, but rather supports Ukraine's territorial integrity. Turkey has absolutely no pretensions towards the Ukrainian peninsula and has often supported and helped the Crimean Tatars, whose rights Russia violates on a massive scale. - [Fake: Air Raid Siren During Joe Biden's Visit to Kyiv Turned on Intentionally](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-air-raid-siren-during-joe-bidens-visit-to-kyiv-turned-on-intentionally/) - According to Ukraine's Air Force, the air raid alert that sounded during the US President Joe Biden's visit to Kyiv was due to the take-off of in Belarus of MiG-31K aircraft carrying Russian Kinzhal missiles. The maximum range of such missiles is more than 2,000 kilometers, which is why air raids sirens are sounded throughout the country every time Russian planes carrying those missiles take off. - [Fake: "Armed Forces of Ukraine Used OSCE Video Camera Data for Artillery Fire Correction"](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-armed-forces-of-ukraine-used-osce-video-camera-data-for-artillery-fire-correction/) - Accusations that the OSCE provided Ukrainian Armed Forces with coordinates of military targets obtained through its video cameras are unfounded. StopFake found obvious inconsistencies in Russian media stories on the subject. For one, the video footage offered as "material evidence" was taken in a different area long before the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In addition, the OSCE cameras in question were incapable of recording video at long distances; for this purpose UAVs would have been used. - [Fake: 47% of Odesa Residents Oppose Ukraine Joining NATO](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-47-of-odesa-residents-oppose-ukraine-joining-nato/) - Opinion polls show that 53% of Odesa residents support Ukraine joining NATO, and only 18% oppose it. A recent poll conducted by the International Republican Institute does not show that 47% are against Ukraine joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, - [Fact Check: The ‘Ghost of Kyiv’ fighter pilot](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-the-ghost-of-kyiv-fighter-pilot/) - The Ukrainian fighter pilot, celebrated on social media as a war hero, was said to have shot down several Russian aircraft - and has now died. But what's the truth behind the myth of the "Ghost of Kyiv"? - [Fact check: What to make of Lavrov's claims at the UN?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-what-to-make-of-lavrovs-claims-at-the-un/) - In Monday's meeting of the United Nations Security Council, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov repeated accusations against the US, NATO and Ukraine. DW takes a look at the speech and debunks some of his claims. - [Fake News: NBU Governor Bought a Rolls-Royce](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-news-nbu-governor-bought-a-rolls-royce/) - The car in question most likely belongs to a Ukrainian businessman and deputy of the Vinnytsia Oblast Council. What also indirectly points to this conclusion is the car's registration in the city of Mohyliv-Podilskyi, Vinnytsia oblast. The purchase of the Rolls-Royce GHOST with the vehicle registration plate КВ0001ОІ took place on 8 February 2022, meaning it occurred before Andriy Pyshnyy was appointed NBU Governor (and took office in October 2022) and before Russia launched its full-scale war against Ukraine. - [Fact check: Russia's influence on Africa](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-russias-influence-on-africa/) - Russia seeks to gain influence in Africa in several ways, from disinformation campaigns to sending Wagner Group mercenaries. Why is Africa so important to Vladimir Putin? - [Fact check: Putin’s lie about Ukraine war](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-putins-lie-about-ukraine-war/) - Thousands of Ukrainians have been killed in Russian rocket attacks since February 24. Still, Vladimir Putin claims his soldiers don't attack civilian targets. The facts show quite the opposite. - [Fact check: Russia's false case for a dirty bomb in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-russias-false-case-for-a-dirty-bomb-in-ukraine/) - Russia's Foreign Ministry has published photos purporting to prove that Ukraine is building a dirty bomb. In truth, the photos are of entirely different things - including reactors in Russia. - [Fact check: No Putin tattoo sessions in German hospice](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-no-putin-tattoo-sessions-in-german-hospice/) - A strange video is spreading on Telegram and Twitter: Hospice residents in Germany are allegedly getting tattoos of Putin to take him to his death as "living voodoo dolls." The whole thing is a fake. - [Fact check: No, Putin did not kneel before Xi Jinping](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-no-putin-did-not-kneel-before-xi-jinping/) - A strange image has gone viral. Did Vladimir Putin really get down on one knee and kiss the hand of Xi Jinping? No. The picture, which was allegedly taken during the Chinese leader's recent trip to Russia, is fake. - [Fact check: False claims about plans for coup in Belarus](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-false-claims-about-plans-for-coup-in-belarus/) - Various Russian media outlets are spreading claims that a Polish general confirmed the West was preparing to launch a coup in Belarus. But did he? DW finds out more. - [Fact check: Do these videos show Wagner battles in Russia?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-do-these-videos-show-wagner-battles-in-russia/) - The world held its breath as Wagner forces advanced on Moscow and their leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, seemed to challenge President Vladimir Putin. Many videos claim to show clashes between both sides, but not all are real. - [Facebook post rehashes false claim that Hillary Clinton was found guilty of spying on Trump](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/facebook-post-rehashes-false-claim-that-hillary-clinton-was-found-guilty-of-spying-on-trump/) - Clinton has not been indicted on any charges stemming from alleged spying on Trump. This claim is another dramatic oversimplification of a recent legal filing by Special Counsel John Durham. - [Facebook post uses edited images of Ukrainian farmers towing Russian weaponry](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/facebook-post-uses-edited-images-of-ukrainian-farmers-towing-russian-weaponry/) - These images of Ukrainian farmers seizing Russian military equipment with tractors have not been verified, and several of them were digitally altered using photos that predate the 2022 conflict. - [Fact check: Are food supplies being weaponized?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-are-food-supplies-being-weaponized/) - Who is responsible for shuttered ports and mined maritime routes in the Black Sea? Are sanctions against Russia driving up global food prices? Can grain supplies from Ukraine be replaced? A DW fact check clarifies. - [Fact check: 'Staging' of air attack victims in Kyiv?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-staging-of-air-attack-victims-in-kyiv/) - After the rockets comes the propaganda - pro-Russian voices have claimed that wounded people in Kyiv were just actors staging their suffering. But a DW fact check shows that the victims are real. - [Fact check: 'DW' video on anti-Ukrainian sentiments is fake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-dw-video-on-anti-ukrainian-sentiments-is-fake/) - An alleged DW video reports that refugees from Ukraine are being insulted with Wi-Fi network names in Poland. But it's a fake. - [Fabricated news alert falsely claims Russian president told South Africa's ANC to keep out of its affairs](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fabricated-news-alert-falsely-claims-russian-president-told-south-africas-anc-to-keep-out-of-its-affairs/) - A purported screengrab posted on Facebook in South Africa and shared hundreds of times purports to show a news item published by local media house News24 according to which Russian President Vladimir Putin told the ruling African National Congress (ANC) to stop meddling in its affairs. But this is false; News24 denied the report belonged to them while the Russian embassy in South Africa dismissed the claim of a warning from Putin. - [Fabricated quote about defeating Russia to 'avenge Napoleon, Hitler' attributed to EU diplomat](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fabricated-quote-about-defeating-russia-to-avenge-napoleon-hitler-attributed-to-eu-diplomat/) - As Western countries pledged to step up deliveries of weapons to Ukraine, social media users in Thailand shared a fabricated quote that the European Union's most senior diplomat Josep Borrell called to "keep using Ukrainians as our bait" in order to defeat Russia and "avenge Napoleon and Hitler". While Borrell mentioned Napoleon and Hitler in a speech about the war in Ukraine, he was speaking in the context of Russia's past military victories and did not say they should be "avenged". - [Elon Musk tweet amplifies false Ukraine casualty numbers](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/elon-musk-tweet-amplifies-false-ukraine-casualty-numbers/) - Online articles and social media posts claim almost 2,700 NATO soldiers and military trainers have died during Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This is false; the military alliance has not deployed personnel to Ukraine and an official confirmed to AFP that none have been killed in the conflict. - [Donated Canadian equipment sparks inaccurate claims on Ukraine fire coverage](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/donated-canadian-equipment-sparks-inaccurate-claims-on-ukraine-fire-coverage/) - A screenshot of CNN footage has been shared on social media alongside the claim that the channel falsified coverage of a fire in Ukraine, with the name "Edmonton" on a firefighter's jacket cited as evidence. But the footage shows the aftermath of strikes in the city of Lviv, and the jacket was donated by a Canadian non-profit, the organization and Edmonton Fire Rescue Services say. - [Does Video Show Proof That Ukraine Drowns Its Citizens on Purpose?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/does-video-show-proof-that-ukraine-drowns-its-citizens-on-purpose/) - Social media users shared an old video to spread a false narrative about the Nova Kakhovka dam explosion in Russian-occupied Ukraine. - [Does This Video Show NATO Troops in Ukraine? | Snopes.com](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/does-this-video-show-nato-troops-in-ukraine-snopes-com/) - Because the video predates Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and because it was filmed in Afghanistan, we rate the version claiming that it shows a build-up of NATO forces in Ukraine "Miscaptioned." - [DISINFO: Washington and Kyiv are behind the attempt to assissinate Slovak PM Robert Fico](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-washington-and-kyiv-are-behind-the-attempt-to-assissinate-slovak-pm-robert-fico/) - The claim that Ukraine and the US were behind the assassination attempt against Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico is a baseless accusation with no supporting evidence. This is part of a broader pro-Kremlin campaign aiming to portray Ukraine as a terrorist state. Shortly after the news that Prime Minister Fico was shot, a widespread disinformation campaign accused Ukraine of being responsible for the assassination attempt. Popular pro-Kremlin Telegram channels and bot accounts played a key role in spreading this disinformation narrative. The extremely rapid response combined with such serious accusation is an indicator that this is a coordinated disinformation campaign. - [DISINFO: Ukrainian government is planning to relocate to Lviv](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-ukrainian-government-is-planning-to-relocate-to-lviv/) - The article contains baseless speculation devoid of any factual basis. It serves the pro-Kremlin aim of eroding morale and a narrative of a disintegrating Ukraine that is in retreat militarily. The article references a Reuters article, which states that foreign investment and the increase in internally displaced people are most noticeable in the western regions (Lviv and Transcarpathia). However, this fact, which is a consequence of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, has no bearing on the claim that the Ukrainian government is planning a resettlement to western Ukraine, specifically Lviv. Ukraine has no intention of abandoning Kyiv, the capital city. Even during the height of the war in spring 2022, the government and the president remained in Kyiv. - [DISINFO: The Polish, American, British and Ukrainian secret services may hunt the Polish run-away judge down](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-the-polish-american-british-and-ukrainian-secret-services-may-hunt-the-polish-run-away-judge-down/) - This