Source type Fact check / debunking

Did Zelensky's Wife Go on $40K Shopping Spree in Paris?

Did Zelensky’s 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.

Read MoreDid Zelensky’s Wife Go on $40K Shopping Spree in Paris?

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.

Read MoreThis video was filmed years before the 2022 Ukraine-Russia crisis

FACT CHECK: Were Thousands Of Children Rescued From A Biden-Owned Property In Ukraine? | Check Your Fact

Verdict: False
There is no evidence suggesting any children have been rescued from Biden’s properties. There is also no evidence suggesting Biden himself owns any properties in Ukraine.

Read MoreFACT CHECK: Were Thousands Of Children Rescued From A Biden-Owned Property In Ukraine? | Check Your Fact

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.

Read MoreNo, a Latvian town did not decorate its Christmas tree with Nazi symbols – Truth or Fake

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.

Read MoreWhy are fake covers of French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo circulating in Russia?

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

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

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

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.

Read MoreHow we debunked reports of anti-Zelensky graffiti in a Paris suburb

Did Ukraine Give Up Nukes for Russia, U.S. Security Guarantees?

The Budapest Memorandum, signed in December 1994, resulted in Ukraine voluntarily handing over its nuclear arsenal, as well as other military stocks and munitions, to Russia.

In exchange, Moscow vowed to respect Ukraine's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.

The U.S. and the U.K. were among the co-signatories, but stopped short of providing "guarantees" (which would have entailed a direct military intervention) and instead offered "assurances," a term that left some wiggle room for a response to potential aggression from Moscow.

Read MoreDid Ukraine Give Up Nukes for Russia, U.S. Security Guarantees?

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.

Read MoreHoax news broadcast falsely claims to show Ukrainian Nazis arrested in Qatar