Category USA

Claim that there’s ‘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!

Read MoreClaim that there’s ‘zero footage from the Ukraine war’ ignores countless photos and videos

FACT CHECK: Who Is Responsible For A Sept. 6 Missile On A Ukrainian Market? | Check Your Fact

Multiple media outlets reported that a Russian missile hit a Ukrainian market in Kostiantynivka, Ukraine.

Verdict: Misleading
A New York Times report stated the evidence shows the missile that hit the market was likely Ukrainian, not Russian. While Ukrainian authorities stated that it was likely a Russian S-300 missile, multiple open-source analysts stated that the New York Times analysis was credible.

Read MoreFACT CHECK: Who Is Responsible For A Sept. 6 Missile On A Ukrainian Market? | Check Your Fact

Fake: Pentagon Doesn’t Like How General Syrskyi Fights Says NYT

The article says nothing about any dissatisfaction with the actions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces command and ignoring the Pentagon's recommendations. It says that Ukraine is using its strategy to secure those parts of the front where Russia can advance.

Read MoreFake: Pentagon Doesn’t Like How General Syrskyi Fights Says NYT

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.

Read MoreManipulation: West Refuses to Provide Ukraine With Security Guarantees

FBI director didn’t confirm Joe Biden bribery investigation

Claim: "FBI director Wray confirms Joe Biden is under criminal investigation for Ukrainian bribes by the U.S. attorney in Delaware then tries to backpedal."

Verdict: FBI director didn't confirm Joe Biden bribery investigation.
There is a continuing investigation in Delaware into Hunter Biden, the president's son. Wray did not say that Joe Biden is also being investigated. He said he would not say who is or isn't being investigated, or for what, as part of the FBI's long-standing policy.

Read MoreFBI director didn’t confirm Joe Biden bribery investigation

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.

Read MoreFake: West Preparing to “Liquidate” President Zelensky

PolitiFact | ‘Zero response’ for Maui, Hawaii claim is false; government aid came hours after wildfire started

Claim: "There has been zero response from local, regional or federal officials" to aid people affected by the Maui, Hawaii, wildfires.

Verdict: 'Zero response' for Maui, Hawaii claim is false; government aid came hours after wildfire started

Read MorePolitiFact | ‘Zero response’ for Maui, Hawaii claim is false; government aid came hours after wildfire started

Fake: US General Called F-16 Fighters Useless for the Armed Forces

The US Air Force in Europe and Africa commander James Hecker did not call F-16 useless for Ukraine. The general noted that American fighter jets will provide additional capabilities to the Armed Forces on the battlefield, but will not be a panacea in the fight against the invaders.

Read MoreFake: US General Called F-16 Fighters Useless for the Armed Forces

What we can VERIFY about bans on cluster bombs and whether using them is a war crime

Cluster munitions that the U.S. is sending to Ukraine are banned in more than 100 countries. The use of cluster bombs can be a war crime in some cases.

Countries that haven't ratified the Convention on Cluster Munitions treaty, such as the United States, Russia and Ukraine, can use cluster bombs without violating international law.

However, there are some cases where the use of cluster bombs by any country could violate international law and be considered a war crime. These include attacks that indiscriminately target civilians.

Read MoreWhat we can VERIFY about bans on cluster bombs and whether using them is a war crime

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.

Read MoreNo evidence that test of US nuclear missile was done to threaten Russia