message is a part of a wider narrative about the lack of democracy in Western countries, in this case, it promotes the idea that "aggressive" Poland and other democratic countries order political murders of the run-away "dissidents". No evidence is provided to support this claim, which is part of a classic "whataboutism" along the line "you blame me for bad things, but you do the same yourself". It is a whataboutism attempt to deflect attentiona away from Russia's assignations made in UK (like Alexander Litvinenko), Germany (the Tiergarden murder) and other attempts on political opponent such as former rusisan agent Sergei Skripal, and his daughter Yulia which were targeted with a Novichok chemical nerve critical in Salisbury, UK. This claim was made in connection with the accusations and statements of the Polish Judge Tomasz Szmydt, who ran away to Belarus on 9 May 2024 seeking "political asylum" in this country. In Poland, he is under the suspicion of espionage in favour of Belarus and was stripped of his immunity. - [DISINFO: The Switzerland peace conference is set up to issue useless ultimatums to Russia](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-the-switzerland-peace-conference-is-set-up-to-issue-useless-ultimatums-to-russia/) - This is an pre-emptive attempt to discredit the peace summit which Switzerland will host on 15-16 June 2024. Following Ukraine's request, Switzerland has invited over 160 delegations from around the world to join for the first Summit on Peace in Ukraine. The invitees include members of the G7, G20, BRICS, many other countries from all continents, as well as the EU, three international organisations and religious representatives. According to the Swiss government, the summit aims to create a framework favourable to comprehensive and lasting peace in Ukraine, as well as "a concrete roadmap for Russia's participation in the peace process." If the summit does not provide fruitful results, it will be because of Russia's impossible preconditions for a peaceful settlement. Russia refuses to engage in any talks before the "unconditional surrender of the Kiev [sic] regime." - [DISINFO: Ukraine may be involved in the attempt on Slovakia's PM Robert Fico](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-ukraine-may-be-involved-in-the-attempt-on-slovakias-pm-robert-fico/) - Unsubstantiated claim about the assassination attempt on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. This claim was made in the context of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. No evidence is provided to support the claim. Fico was shot as he was speaking to people in the small town of Handlová after a government meeting there on 15 May 2024. The suspected gunman, identified by Slovak media as 71-year-old former security guard and amateur poet Juraj Cintula, was charged with attempted premeditated murder and was put in pre-trial detention by a special penal court on 18 May 2024. Fico is out of immediate danger now but remains in intensive care. The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned the attack on the prime minister of Slovakia. - [DISINFO: The West is using the imaginary Russian threat to escalate the arms race](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-the-west-is-using-the-imaginary-russian-threat-to-escalate-the-arms-race/) - Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative claiming that Russia is not a threat. The aim of this disinformation claim appears to be deflecting attention away from Russia's responsibility for its hostile policy and war of aggression against Ukraine. The article also accuses the West of warmongering, and of having an allegedly belligerent and hostile agenda against Russia. The West did not start the war and was not interested in war in the heart of Europe. The Russian threat is not a myth. Russia started the bloodiest war in the 21st century, violating international and humanitarian law. Russia is destroying Ukraine, its population, cities, and vital infrastructure. - [DISINFO: The Polish special services fabricated documents against the Polish judge for his pro-peace position](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-the-polish-special-services-fabricated-documents-against-the-polish-judge-for-his-pro-peace-position/) - This message is a part of a wider narrative about the lack of democracy in Western countries, in this case, it promotes the idea that an "aggressive" Poland persecutes its citizens for their political views. No evidence is provided to support this claim. This claim was made in connection with the accusations and statements of the Polish Judge Tomasz Szmydt, who ran away to Belarus on 9 May 2024 seeking "political asylum" in this country. In Poland, he is under the suspicion of espionage in favour of Belarus and was stripped of his immunity. - [DISINFO: The IMF opposed the transfer of Russian assets to Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-the-imf-opposed-the-transfer-of-russian-assets-to-ukraine/) - Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation aimed at deterring nations from seizing Russia's frozen assets to fund Ukraine's reconstruction by warning of an imminent economic collapse. The narrative also aims at undermining Ukraine's cooperation with the International Monetary Fund. The disinformation is based on a press conference by Julie Kozack, Director of the Communications Department of the International Monetary Fund, on May 16, 2024. Answering a question from journalists about the possible use of Russian assets to support Ukraine, Kozack noted that the International Monetary Fund insists on a thorough study of this decision and its consequences. - [DISINFO: The EU is not a democratic entity, it is NATO's political arm](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-the-eu-is-not-a-democratic-entity-it-is-natos-political-arm/) - Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about an undemocratic EU, part of a wider campaign to discredit European democracy ahead of the European Parliament elections. The EU is not 'NATO's political arm'. Though EU-NATO cooperation constitutes an integral pillar of European defence and their security are inter-connected, both are independent of each other, as it is clear from the list of their nation members. NATO includes 9 states that are not members of the European Union, while 4 EU members are not part of the Atlantic Alliance. The European Union is a sovereign entity created by the voluntary initiative of European nations and it has its own, independent foreign policy. - [DISINFO: The EU struck by the virus of fascism on the eve of the elections](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-the-eu-struck-by-the-virus-of-fascism-on-the-eve-of-the-elections/) - Pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative targeting the upcoming European Parliament elections. This narrative also accuses the EU of Nazism. Both claims were made in the context of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The widespread Russian accusations of "Nazism" against European states is a tool of political pressure, since Russia itself is trying to justify its aggression against Ukraine with the mythical need to "denazify" Ukraine. The UN has repeatedly emphasised that Russia's actions seriously undermine the genuine attempts of the world community in the fight against neo-Nazism. - [DISINFO: Russia is open to fair dialogue on Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-russia-is-open-to-fair-dialogue-on-ukraine/) - This is an often used pro-Kremlin narrative according to which the West is interested in prolonging the war in Ukraine. The assertion that Western countries harbour a desire for the continuation of the conflict in Ukraine lacks any substantial foundation and is devoid of factual support. Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin have a track record of pretending negotiations which are, in fact, just blunt demands for Ukrainian unconditional surrender. We have analysed and exposed this disinformation tactic in several articles, especially: "Prepare for winter" (30 Nov. 2023), "Russian so-called 'peace proposals' are empty PR stunts" (18 Jan. 2023) , "What He Said and What it Really Means - Vol. 2: "Negotiations" (1. March 2022) and "The Kremlin security demands" (21 Dec. 2021). - [DISINFO: The attempt on Slovak PM Robert Fico's life was political terrorism in retaliation for his pro-Russian position](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-the-attempt-on-slovak-pm-robert-ficos-life-was-political-terrorism-in-retaliation-for-his-pro-russian-position/) - There is no evidence of the involvement of any Western country in the assassination attempt on Fico. Slovakian media identified the shooter as 71-year-old Juraj Cintula, a self-described writer who previously worked as a security guard and is allegedly linked to pro-Russian group Slovački branci. Slovakia's interior minister, Matus Sutaj Estok, told reporters that Cintula was a "lone wolf, whose actions were accelerated after the presidential election since he was dissatisfied with its outcome." - [DISINFO: The attack on Robert Fico linked to NATO and Ukraine sponsored terrorism](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-the-attack-on-robert-fico-linked-to-nato-and-ukraine-sponsored-terrorism/) - Pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives blaming Ukraine and the West for the attempt to kill Slovakian PM Robert Fico and for the Crocus City Hall terror attack in Moscow. These baseless disinformation stories are part of a wider campaign by Russian officials and media -including by Vladimir Putin himself- to blame Ukraine, NATO and and other actors for both the attacks. - [DISINFO: NATO promotes fascism in Europe and uses proxy wars to destroy Russia](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-nato-promotes-fascism-in-europe-and-uses-proxy-wars-to-destroy-russia/) - Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives portraying the war in Ukraine as a proxy war and blaming NATO and the so-called "Collective West" for it, accusing the EU of Nazism and claiming that Europe's aim is to invade and destroy Russia in the long run. These claims are made in the context of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and aim to deflect Russia's responsibility for its aggression against this country. - [DISINFO: NATO plans to draw Belarus and Russia into the war through border provocations](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-nato-plans-to-draw-belarus-and-russia-into-the-war-through-border-provocations/) - Poland and NATO are repeatedly presented by pro-Kremlin disinformation outlets as an aggressive forces planning anti-Russian provocations and posing a security threat to Russia. This is in line with how pro-Kremlin outlets portray NATO and Western countries as aggressive towards Russia. See our article All roads lead to Poland. This claim was made in connection with the accusations and statements of the Polish Judge Tomasz Szmydt, who ran away to Belarus on 9 May 2024 seeking "political asylum" in this country. In Poland, he is under the suspicion of espionage in favour of Belarus and was stripped of his immunity. When in Belarus, Tomasz Szmydt appeared on the Belarus state outlet of Belta as well as RT and Sputnik with allegations against on the current Polish government. - [DISINFO: International law expert Polish judge Tomasz Szmydt assesses Ukraine's war crimes](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-international-law-expert-polish-judge-tomasz-szmydt-assesses-ukraines-war-crimes/) - False claim made in connection with the case of Polish Judge Tomasz Szmydt, who fled to Belarus seeking "political asylum". For several months, he was observed by the Polish special services who suspected him of espionage in favour of Belarus and Russia. Tomasz Szmydt is not an expert in International Public Law and has limited professional authority to accuse Ukraine of war crimes (see previous accusations in our database). In 2019, as explained by DW: "Szmydt made headlines when he was identified as being a member of a group of judges waging a smear campaign on social media against other judges" - [DISINFO: In Ukraine, Russia defends traditional values for the benefit of the whole world](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-in-ukraine-russia-defends-traditional-values-for-the-benefit-of-the-whole-world/) - This is a recurring pro-Kremlin narrative on the morally corrupt West which is presented as a justification for Russia's invasion of Ukraine and serves to deflect responsibility for Moscow's illicit actions. Russia's brutal war against Ukraine is absurdly portrayed as a war against the West and as a noble cause of fighting for the benefit of mankind against the "culture of degeneracy, perversion, and pathology." Western values as well as concepts which are not necessarily linked with