Category Fact checks / debunkings

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.

Read MoreNo, the Ukrainian president did not write a book called ‘Mein Kampf’

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!

Read MoreAd comparing spending on Ukraine, US children is ridiculously wrong
Was 'Fired' Russian General's Body Found in Moscow River?

Was ‘Fired’ Russian General’s Body Found in Moscow River?

False. The claim that Lapin's body was discovered in a river is unsubstantiated. The original reports were based on a misleading tweet and were later retracted.

While there are numerous and, so far, unverified reports, including those from by pro-Kremlin outlets, suggesting that Lapin resigned or was removed from his command, there is no evidence to suggest that he is no longer alive.

Read MoreWas ‘Fired’ Russian General’s Body Found in Moscow River?
Did Putin Promote Drug Smuggler U.S. Exchanged for Ex-Marine?

Did Putin Promote Drug Smuggler U.S. Exchanged for Ex-Marine?

True. Konstantin Yaroshenko was convicted in 2011 for his involvement in a major drug smuggling operation. It is also true that he was part of a prisoner exchange that also included Trevor Reed, a former U.S. marine.

In October 2022, Yaroshenko was indeed appointed to civic office by the Russian president's decree, having earlier expressed an interest in "human rights advocacy" and "social work."

Read MoreDid Putin Promote Drug Smuggler U.S. Exchanged for Ex-Marine?
Are Stray Dogs 'Lining Up' for Pet Food in War-Torn Kramatorsk?

Are Stray Dogs ‘Lining Up’ for Pet Food in War-Torn Kramatorsk?

The dogs in the photo were pictured lined up near a feeding station in Kramatorsk, as confirmed by photos and film clips taken by volunteers in the city.

While there have been other recorded instances of dogs queueing, they were often highly trained. It's not clear whether these dogs were patiently waiting their turns or it was simply a well-timed photo, but the image is deeply heart-warming nonetheless.

Read MoreAre Stray Dogs ‘Lining Up’ for Pet Food in War-Torn Kramatorsk?