Category Misconceptions

Russian embassy shares disinformation on alleged atrocities by foreign mercenaries in Ukraine

The Russian Embassy in South Africa shared an article on X on April 9 about alleged atrocities committed by foreign mercenaries fighting for Ukraine. But this content originated from a fake news site, and the images used can be traced to other contexts.
Read MoreRussian embassy shares disinformation on alleged atrocities by foreign mercenaries in Ukraine

The fake news items that make it look like Ukraine was involved in the Crocus Hall attack in Russia

The Russian government continues to insist that Ukraine played a role in the terrorist attack that took place on March 22 in Crocus City Hall in a Moscow suburb - even though the Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the attack. And yet, rumours about Ukraine's involvement persist online, often circulated by pro-Russian accounts that are already engaged in a war of disinformation against Ukraine.
Read MoreThe fake news items that make it look like Ukraine was involved in the Crocus Hall attack in Russia

No, Zelensky didn’t 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.
Read MoreNo, Zelensky didn’t buy a mansion belonging to the British royal family

No, this viral video of ‘bombings’ wasn’t 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.
Read MoreNo, this viral video of ‘bombings’ wasn’t actually filmed in Russia

This image of an explosion behind Putin’s ‘stability’ billboard is literally too good to be true

After Russian President Vladimir Putin was reelected on March 17, a photo went viral showing an explosion behind one of his campaign posters featuring the slogan 'stability'. However, it turns out that this image was created by a Ukrainian designer.
Read MoreThis image of an explosion behind Putin’s ‘stability’ billboard is literally too good to be true

What we know about this footage alleged to show ‘Russia moving nuclear missiles’?

People online have been widely circulating footage that they say shows the Russians transporting nuclear weapons, which some claim is in response to Sweden joining NATO. However, there is actually a different explanation for these images - which have already been taken out of context in the past. Similar videos are posted every year showing preparations for a military parade held annually in Russia on May 9.
Read MoreWhat we know about this footage alleged to show ‘Russia moving nuclear missiles’?

How pro-Russian propaganda sites doctored a FRANCE 24 programme

A number of Russian Telegram channels have been sharing a caricature of French President Emmanuel Macron depicted as a rooster, claiming that it was broadcast by FRANCE 24 in a programme that aired on March 13. However, the image circulating is a doctored version of the cover of a French magazine called L'Hémicycle. The FRANCE 24 clip has also been doctored to include it.
Read MoreHow pro-Russian propaganda sites doctored a FRANCE 24 programme

Fake news about Kremlin critic Navalny aims to discredit him after his death

Since news broke on February 16, 2024 that Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny had died while incarcerated in the Russian Arctic, there has been a resurgence of doctored images and fake news aiming to discredit Navalny and his family. We took a look at three of the most widely spread fake news items about Navalny. None of them are true.
Read MoreFake news about Kremlin critic Navalny aims to discredit him after his death

Why pro-Russian accounts are sharing a fake video of French farmers and manure

Pro-Russian social media users have been widely circulating what looks like a Euronews report showing French farmers dumping manure outside the Ukrainian embassy. French farmers began protesting for better pay in January and the video claims that the farmers took the drastic manure action after the Ukrainian ambassador penned a letter asking them to stop their protests. But this video is fake. It's one of a series of fake news reports aimed at making Ukraine look bad in the eyes of the West.
Read MoreWhy pro-Russian accounts are sharing a fake video of French farmers and manure

Did Volodymyr Zelensky just belly dance? Sorry, no: it’s 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.
Read MoreDid Volodymyr Zelensky just belly dance? Sorry, no: it’s a deepfake