Western values and policies but nevertheless attributed to the West in the article are intended to present the West as pernicious, immoral, degenerate, and a threat to traditional values. The narrative about threatened values is one of the most common pro-Kremlin narratives. It portrays the Russian civilisation as morally superior to the Western. Russia uses this narrative to proclaim itself the defender of traditional social and spiritual values all over the world. Progressive Western attitudes about a variety of normative issues, including the rights of women, ethnic and religious minorities, and LGBTQ groups, among others, are often undermined and distorted in pro-Kremlin outlets. Respect for individual choices is often falsely portrayed in the pro-Kremlin media as state policies aimed at propagating and imposing specific actions, such as sex changes on the population. - [DISINFO: EU mission in Armenia is an instrument of the EU's hybrid war](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-eu-mission-in-armenia-is-an-instrument-of-the-eus-hybrid-war/) - Intensively repeated disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets attempting to discredit the EU mission in Armenia, accusing it of espionage, anti-Russian, anti-Iranian and anti-Azerbaijani activities. From the very beginning, this exclusively civilian mission has been fully transparent about its plans to operate from six hubs. It has no links to NATO or troops from its member countries. From the moment of its launch, EUMA was a target for disinformation, as discussed in our analysis The wrong the wicked and the wacky. Claims about the EU mission in Armenia. The mission was launched in Armenia in response to a request by Armenia. EUMA conducts routine patrolling and reports on the situation, which strengthens the EU's understanding of the situation on the ground. - [DISINFO: EU ban on Russian media is Russophobia and murder of free speech](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-eu-ban-on-russian-media-is-russophobia-and-murder-of-free-speech/) - Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the EU violating freedom of speech and press. On 15 May 2024, EU ambassadors agreed in principle to place an additional four Russian media outlets on the sanctions list, accusing them of propaganda. These are Voice of Europe, RIA Novosti, Izvestiya and Rossiyskaya Gazeta. The decision was based on the fact that these media outlets are used as a tool of Russian propaganda and disinformation. See here for the list of outlets sanctioned previously. The EU countries are considered free and democratic by Freedom House. In contrast, Russia is considered one of the least free countries in the world. This is the reason why pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives strongly attack democracy and the EU as a viable model to Russia's autocratic system. - [DISINFO: Eastern European nationalist ambitions will destroy the EU](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-eastern-european-nationalist-ambitions-will-destroy-the-eu/) - Recurrent pro-Kremlin disinformation Poland, Romania and Hungary as states with imperial ambitions. Apart from smearing these EU members, the aim is also to deflect attention away from Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This is a modification of a recurring disinformation narrative about the alleged disintegration of the EU. As our past analysis explains, the 'imminent collapse' narrative is often used in pro-Kremlin outlets in relation to the EU, European countries, or capitalism. - [DISINFO: Boris Johnson called on Kyiv not to sign any peace deal with Russia and just fight](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-boris-johnson-called-on-kyiv-not-to-sign-any-peace-deal-with-russia-and-just-fight/) - A recurring disinformation narrative in pro-Kremlin outlets claiming that Ukraine and its allies are not interested in peace. The claim, which is also timed to smear Ukraine ahead of the international peace conference hosted in Switzerland 15-16 June 2024, is part of an ongoing pro-Kremlin disinformation campaign in Russia's illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The claim seeks to paint the Ukrainian government as warmongering and Russia as peace-lover / peace proposer. It also attempts to portray Ukraine as a Western puppet state. - [Dilapidated train track is in years-old image and isn't close to East Palestine derailment site](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/dilapidated-train-track-is-in-years-old-image-and-isnt-close-to-east-palestine-derailment-site/) - The image in the widespread photo is from a 6-year-old video that showed an old railway in Ohio. It had already been fixed by the time the Feb. 3 derailment happened in East Palestine. The Biden-Harris administration announced plans to help railway infrastructure in Ohio, including managing $4 billion to improve rail safety. A Facebook post said a photo of a dilapidated railroad track shows "what railways in Ohio look like while we send $40 billion to Ukraine." The image used in the post comes from a 6-year-old video, and that railway has since been fixed. We rate this claim False. - [Digitized images are from a video game; they're not from Ukraine war footage](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/digitized-images-are-from-a-video-game-theyre-not-from-ukraine-war-footage/) - A recent Facebook post suggests that the video featured in it shows footage of the war in Ukraine but the video in question is from a video game. Searching for the post's video description turns up a YouTube post from about a year earlier. It has the same description, but identifies the video as being from "Arma 3," a military simulation game. We rate claims that this clip shows real footage from the war in Ukraine False. - [Did Ukraine Attack the Kremlin in Russia With Drone Strikes?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/did-ukraine-attack-the-kremlin-in-russia-with-drone-strikes/) - Videos on social media purportedly showed the Kremlin being attacked and smoke emerging from behind the building. - [DISINFO: Anglo-Saxons involved in Iran leader's death and other recent attempts](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-anglo-saxons-involved-in-iran-leaders-death-and-other-recent-attempts/) - A recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative and a conspiracy theory claiming that Western countries support terrorism all over the world and order assassinations of political leaders who carry out independent policies. There is no evidence of the EU, the US or their allies being involved in the long list of events covered by the disinformation piece above. - [CNN did not tweet about children in Ukraine signing up to fight in the war](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/cnn-did-not-tweet-about-children-in-ukraine-signing-up-to-fight-in-the-war/) - The tweet was fabricated and did not originate with CNN. The photo in the post was taken in 2017. It was published in a March 30, 2022, story by CNN about the Azov Battalion of the Ukraine military. In that story, the photo caption says it was taken outside Kyiv on July 14, 2017, and shows "a student at a paramilitary camp for children call(ing) the rank to attention." The AP confirmed with the photographer, Alex Masi, that it was taken at a "summer camp from 2016-17, where kids learn about the realities of war." CNN did not tweet about "brave children" in Ukraine signing up to fight Russia, and we rate the claim Pants on Fire! - [Clip shows video game, not Ukrainian victory in Sievierodonetsk](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/clip-shows-video-game-not-ukrainian-victory-in-sievierodonetsk/) - But a video being shared on social media a few weeks later perhaps buoyed Ukraine's supporters. The description in the July 17 post said "Sievierodonetsk's air defenses shot down 55 Ka 52 helicopters." Dozens of comments cheered on Ukraine, with Ukrainian flags and GIFs congratulating the country. That's because anyone who watches the video can clearly see that the footage isn't authentic. It's a video game. We rate claims of this footage's veracity False. - [Despite claims, Jackson, Mississippi, did get funding for its infrastructure. But it's not a fix-all](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/despite-claims-jackson-mississippi-did-get-funding-for-its-infrastructure-but-its-not-a-fix-all/) - When the Instagram post was shared, Congress was considering legislation that included $20 million in funding for Jackson, Mississippi's water infrastructure. The legislation passed Sept. 30. Much more funding will be needed to completely address the problems in Jackson. Our ruling An Instagram post says Ukraine got $12 billion more in funding but Jackson, Mississippi, has not received any. At the time the Instagram post was shared, Congress was considering legislation to provide money to both Ukraine and Jackson. The legislation passed Sept. 30 and was signed into law the same day, allocating $20 million to Jackson for its infrastructure. Much more funding will be needed to fully address the city's problems. But though the city might not have the money in hand yet because the funding was just approved, it's misleading to say the city was completely ignored. The claim contains an element of truth but ignores critical facts that would give a different impression. We rate it Mostly False. - [CNN didn't report that Uganda's president said it would be 'disgusting' to support Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/cnn-didnt-report-that-ugandas-president-said-it-would-be-disgusting-to-support-ukraine/) - Uganda's president came out as an early supporter of russia but this is not a real CNN headline. The post appears to be an altered screenshot of a 2014 story on CNN's website. The story features a paused video of Museveni in which he appears wearing the same outfit and in front of the same background as the image of him in the Instagram post. We found no credible news reports or other sources documenting Museveni as saying it would be disgusting to support Ukraine. We rate that claim False. - [Claim that the UN told staff not to use 'war,' 'invasion' to describe Ukraine conflict needs context](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/claim-that-the-un-told-staff-not-to-use-war-invasion-to-describe-ukraine-conflict-needs-context/) - An email was sent on March 7 instructing some U.N. staff members not to use the words "war" or "invasion" when discussing the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The message came from a regional office without clearance and is not considered official U.N. policy, organization officials told PolitiFact. U.N. leaders including Secretary General António Guterres and Rosemary DiCarlo, the organization's under-secretary-general for political and peacebuilding affairs, used the words in tweets before and after the email was sent. Our ruling A Facebook post claims that the U.N. sent an email instructing staff not to use the words "invasion" or "war" when referring to Ukraine. The email is real and instructed some U.N. staff members not to use the terms. But it came from a regional U.N. office and officials say that it did not reflect the organization's official policy. Top U.N. leaders have used the words on social media before and around the time the email was sent. For a statement that's partially accurate but leaves out important details, we rate this Half True. - [Claim that Putin beheaded bioweapon engineers, called Trump to tell him has no basis in fact](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/claim-that-putin-beheaded-bioweapon-engineers-called-trump-to-tell-him-has-no-basis-in-fact/) - There is no evidence Putin beheaded 12 bioweapon engineers in Ukraine. This claim comes from Real Raw News, a blog that has shown a pattern of fabricating news about politicians being executed or arrested by the military. Though the story claims Putin told former President Donald Trump about the alleged beheading, a spokesperson for Trump said the account is baseless. - [Claim that a Mexican cartel has weapons sent to Ukraine lacks evidence](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/claim-that-a-mexican-cartel-has-weapons-sent-to-ukraine-lacks-evidence/) - An U.S. podcast host misrepresented a Mexican TV newscast by saying that a Javelin the United States sent to Ukraine ended in the hands of a Mexican cartel. That's not what the Spanish-speaking anchor said. Experts also say the supposed cartel member is carrying an AT4, not a Javelin. A TikTok video claimed to show a cartel member in Mexico carrying a Javelin that the U.S. sent to Ukraine. We found no evidence that a Mexican cartel obtained U.S. weapons destined for Ukraine. Experts told PolitiFact that the man in the video is carrying what appears to be an AT4 weapon, not a Javelin. We rate this claim False. - [American megachurches are offering support to Ukraine, despite