Category Misconceptions

Donald Trump’s 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

Read MoreDonald Trump’s claims about Ukraine, fact-checked | SBS News

Fact-Check: Trump’s 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

Read MoreFact-Check: Trump’s Ukraine Comments Echo Kremlin Talking Points – The Moscow Times

Is Zelenskyy a Dictator? Fact-Checking Trump’s 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?

Read MoreIs Zelenskyy a Dictator? Fact-Checking Trump’s Russia-Ukraine War Claims

Fact Check: Did the US Give $350B to Ukraine, as Trump Claims?

False.

Tracking of Congressional spending on Ukraine shows it has appropriated nearly $183 billion since Russia's invasion. Analysis has shown that some of this funding ends up back in the United States, to restock weapons and defense supplies domestically that the U.S. has given to Kyiv. Some funding has not gone directly to Ukraine but to NATO defense partners.

Read MoreFact Check: Did the US Give $350B to Ukraine, as Trump Claims?

Posts share Trump deepfake after reported call with Putin

After US media reported Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin had spoken on the phone about ending the Ukraine war, social media users shared a video claiming it shows the US leader giving details of the call. Experts told AFP the video appears to be a deepfake. While neither Washington nor Moscow officially confirmed any conversations between the leaders when the clip surfaced, Trump later revealed he had agreed with Putin to immediately start negotiations during a call on February 12.

Read MorePosts share Trump deepfake after reported call with Putin

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.

Read MoreDid Ukraine start its war with Russia, as President Donald Trump said? No, Russia invaded

Fake: Ukraine ‘Attacked IAEA Officials with Drones and Artillery’

Social media and Russian websites are spreading claims that Ukraine has attacked a convoy of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. The claim was made by Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. [...]

In reality, the attack on the IAEA representatives during their rotation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant was carried out by the Russian army. Verified geolocation data confirms that Russian strike systems were active in the area during the movement of IAEA personnel to the plant, specifically near the settlement of Kamianske. No activity of Ukrainian strike systems was recorded in this area on the day of the rotation of IAEA representatives.

Read MoreFake: Ukraine ‘Attacked IAEA Officials with Drones and Artillery’

Fact Check: Trump Says Russia Has Lost 1.5 Million Troops In Ukraine War

There are no estimates that 1.5 million Russian soldiers have been killed and wounded since Russia invaded Ukraine. Recent analyses suggest manpower losses of around 780,000 as of early January 2025. Ukrainian government estimates from February 2025 claim 850,000 Russian troop losses. While the Ukrainian government is thought to have overcounted Russian losses and undercounted its own, some of its recent assessments have been similar to those by government and expert analyses outside of Kyiv.

An independent analyst told Newsweek that Trump's estimate of Russian losses had "no basis in reality."

Read MoreFact Check: Trump Says Russia Has Lost 1.5 Million Troops In Ukraine War

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Fact Check Roundup: Trump’s Zelensky claims and more