claims on social media](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/american-megachurches-are-offering-support-to-ukraine-despite-claims-on-social-media/) - Multiple megachurches around the United States have been raising funds to help Ukrainians during Russia's invasion. Gateway Church, another megachurch in Texas, has set up a crisis relief fund to support people in Ukraine and the surrounding region. Saddleback Church, a megachurch located in Lake Forest, California, has an advance relief team connecting with local pastors in Ukraine and Poland who are caring for hundreds of Ukrainian refugees. The church's website features ways people can help and has provided multiple updates on its efforts in the region. The Rock Church, a megachurch in San Diego, California, is directing people to its partner organization, Crisis Response International, and told PolitiFact that it's in the process of establishing a Ukraine relief fund. Crossroads Church, an Ohio-based megachurch, partners with humanitarian and disaster relief organizations Convoy of Hope and World Vision, which both have operations on the ground in Ukraine. Other church networks, like the United Methodist Committee on Relief and Catholic Relief Services, are collecting donations and deploying staff and resources. We rate posts that say no megachurches are raising money for Ukraine relief False. - [Baby formula donations to Ukraine not linked to U.S. shortage](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/baby-formula-donations-to-ukraine-not-linked-to-u-s-shortage/) - • A Mississippi nonprofit, Operation Ukraine, sent $10,000 worth of baby formula to Ukraine in March. • There is no evidence that the donated formula contributed to current U.S. baby formula shortages, which are attributed to supply chain problems that began during the COVID-19 pandemic, plus the recall of some formula that led to a manufacturing plant shutdown. Causes of the U.S. shortage are described by Bloomberg as "​​long-term economic pressures collid(ing) with a sudden supply shock." The long-term issues are related to the pandemic, which led to supply chain and shipping disruptions, as well as labor shortages. And the supply shock, Bloomberg explained, came when Abbott Laboratories recalled its baby formula and shut down a Michigan manufacturing plant because of concerns about contamination. The claim that donations of baby formula to Ukraine are related to the current U.S. shortage is unfounded. We rate it False. - [Are These Real Videos of People Partying in Kyiv, Ukraine, During Wartime?](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/are-these-real-videos-of-people-partying-in-kyiv-ukraine-during-wartime/) - Since the Russian invasion in February 2023, the city has been under various levels of curfew. - [Ad comparing spending on Ukraine, US children is ridiculously wrong](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/ad-comparing-spending-on-ukraine-us-children-is-ridiculously-wrong/) - On a largely bipartisan basis, Congress has approved about $66 billion in assistance to Ukraine since it was invaded by Russia in February 2022. • Proposals supported by President Joe Biden that won the support of only Democrats in Congress allocated $482 billion on behalf of U.S. children in 2021. • One of the efforts from Democrats ' an expansion of the child tax credit that was included in Biden's American Rescue Plan of 2021 ' paid out $92 billion to U.S. families with children, or 1.5 times the amount that the U.S. has spent so far on Ukraine. Our ruling A Citizens for Sanity ad said that Biden and Democrats "send a fortune to Ukraine but nothing for our children." On a largely bipartisan basis, Congress has approved roughly $66 billion in assistance to Ukraine. By comparison, proposals supported by Biden and that won support of only Democrats in Congress spent $482 billion on behalf of U.S. children in 2021. The child tax credit expansion alone paid out $92 billion to U.S. families with children, or 1.5 times the amount the U.S. has spent so far on the war in Ukraine. We rate the statement Pants on Fire! - ["It collapsed on its own" - Five Russian media fakes about the destruction Kakhovka...](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/it-collapsed-on-its-own-five-russian-media-fakes-about-the-destruction-kakhovka/) - Ukraine did not destroy its own hydroelectric power station, creating a man-made disaster on its territory. Since 2022, the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant has been under Russian occupation - it was the Russian army that mined the plant's units back in the autumn of 2022. On June 6, 2023, simultaneously with massive missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, the Russian army carried out a remote detonation of the Kakhovka plant. - [Accounting error on military support does not mean US sent Ukraine $6.2 billion by mistake](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/accounting-error-on-military-support-does-not-mean-us-sent-ukraine-6-2-billion-by-mistake/) - The U.S. committed about $78 billion in humanitarian, financial and military assistance to Ukraine from January 2022 to February 2023, the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, a German-based research organization that tracks nations' support of Ukraine, reported. The U.S. total included $47 billion in military aid. That figure ranked highest among all nations and 14th as a percentage of gross domestic product. A Pew Research Center poll in June of U.S. adults age 18 and older found that 31% of respondents said the U.S. is providing the right amount of aid to Ukraine, 28% said too much and 16% said not enough. The Pentagon did not say that it mistakenly sent Ukraine $6.2 billion in cash. We rate the Facebook post False. - [Doctored Italian TV screenshot shared to discredit Ukraine war coverage](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/doctored-italian-tv-screenshot-shared-to-discredit-ukraine-war-coverage/) - An image comparing what appears to be an Italian television network's coverage of the war in Ukraine to a shot from a movie has spread online in posts claiming the media is lying about Russia's invasion. But the network's parent company rejected the claim, a word is missing from the TGCOM24 logo used in the posts, and AFP found no evidence of the footage being broadcast on the channel. - [Doctored images do not show 'Ukrainian protesters expressing support for Myanmar'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/doctored-images-do-not-show-ukrainian-protesters-expressing-support-for-myanmar/) - Following Russia's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine, images purporting to show Ukrainians rallying in support of people in coup-hit Myanmar have been shared hundreds of times on Facebook. Although there have been genuine reports of people in Myanmar publicly expressing support for Ukrainians, the images have been doctored. The original photos were taken during rallies held in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv before Russia's invasion of the pro-Western country. - [Doctored CNN tweet circulates in posts about 'child soldiers training in Ukraine'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/doctored-cnn-tweet-circulates-in-posts-about-child-soldiers-training-in-ukraine/) - An image shared in multiple social media posts in different countries purports to show a genuine tweet from CNN about child soldiers in Ukraine. The claim is false; AFP found no evidence that the tweet was ever published by CNN, and the US broadcaster said it was fabricated. The photo in the posts has circulated online since at least 2018 in reports about Ukrainian children learning battlefield skills at a summer camp, and the photographer told AFP it was "never used" by CNN. - [No, the discovery of bodies in Ukraine's Bucha was not 'staged' with 'actors'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-the-discovery-of-bodies-in-ukraines-bucha-was-not-staged-with-actors-2/) - Ukraine authorities have said bodies discovered on April 2, 2022 in the small town of Bucha were civilians killed by retreating Russian forces, allegations which Moscow has denied. Several posts shared on social networks -- including from Russian authorities -- have claimed that the scene was staged by Ukrainian forces and some of the so-called bodies were filmed moving. But AFP journalists on the ground confirmed they saw dead bodies that had been left for several days; footage used to support the misleading claims does not show the bodies moving, AFP's investigation found. - [CNN report about Russian warplanes in Venezuela is from 2018 and unrelated to Ukraine war](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/cnn-report-about-russian-warplanes-in-venezuela-is-from-2018-and-unrelated-to-ukraine-war/) - A Facebook post shared thousands of times in Nigeria claims that Russia has sent two nuclear bombers to Venezuela, landing them in what it describes as the 'US backyard'. The claim, however, is misleading; while the events mentioned in a CNN report included in the post did take place, they happened in 2018 and have nothing to do with Russia's invasion of Ukraine. - [No evidence Mexican cartel obtained US weapons destined for Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-evidence-mexican-cartel-obtained-us-weapons-destined-for-ukraine/) - Social media users are claiming Mexican TV reported that anti-tank missile systems the United States sent to Ukraine ended up in the hands of a Mexican cartel. This is false; the claims are based on a mistranslation of the segment, which showed a man sporting apparent gang insignia carrying the same type of military-grade weapon used in Ukraine -- but did not say the artillery was diverted from Kyiv. - [No evidence Ukraine aid 'laundered' to Democrats through FTX](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-evidence-ukraine-aid-laundered-to-democrats-through-ftx/) - An article shared thousands of times on social media claims FTX, a now-bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange, funneled US aid meant for Ukraine to Democratic candidates running in the midterm elections instead. This is unproven; public records show no evidence supporting the allegation, which Kyiv, the Pentagon, FTX partners and experts have said is inaccurate. - ['Stamp of approval': Twitter's Musk amplifies misinformation](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/stamp-of-approval-twitters-musk-amplifies-misinformation/) - Elon Musk promised to make Twitter the "most accurate source of information about the world," but he has repeatedly used his own account to amplify false claims from some of the most notorious disinformers on the internet, according to an AFP analysis of his online activity. - [Dated photo at Moscow refinery is misrepresented as wartime image](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/dated-photo-at-moscow-refinery-is-misrepresented-as-wartime-image/) - A photo of a burning building is being shared on Twitter alongside claims it shows a fire at a factory supplying aircraft engines to Russia's military amid its war in Ukraine. This is false; the image first appeared in 2018 and shows an oil refinery that caught fire, according to reports from the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Moscow and news articles from the time. - [Doctored image does not show KFC in Russia that 'changed name to Siberian Fried Chicken'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/doctored-image-does-not-show-kfc-in-russia-that-changed-name-to-siberian-fried-chicken/) - After the parent company of fast-food giant KFC said it was suspending operations in Russia, social media posts shared hundreds of times purported to show a photo of a branch that "rebranded as Siberian Fried Chicken" in order to stay in business. However, the image is doctored. The original photo shows a KFC restaurant in western Russia, which has not changed its name, a spokesperson told AFP on May 26, 2022. - [Conservative commentators, politicians distort Biden's remarks on tanks for Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/conservative-commentators-politicians-distort-bidens-remarks-on-tanks-for-ukraine/) - Conservative politicians and commentators claim US President Joe Biden defied his own warnings about triggering a third World War with Russia by delivering tanks to Ukraine. But the quote shared as proof has been edited to distort its meaning; Biden said in March 2022 that having "planes and tanks and trains going in with American pilots and American crews" would constitute "World War III." - [Concert video predates Russian mercenary uprising](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/concert-video-predates-russian-mercenary-uprising/) - Tweets claim a video shows a crowd joyfully reacting to the Wagner Group's short-lived mutiny in Russia. But the clip is old; it first circulated on Telegram in February 2023 and shows a private concert that a Russian online retailer organized for its staff. - [Austrian climate change protest video misused in false posts about Ukraine conflict](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/austrian-climate-change-protest-video-misused-in-false-posts-about-ukraine-conflict/) - As the civilian death toll mounted in Ukraine following Russia's invasion, a video was viewed hundreds of thousands of times in social media posts that claim it shows a Ukrainian reporter inadvertently exposing fake war casualties in a live broadcast. This is false: the video shows a climate change protest in Austria that was staged weeks before Russia invaded Ukraine. - [Artwork falsely shared as 'genuine Time magazine cover' likening Russia's Putin to Hitler](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/artwork-falsely-shared-as-genuine-time-magazine-cover-likening-russias-putin-to-hitler/) - Social media posts circulating globally following Russia's invasion of Ukraine have shared an image with the claim that it shows a genuine Time magazine cover that depicts Russian President Vladimir Putin with the nose and moustache of Adolf Hitler. However, the image shows an artwork that was created by a graphic designer, who said it was not intended as a Time cover. The magazine has also told AFP that the image "is not an authentic Time cover". - [Chinese social media users share edited Putin speech video with false subtitles about Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/chinese-social-media-users-share-edited-putin-speech-video-with-false-subtitles-about-ukraine/) - Chinese social media users have repeatedly shared a doctored clip of Russian President Vladimir Putin giving a speech with false subtitles that claim he said he will not step down from power until "the problem in Ukraine is settled". However, the video contains clips taken from two different addresses and audio from one of the speeches. The Chinese and English language subtitles are false translations of the speech. As of February 17, 2023, AFP has found no official reports about Putin making such an announcement. - [AFP photo from West Bank falsely shared as 'Ukrainian child throwing stones at Russian tank'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/afp-photo-from-west-bank-falsely-shared-as-ukrainian-child-throwing-stones-at-russian-tank/) - A photo of a child throwing a stone at a tank has been shared repeatedly in Chinese-language posts on Twitter, Facebook, and Weibo alongside a claim it shows the Ukrainian resistance against Russia's invasion. This is false: the photo was taken by an AFP journalist in 2002 and actually shows a Palestinian child throwing a stone at an Israeli tank. - [CNN did not report that Ukraine war is causing myocarditis](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/cnn-did-not-report-that-ukraine-war-is-causing-myocarditis/) - Social media posts claim that American news channel CNN reported that Russia's invasion of Ukraine is causing cases of myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart. But the posts feature an altered image from a satire website with comments suggesting it was true, and the media company said the apparent newscast is a fake. - [Clip of man in body bag smoking is from the set of a music video, not 'staged' deaths in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/clip-of-man-in-body-bag-smoking-is-from-the-set-of-a-music-video-not-staged-deaths-in-ukraine/) - A TikTok video of a man smoking a cigarette in what appears to be a truck full of body bags has been viewed thousands of times in Facebook posts suggesting that deaths are being staged in the war in Ukraine. The claim is false; the clip shows the behind-the-scenes making of a music video for a song released by Russian rapper Husky in September 2020. - [False posts claim Canadian sniper 'Wali' was killed shortly after arriving in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/false-posts-claim-canadian-sniper-wali-was-killed-shortly-after-arriving-in-ukraine/) - Multiple posts on Facebook have claimed that a sharpshooting Canadian sniper known as Wali was killed by Russian special forces 20 minutes after he arrived on the frontline in Mariupol, Ukraine as a volunteer fighter. However, this is false; the man, a former Canadian Armed Forces sniper, dispelled the rumours of his death during a video call. - [False subtitles added to video suggest Polish president 'mobilises troops to enter Ukraine'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/false-subtitles-added-to-video-suggest-polish-president-mobilises-troops-to-enter-ukraine/) - Multiple social media posts in China have shared a video alongside a claim it shows the Polish president declaring military mobilisation in support of Ukraine. Although Poland sent weapons aid to Ukraine after Russia's invasion, misleading Chinese-language subtitles have been added to the clip to suggest it was sending troops to war. The Polish defence ministry dismissed the claim. As of May 26, AFP found no official reports that Poland was sending troops to Ukraine. - [Famous football chant misrepresented as Ukrainians celebrating Crimea bridge blast](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/famous-football-chant-misrepresented-as-ukrainians-celebrating-crimea-bridge-blast/) - A video circulating online purports to show Ukrainians in a packed pub celebrating the country's recent attack on the Kerch bridge linking Russia to annexed Crimea. But the footage is being misrepresented; it shows Wigan Athletic football fans chanting: "Will Grigg's on fire!" in 2016 about the English club's then-striker. - [Finland did not advise citizens to 'urgently buy iodine tablets after escalation of war in Ukraine'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/finland-did-not-advise-citizens-to-urgently-buy-iodine-tablets-after-escalation-of-war-in-ukraine/) - Several Thai posts have shared a misleading claim that the Finnish government advised its citizens to urgently buy iodine tablets after an escalation of the war in Ukraine. It circulated in October 2022 after the Nordic country updated its guidelines on the use of iodine in case of a radiation hazard. A government official told AFP that events in Ukraine would not compromise radiation safety in Finland. They added that their guidelines aim to ensure there is protection for the most vulnerable in case of an emergency resulting from a nuclear reactor accident, as they are heavily dependent on nuclear power. - [Fictional video shared in posts falsely claiming 'Eiffel Tower was bombed'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fictional-video-shared-in-posts-falsely-claiming-eiffel-tower-was-bombed/) - A video that appears to show explosions in the French capital of Paris has been viewed thousands of times in misleading social media posts that claim it shows a real attack on the Eiffel Tower. The posts suggest the attack was carried out by Russian forces in response to sanctions from foreign powers following its invasion of neighbouring Ukraine. The footage, however, has been shared in a false context: it shows a fictional film created by a French director that was then shared online by Ukrainian officials in a bid to urge European authorities to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine. - [False subtitles added to Putin's Ukraine war declaration video to suggest African states are next](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/false-subtitles-added-to-putins-ukraine-war-declaration-video-to-suggest-african-states-are-next/) - A video of Russian President Vladimir Putin addressing the press has been viewed thousands of times on Facebook posts alongside the claim that he has declared war on African countries - including Kenya and South Sudan - for commenting on Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The claim is false; Putin's speech in Russian makes no mention of Africa. The clip was taken from his televised address on February 24, 2022, when he announced Russia's decision to invade Ukraine. - [DISINFO: The summit in Switzerland has nothing to do with finding ways to resolve the conflict](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-the-summit-in-switzerland-has-nothing-to-do-with-finding-ways-to-resolve-the-conflict/) - This is a pre-emptive attempt to discredit the peace summit that Switzerland will host on 15-16 June, 2024. Also, this is an often-used pro-Kremlin narrative, claiming that the West is not interested in peace between Russia and Ukraine. Western countries, including the US and EU members, have consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. They have called for dialogue, negotiations, and adherence to international law to resolve the crisis. Stability in Ukraine and the wider region is conducive to global security and economic prosperity. - [DISINFO: Ukrainian security services turn children into terrorists like the Nazis did in WW2](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-ukrainian-security-services-turn-children-into-terrorists-like-the-nazis-did-in-ww2/) - Recurrent pro-Kremlin narrative about Nazi Ukraine. The myth of Nazi-ruled Ukraine has long been a cornerstone of pro-Kremlin disinformation efforts. This has already been widely debunked and addressed on EUvsDisinfo. The claim that the Ukrainian security services turn children into terrorists is false. The Kremlin spreads fake content on the internet, claiming that teenagers in Russia receive calls for terrorism from Ukraine. The Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) has warned about this. - [DISINFO: West will help Moldova bleed to death after Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-west-will-help-moldova-bleed-to-death-after-ukraine/) - Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the belligerent West trying to encircle Russia, and Moldova being a puppet state of the West. - [DISINFO: EU - Moldova security and defense deal may indicate preparations for war against Russia](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-eu-moldova-security-and-defense-deal-may-indicate-preparations-for-war-against-russia/) - Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative claiming that the EU is waging a proxy war against Russia, and that Moldova is being instigated by the West to prepare for a war against Russia. The claim refers to the Security and Defense Partnership signed on 21 May in Brussels by Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean and Joseph Borell, the European Commission Vice-President. - [DISINFO: The EU steals Russian assets to fund its proxy war in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-the-eu-steals-russian-assets-to-fund-its-proxy-war-in-ukraine/) - Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation aiming to deter nations from seizing Russia's frozen assets to fund Ukraine's reconstruction. This is also a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative claiming that the international sanctions against Russia are inefficient. In response to Russian aggression against Ukraine, the US, EU and several other countries froze about $300 billion in Russian assets deposited in Western banks. It was Russia's illegal actions against Ukraine, which violate the provisions of many international laws, including the UN Charter, that led to the introduction of a long list of sanctions against Russia. - [DISINFO: The West behind the attempted murder of Slovak PM Robert Fico](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-the-west-behind-the-attempted-murder-of-slovak-pm-robert-fico/) - Anti-Semitism and disinformation, accusing the West of the attempt on the life of Slovakian PM Robert Fico. This also pushes a conspiracy theory and disinformation narrative about global elites secretly ruling the world. There is no evidence of the involvement of any Western country in the assassination attempt on Fico. - [DISINFO: Slovak media explore Ukrainian link to PM Robert Fico assassination attempt](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-slovak-media-explore-ukrainian-link-to-pm-robert-fico-assassination-attempt/) - This is a distortion of actual facts, aiming to undermine Ukraine by accusing it of being linked to acts of international terrorism. Pro-Kremlin outlets have exploited the attack against Slovak president Robert Fico as part of a wider disinformation campaign. The allegation about 'Slovak media' is massively exaggerated, as only two sources are provided to back it, both of which are op-eds from well-known pro-Russian commentators, and one of them is an openly pro-Russian, conspiracist-prone site. There is nothing indicating any possible Ukrainian link to the attack. Existing evidence so far shows that the suspected perpetrator, a man identified as Juraj Cintula who was arrested on the spot, may belong to the far-right milieu and may have acted for ideological reasons. - [DISINFO: West behind Georgia protests to turn the country into a second front against Russia](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-west-behind-georgia-protests-to-turn-the-country-into-a-second-front-against-russia/) - Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative framing popular protests as Western-led colour revolutions, in this case the mobilisations against the approval of the so-called 'foreign agents law' in Georgia. - [No evidence that test of US nuclear missile was done to threaten Russia](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/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. - [DISINFO: Russia destroyed a military store and command post in Kharkiv](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-russia-destroyed-a-military-store-and-command-post-in-kharkiv/) - A conspiracy theory being used as a justification for a potential war crime, accusing Ukraine of using its population as human shields. There is no evidence to support the thesis that a military store and command post were hidden inside the shopping centre. Instead, all indications point to Russia deliberately attacking civilians using two guided bombs. Some videos show a strong fire and detonations inside the burning premises. However, all shopping centres containing construction materials and pressurised containers can burn intensely and have explosions inside. This does not prove that a command post or weapons storage was hidden inside. - [DISINFO: Ukrainian woman influenced the attempt on the Slovak PM Robert Fico's life](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-ukrainian-woman-influenced-the-attempt-on-the-slovak-pm-robert-ficos-life/) - False information about the assassination attempt on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on 26 May 2024 attempting to smear Ukraine. The suspect, Juraj Cintula, does not have a wife from Ukraine. The Slovak police have refuted these rumours and called them false. - [DISINFO: Europe opposes Georgian foreign agent law because it is a paradise of corruption](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-europe-opposes-georgian-foreign-agent-law-because-it-is-a-paradise-of-corruption/) - This is a pro-Kremlin recurrent narrative about the alleged corruption and opacity of the West, purportedly needed by the globalist elites, contrasted with the transparency and probity of the multipolar world. In this instance, the narrative applies to the controversial new Georgian law on "transparency of foreign influence," which is inspired by similar measures in Russia. The new law requires news media and non-governmental organisations that receive more than 20% of their budget from abroad to register as "carrying out the interests of a foreign power." Opponents denounce it as "the Russian law" because it resembles measures pushed through by the Kremlin. Since 2012, the Russian opposition, NGOs, and civil society as a whole have been diminished due to this legislative tool, which was progressively implemented. - [DISINFO: Ukraine releases water from hydroelectric power station to slow down Russian offensive](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-ukraine-releases-water-from-hydroelectric-power-station-to-slow-down-russian-offensive/) - Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Fluctuations in water levels in the Dnipro River are due to the balancing of the Ukrainian energy system, which was damaged as a result of Russian missile attacks on the Ukrainian energy system. Also, small changes in the water level in the Dnipro River cascade of reservoirs are due to the natural process of the spring flood in Ukraine. - [DISINFO: Ukraine 'peace' summit is another US-invented scam](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-ukraine-peace-summit-is-another-us-invented-scam/) - This is a pre-emptive attempt to discredit the peace summit which Switzerland will host on 15-16 June 2024. The US is not behind this initiative, which was launched upon Ukraine's request with Switzerland agreeing to host. Switzerland has invited over 160 delegations from around the world to join for the first Summit on Peace in Ukraine, including members of the G7, G20, BRICS, many other countries from all continents, as well as the EU, three international organisations and religious representatives. According to the Swiss government, the summit aims to create a framework favourable to comprehensive and lasting peace in Ukraine, as well as "a concrete roadmap for Russia's participation in the peace process." If the summit does not provide fruitful results, it will be because of Russia's impossible preconditions for a peaceful settlement. Russia refuses to engage in any talks before the "unconditional surrender of the Kiev [sic] regime." - [DISINFO: Ukrainian secret service directly involved in Moscow terrorist attack on Crocus City](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-ukrainian-secret-service-directly-involved-in-moscow-terrorist-attack-on-crocus-city/) - Pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative depicting Ukraine as a terrorist regime. The claim was made in connection with the Crocus City Hall terrorist attack in Moscow, trying to link Ukraine to the terrorist attacks in Russia without presenting any evidence. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for and shared video footage from the attacks, corroborating their claims of responsibility. - [DISINFO: The EU is a mafia family](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-the-eu-is-a-mafia-family/) - Pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about foreign-led protests in Georgia and about the attack on Robert Fico attempting to smear EU leaders. The attempt to kill Slovakian PM Robert Fico is not linked to alleged EU and Western sponsored terrorism. - [DISINFO: Europe is preparing for war with Russia and Poland is claiming Ukrainian territory](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-europe-is-preparing-for-war-with-russia-and-poland-is-claiming-ukrainian-territory/) - This is a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative accusing the West of warmongering, direct involvement in Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and attempting to distract attention from the crimes Russian forces committed during the invasion. See our article All roads lead to Poland. None of the states neighboring Ukraine, except Russia, has any territorial claims to Ukraine. Poland has repeatedly and categorically denied statements by the Russian leadership about the intentions of these countries to "occupy Ukrainian territories." - [DISINFO: Press freedom means nothing to the European Union](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/disinfo-press-freedom-means-nothing-to-the-european-union/) - Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the EU violating freedom of speech and press, in the context of the adoption of the 14th package of EU sanctions on Russian for it's unjustified and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. On 17 May, the Council of the EU decided to suspend the broadcasting of four additional Russia-associated outlets. These are Voice of Europe, RIA Novosti, Izvestiya and Rossiyskaya Gazeta. The decision was based on the fact that these media outlets are used as a tool of Russian propaganda and disinformation. See here for the list of outlets sanctioned previously. - [41 TikTok accounts use AI to mass-produce political misinformation](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/41-tiktok-accounts-use-ai-to-mass-produce-political-misinformation/) - A new report has uncovered how 41 TikTok accounts are using AI-generated narration to disseminate political misinformation at scale. - [1,000 days of Russia's full-scale war on Ukraine: 5 facts you need to know - European Commission](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/1000-days-of-russias-full-scale-war-on-ukraine-5-facts-you-need-to-know-european-commission/) - As Ukraine braces for colder months, a well-coordinated and adaptive humanitarian response will be fundamental to help save lives. Here are 5 facts you need to know about the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine: - [Biden urged aid for Israel, Ukraine. He didn’t declare World War III](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/biden-urged-aid-for-israel-ukraine-he-didnt-declare-world-war-iii/) - A video in a recent Facebook post cobbles together quotes from an Oct. 19 address by President Joe Biden as evidence that the commander in chief has confirmed World War III is underway. President Joe Biden urged aid for Israel and Ukraine in a recent primetime address; he didn't declare World War III. We rate claims Biden confirmed World War III on live TV - or anywhere - False. - [Fake story about death of Burisma 'whistleblower' started on site known for misinformation](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-story-about-death-of-burisma-whistleblower-started-on-site-known-for-misinformation/) - PolitiFact found nothing to substantiate claims that a Burisma accountant was "found dead" before she could provide incriminating evidence on the Biden family. We traced this viral headline to a site known for publishing misinformation. The narrative appears to have stemmed from an unclear comment made by Rudy Giuliani, President Donald Trump's former attorney. - [Claim that there's 'zero footage from the Ukraine war' ignores countless photos and videos](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/claim-that-theres-zero-footage-from-the-ukraine-war-ignores-countless-photos-and-videos/) - The devastation from the Russia-Ukraine war has been well documented. There are hundreds of legitimate photos and videos depicting war casualties and decimated communities. Some photos and videos have been documented by news media; other footage has been taken by Ukrainian civilians whose lives were upended by Russia's invasion. We rate the claim that there is "zero footage of the Ukraine war" Pants on Fire! - [Fake: In Ireland, Ukrainians of Drafting Age Receive Extradition Notices](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-in-ireland-ukrainians-of-drafting-age-receive-extradition-notices/) - Ireland's Justice Ministry stated that they have never sent such letters to Ukrainian citizens. - [No NATO troops in Ukraine, NATO says](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-nato-troops-in-ukraine-nato-says/) - Claim: "NATO troops deployed to Ukraine." His source: Russian media. But we found no credible news reports or other reliable evidence to corroborate this. A NATO spokesperson told us that the claim is false. - [Blog post fabricates Russian president’s remarks in recent speech](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/blog-post-fabricates-russian-presidents-remarks-in-recent-speech/) - Claim: Russian President Vladimir Putin "warns 'global terrorist' Klaus Schwab his 'days are numbered.'" Russian President Vladimir Putin didn't say this. - [InfoWars reporter Jamie White, who was fatally shot, was not on Ukrainian enemies list](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/infowars-reporter-jamie-white-who-was-fatally-shot-was-not-on-ukrainian-enemies-list/) - After InfoWars reporter Jamie White was fatally shot March 10 in Austin, Texas, police said they believe the suspects were burglarizing White's car when White interrupted them. White is not on a Ukrainian enemies list. In June 2024, Texty.org.ua, an independent Ukrainian media outlet, shared online a list of research subjects as part of its analysis of rhetoric opposing Ukrainian aid. White was among the people whose statements were analyzed. Texty did not refer to White as an "enemy" of Ukraine, nor did the outlet call for him to be harmed or killed. - [Macron didn't call Putin a 'butcher' in news conference with Trump](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/macron-didnt-call-putin-a-butcher-in-news-conference-with-trump/) - What was claimed: A video shows the president of France, Emmanuel Macron, calling Vladimir Putin a "butcher" and commenting on his "war crimes" during a press conference with US president Donald Trump. Our verdict: This isn't quite right. Mr Macron referred to killings in the Ukrainian town of Bucha and mentioned war crimes, but did not describe President Putin as a "butcher". - [Ukraine is just a pawn in Trump's Russian reset](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/ukraine-is-just-a-pawn-in-trumps-russian-reset/) - Donald Trump's negotiations with Russia focus on resetting US-Russia relations rather than resolving the Ukraine conflict. He has conceded to several of Moscow's demands, sidelining Ukrainian interests. This approach raises concerns about a deal that benefits Russia at Ukraine's expense. - [Fact check: Russia's influence on Germany's 2025 election](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fact-check-russias-influence-on-germanys-2025-election/) - Russian disinformation campaigns have sought to manipulate Germany's upcoming general election. How successful have they been, and what's the German government doing about this interference? - [Biden didn't threaten to kill a former Ukrainian president](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/biden-didnt-threaten-to-kill-a-former-ukrainian-president/) - A phone call recording from 2016 between then-Vice President Joe Biden and then-Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko was leaked in 2020, but as it recirculates in 2022, it's wrongly being used to claim Biden threatened to kill the former head of state. Biden, among other presidents, has used the term "physical security" regularly. In August, for example, Biden talked in a speech to the Democratic National Committee about the United States' need to plan its direction wisely to ensure "economic, political and physical security." As in the leaked phone call, Biden, speaking June 30 at a press conference in Madrid after a NATO summit, tied funding from the U.S. to aid Ukraine's fight against Russia's invasion to the country's physical security. "But for it to end, they have to be in a position where … the Ukrainians have all that they can reasonably expect, we can reasonably expect to get to them, in order to … provide for their physical security and their defenses," he said. We rate claims Biden threatened to assassinate a former Ukrainian president Pants on Fire! - [Fake Video: Anti-Ukrainian Flash Mob in Poland](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/fake-video-anti-ukrainian-flash-mob-in-poland/) - The German state radio station and TV channel Deutsche Welle did not shoot a video about the "anti-Ukrainian flash mob in Poland". No such video is available on the website and social networks of the Polish and English-language versions. Russian propaganda used Deutsche Welle's signature style to create a fake story about a non-existent anti-Ukrainian flash mob. - [No, US actor Sean Penn didn't film fake videos of the invasion of Ukraine in March 2022 - no proof anyone has - Africa Check](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-us-actor-sean-penn-didnt-film-fake-videos-of-the-invasion-of-ukraine-in-march-2022-no-proof-anyone-has-africa-check/) - We've seen plenty of outlandish claims about the war between Russia and Ukraine on social media. But one claiming actor Sean Penn was involved in faking the entire conflict may take the cake - and is certainly also false. - [No, Vladimir Putin has not become president of the United Nations](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-vladimir-putin-has-not-become-president-of-the-united-nations/) - Russia is taking its turn in a rotating leadership position within the U.N. That doesn't mean Putin is now president of the organization. - [No, USAID didn't pay Hollywood actors millions to visit Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-usaid-didnt-pay-hollywood-actors-millions-to-visit-ukraine/) - Our rating: Manipulated media The video is a fabrication that wasn't reported or published by E! News, a company spokesperson said. The video is consistent with material created by a Russia-aligned influence campaign, disinformation experts said. - [No, Ukrainian fans were not responsible for Nazi graffiti at the World Cup](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-ukrainian-fans-were-not-responsible-for-nazi-graffiti-at-the-world-cup/) - Numerous accounts on Twitter and Telegram have been sharing a video they say is a report by Al Jazeera showing Nazi graffiti left by Ukrainian football fans during the kickoff game of the World Cup in Qatar on November 20. The media outlet, however, says that they didn"t make this video. Moreover, a number of clues have allowed us to establish that this is a fake news report and that the Nazi graffiti was, in fact, photoshopped. - [No, Tucker Carlson didn't say this about Ukraine staging dead bodies](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-tucker-carlson-didnt-say-this-about-ukraine-staging-dead-bodies/) - Some people have interpreted a tweet about Tucker Carlson and Ukraine to mean that he suggested the country staged dead bodies. But he didn't say that. Russia has said without evidence that "fake dead bodies" were "staged" in Bucha after its troops left the town. Carlson, meanwhile, has been criticized for echoing Russian talking points. On March 9, for example, Carlson said a Russian claim that Ukraine has bioweapon labs was "totally and completely true," but there's no evidence that's the case, PolitiFact reported. But this talking point, about staged bodies, wasn't one Carlson made. We rate claims that he said the words that appeared in Wash's tweet False. - [No, this Ukrainian general isn't wearing a bracelet with a swastika on it](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-this-ukrainian-general-isnt-wearing-a-bracelet-with-a-swastika-on-it/) - Did the commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces publish a photo of himself wearing a bracelet with a swastika on it? That"s what some Russian media outlets and pro-Russian social media accounts have been reporting since October 9, 2022. While the photo is authentic, the compression of the image and the poor resolution quality make it possible to mistake the symbol on his bracelet for the Nazi cross. In reality, however, it is a Celtic knot. - [No, this video doesn't show Ukrainians setting fire to an Orthodox church](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-this-video-doesnt-show-ukrainians-setting-fire-to-an-orthodox-church/) - Did Ukrainians really set a Russian Orthodox church on fire? A video purporting to show just that has been circulating online since April 5, 2023. However, it turns out that this video was filmed in Russia more than ten years ago and shows an accidental fire. - [No, this video does not prove that an attack on Odesa was staged by Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-this-video-does-not-prove-that-an-attack-on-odesa-was-staged-by-ukraine/) - A video has gone viral on social media, with users claiming it shows proof that the destruction of a historic cathedral in Odesa on the night of July 22 to 23 was staged by Ukrainian authorities. They argue that a woman in the video picks up the debris with too much ease for it to be real. However, the woman is actually picking up a light material, most likely polystyrene, so this does not prove that the attack was staged. - [No, this video doesn't show Ukrainian soldiers 'giving up without a fight'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-this-video-doesnt-show-ukrainian-soldiers-giving-up-without-a-fight/) - Pro-Russian social media accounts have been widely sharing a video that they claim shows Ukrainian soldiers surrendering to the Russian army en masse. The video, however, actually shows a prisoner swap between the Russian state-funded paramilitary group, the Wagner Group, and the Ukrainian army in May 2023. - [No, this video doesn't show a Russian airstrike on a NATO arms convoy](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-this-video-doesnt-show-a-russian-airstrike-on-a-nato-arms-convoy/) - A video of a massive fire circulated widely on social media in late April along with captions claiming it showed a strike by the Russian army on a NATO weapons convoy en route to Ukraine. It turns out, however, that this is an old video that wasn't filmed anywhere near Ukraine. - [No, this viral video of 'bombings' wasn't actually filmed in Russia](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-this-viral-video-of-bombings-wasnt-actually-filmed-in-russia/) - The Ukrainians have intensified their bombing campaign on border towns in Russia in recent weeks. But a viral video said to show the aftermath of a recent Ukrainian strike on the Russian city of Belgorod actually shows nothing of the kind. The footage was filmed during protests in Kazakhstan two years ago. - [No, this military choir in Russia was not arrested for singing anti-war songs](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-this-military-choir-in-russia-was-not-arrested-for-singing-anti-war-songs/) - Posts shared online claim to show members of a Russian military choir being arrested for singing anti-war songs. Although Russian President Vladimir Putin has indeed cracked down on people spreading "false information" about the war in Ukraine, leading to many people's arrests, this video is not an example of that. In fact, it shows an incident from 2015 when the choir performed a song from a James Bond film. - [No, this photo of intact windows in Bucha doesn't prove the war in Ukraine is a hoax](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-this-photo-of-intact-windows-in-bucha-doesnt-prove-the-war-in-ukraine-is-a-hoax/) - The destruction in Bucha due to Russia invading Ukraine has been well-documented through news reports and photos. An image of overturned cars next to a building with intact windows doesn't disprove that. Photographer Emanuele Satolli, who took photos at the same scene pictured in the Instagram post, told the Greek fact-checking outlet Ellinika Hoaxes that he "met several citizens and everyone told me that the cars had been overturned by Russian tanks." Plenty of other photos Abd shot in Bucha show shattered windows, rubble from devastated buildings, streets in ruins, and human corpses ' all the real toll of a real war. Claims that the war in Ukraine is fake are inaccurate and ridiculous. That's our definition of Pants on Fire. - [No, this photo doesn't show an American admiral captured by Russians in Mariupol](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-this-photo-doesnt-show-an-american-admiral-captured-by-russians-in-mariupol/) - On May 14, pro-Russia social media accounts started circulating a photo of a group of soldiers taken prisoner by the Russian army. These accounts claimed that one of the prisoners in the photo is a retired American admiral by the name of Eric Olson. That claim is false: this photo actually shows Ukrainians taken prisoner by the Russians in April 2022, well before the soldiers in the steelworks surrendered. - [No, these people with Nazi tattoos are not Ukrainian refugees](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-these-people-with-nazi-tattoos-are-not-ukrainian-refugees/) - A new hoax has been targeting Ukrainian refugees. These two men covered in Nazi tattoos, wearing beach shorts, have been presented as Ukrainian refugees in Croatia by pro-Russian Twitter accounts. In reality, the images show Hungarian members of a neo-Nazi group. - [No, the discovery of bodies in Ukraine's Bucha was not 'staged' with 'actors'](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-the-discovery-of-bodies-in-ukraines-bucha-was-not-staged-with-actors/) - Ukraine authorities have said bodies discovered on April 2, 2022 in the small town of Bucha were civilians killed by retreating Russian forces, allegations which Moscow has denied. Several posts shared on social networks -- including from Russian authorities -- have claimed that the scene was staged by Ukrainian forces and some of the so-called bodies were filmed moving. But AFP journalists on the ground confirmed they saw dead bodies that had been left for several days; footage used to support the misleading claims does not show the bodies moving, AFP's investigation found. - [No, the BBC didn't air a video claiming Ukraine bombed one of its own train stations](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-the-bbc-didnt-air-a-video-claiming-ukraine-bombed-one-of-its-own-train-stations/) - A video claiming to be a BBC News report suggested Ukraine bombed one of its own train stations. The video was fake and did not come from BBC News. - [No, the U.S. didn’t ‘accidentally’ send an extra $6 billion to Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-the-u-s-didnt-accidentally-send-an-extra-6-billion-to-ukraine/) - No, the U.S. government did not accidentally send an extra $6 billion to Ukraine. This viral claim takes what actually happened completely out of context. The U.S. actually sent about $6 billion less than it intended in military equipment to Ukraine – not $6 billion more. That happened because the Pentagon overestimated the value of military equipment sent to the country, meaning it was worth about $6 billion less than originally estimated. - [No, Russia Has Not Surrounded Thousands Of Ukrainian Troops In Kursk](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-russia-has-not-surrounded-thousands-of-ukrainian-troops-in-kursk/) - "I have strongly requested to President Putin that their lives be spared," Trump wrote. But there aren't thousands of Ukrainian troops in Kursk any longer. They left days ago, despite what Putin may claim. "It's wise to rely on intelligence," Tatarigami advised, "not Putin's word." - [No, a Ukrainian publisher did not issue maps omitting Russian-occupied territories](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-a-ukrainian-publisher-did-not-issue-maps-omitting-russian-occupied-territories/) - In a video posted on Russian Telegram accounts, a man claims to have found a geography book for Ukrainian high school students in which the map of Ukraine has been cut in half, missing the areas occupied by Russian troops. But several clues in the video indicate that it is a fake, as confirmed to us by the book's publisher. - [No, a viral photo doesn't show Ukraine surrendering](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-a-viral-photo-doesnt-show-ukraine-surrendering/) - A viral post claims Ukraine surrendered to Russia. The photo is not recent and suspected to be part of a Russian misinformation campaign from April 2022. - [No, a Ukrainian plane didn't hit a street sign while avoiding Russian radar](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-a-ukrainian-plane-didnt-hit-a-street-sign-while-avoiding-russian-radar/) - Social media users have been circulating two photos showing a Ukrainian airplane that they say smacked into a street sign because it was flying low to avoid Russian radar. In reality, this incident happened during a training exercise back in August 2020 and has nothing to do with the war in Ukraine. - [No, a U.S. Army officer was not captured by Russian military forces in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-a-u-s-army-officer-was-not-captured-by-russian-military-forces-in-ukraine/) - Online users claimed Lt. Gen. Roger Cloutier, an American NATO officer, was recently captured in Ukraine. That's false. He hasn't been in Ukraine since July 2021. - [No, a photo of burning books was not taken during current war in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-a-photo-of-burning-books-was-not-taken-during-current-war-in-ukraine/) - Photo claiming to show burning Ukrainian history books isn't from the current war with Russia. It actually dates back to March 2010. - [No evidence crypto company FTX laundered Ukraine aid money to Democrats](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-evidence-crypto-company-ftx-laundered-ukraine-aid-money-to-democrats/) - No, there isn't any evidence that FTX laundered U.S. aid money sent to Ukraine back to Democratic lawmakers. - [No evidence of lethal Pfizer trial in Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/no-evidence-of-lethal-pfizer-trial-in-ukraine/) - No evidence of lethal Pfizer trial in Ukraine - [NewsGuard uncovers over 900 AI generated news sites](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/newsguard-uncovers-over-900-ai-generated-news-sites/) - NewsGuard said it has identified over 900 Unreliable AI-generated news and information websites labeled "UAINS". - [New study reveals ways to guard elections against digital threats](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/new-study-reveals-ways-to-guard-elections-against-digital-threats/) - A new study by the Global Public Policy Institute (GPPi) has identified four important steps in mitigating digital threats to elections. - [Marjorie Taylor Greene falsely claims Ukraine was 'No. 1 donor' to Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/marjorie-taylor-greene-falsely-claims-ukraine-was-no-1-donor-to-hillary-clintons-2016-campaign/) - Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign did not report receiving any donations from the Ukrainian government or Ukrainian nationals. Those donations would have been illegal. A spokesperson for Marjorie Taylor Greene cited a 2015 Wall Street Journal graphic that has been frequently misrepresented online. The chart shows donations to the Clinton Foundation between 1999 and 2014 by the nationality of the individuals who made them; it does not say anything about donations to the foundation by foreign governments. The Clinton Foundation said it has never received donations from Ukraine's government. Our ruling Greene said, "Ukraine was the No. 1 donor to Hillary Clinton when she was running for president." Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign did not report any donations from Ukraine or Ukrainian nationals ' a move that would have broken the law. Asked for evidence to support Greene's claim, the congresswoman's spokesperson did not cite any campaign donations. He pointed instead to a Wall Street Journal chart that mapped large individual donations between 1999 and 2014 to the Clinton Foundation, a nonprofit organization. The chart was a ranking of the top foreign donors by nationality, not contributions from foreign governments. The Clinton Foundation said it has never received any funding from the Ukrainian government. We rate Greene's statement False. - [Military Equipment Traveling Back to U.S., Contrary to Social Media Posts](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/military-equipment-traveling-back-to-u-s-contrary-to-social-media-posts/) - A U.S. Army combat team recently completed its European deployment as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, a series of military exercises in support of NATO. The brigade has returned to Fort Hood, Texas, and its equipment will follow. But social media posts falsely claim the equipment shown in a video is "arriving in Europe" to aid Ukraine. - [Montreal unions demonstration unrelated to federal funding for Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/montreal-unions-demonstration-unrelated-to-federal-funding-for-ukraine/) - Footage of a large demonstration in Montreal is being misrepresented in posts that claim the protesters took to the streets to voice anger over Canada's support for Ukraine. In fact, the clip shows a march coordinated by four unions seeking higher wages in contract negotiations with the provincial government in Quebec. - [Misleading claims on insurance, Ukraine aid, and ocean water use in wildfires](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/misleading-claims-on-insurance-ukraine-aid-and-ocean-water-use-in-wildfires/) - The claim that the LA Fire Department (LAFD) was impacted in its ability to fight the recent wildfires due to its donations to Ukraine was also promoted by writer and entrepreneur John LeFevre (archived here), who linked donations to Ukraine to current resource shortages. In March 2022, during the early stages of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, fire departments across California, including Los Angeles County, donated some surplus equipment sitting in storage, including hoses, nozzles, helmets, gloves, boots, and other personal protective gear, as well as medical supplies. The donation did not include any critical equipment or heavy machinery. There is no suggestion that the previous donations to Ukraine have impacted this particular situation. - [Manipulation: West Refuses to Provide Ukraine With Security Guarantees](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/manipulation-west-refuses-to-provide-ukraine-with-security-guarantees/) - A column in the Ukrainian online newspaper EuropeanPravda by lawyer Mykhaylo Soldatenko examining the wording and nature of the treaty on future security commitments that Ukraine plans to sign with its allies is being touted by Kremlin propagandists as an example of the West refusing to provide Ukraine with security guarantees. Soldatenko does not write that the G7 countries refuse to provide security guarantees, he simply points out that the word "guarantees" did not appear in the G7 leaders' declaration after the NATO summit. Ukraine is currently negotiating with the United States and Britain on a bilateral agreement on security guarantees. - [Manipulation: UN Confirms No Injuries In Odesa "Ukrainian Military Target Strike"](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/manipulation-un-confirms-no-injuries-in-odesa-ukrainian-military-target-strike/) - The lack of victims from the Russian missile attack on the Odesa port on July 23 does not excuse Russia - it still carried out another act of aggression and violated the agreements made the day before. UN representatives did not say anything about the Russian attack on "military warehouses" in the Odesa port. On the contrary, the UN has once again condemned Russian attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. - [Manipulation: UN Dissatisfied With Western Tanks Sent to Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/manipulation-un-dissatisfied-with-western-tanks-sent-to-ukraine/) - Russian media reports claiming the United Nations is not pleased with the West providing tanks to Ukraine are a manipulation. UN Secretary-General spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said that the processes currently observed in Russia's war against Ukraine are not leading to peace. However, he did not express "dissatisfaction" with the supply of Western tanks to Ukraine. On the contrary, Dujarric emphasized that he meant "a just peace in accordance with the UN Charter and in accordance with international law." This, in turn, entails the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from the entire territory of Ukraine within its 1991 internationally recognized borders. - [Manipulation: UN Encourages to Stop Drone Attacks on Moscow](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/manipulation-un-encourages-to-stop-drone-attacks-on-moscow/) - UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq neither encouraged to end any attacks on Moscow, nor spoke in their favor. The organization representative spoke against "any and all attacks on civilian facilities" and expressed the wish that they stop. - [Manipulation: Ukrainian Refugees in Italy Assault Russian Poet Joseph Brodsky's Granddaughter](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/manipulation-ukrainian-refugees-in-italy-assault-russian-poet-joseph-brodskys-granddaughter/) - The actress Agniya Mishchenko-Brodskaya denied allegations that she was beaten because of Russophobia and she was outraged that the Russian media had published her statement without her permission, distorting its meaning. - [Manipulation: Ukrainians are "Tired of War" and Beg the Government to Negotiate](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/manipulation-ukrainians-are-tired-of-war-and-beg-the-government-to-negotiate/) - The petition on the Ukrainian President's website calling to resume the negotiation process with Russia does not reflect Ukrainian public opinion. Despite a certain degree of fatigue and constant attacks by Russia, Ukrainians remain united in their determination not to make any concessions to the aggressor. According to a Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) poll conducted between July 6 and July 20, 84% of Ukrainians are not ready to make territorial concessions in order to end the war. - [Manipulation: Ukrainian Intelligence Chief Budanov Calls to Kill All Russians](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/manipulation-ukrainian-intelligence-chief-budanov-calls-to-kill-all-russians/) - The Ukrainian Intelligence Chief of the Defense Ministry did not call to kill all Russians. In his interviews, Kyrylo Budanov emphasized that anyone who committed war crimes in Ukraine will be found and liquidated in any part of the world. He never called for killing Russians on national grounds, as the Russian media reported. Such narratives are another Russian propagandist attempt to present Ukraine as a country of flourishing Nazism. - [Manipulation: Ukraine Will Join the EU Only in 20 to 30 Years](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/source/manipulation-ukraine-will-join-the-eu-only-in-20-to-30-years/) - In an interview with five European publications, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she cannot say exactly when Ukraine will join the EU, as the time frame depends on two factors, internal EU processes and the progress of reforms in Ukraine. At the same time, von der Leyen emphasized that in the long run, Ukraine and the Balkans "cannot but integrate into the EU." ## Categories - [Uncategorized](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/category/uncategorized/) - [Misconceptions](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/category/misconceptions/) - [Ukraine](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/category/ukraine/) - [Russia](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/category/russia/) - [Resources](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/category/resources/) - [Where to learn more](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/category/resources/where-to-learn-more/) - [Fact-checking tools](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/category/resources/fact-checking-tools/) - [Wagner Group](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/category/russia/wagner-group/) - [International community](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/category/international-community/) - [United Nations](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/category/international-community/united-nations/) - [Religion](https://www.ukrainefactcheck.org/category/ukraine/religion/) - 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