Category Narratives

Estonia Denies Link to Russian Airport Drone Strike

Estonia Denies Link to Russian Airport Drone Strike

There was no reasoning provided for the claims shared online beyond the distance between Estonia's border and Pskov.

However, the Estonian government has firmly denied the claims. A statement sent to Newsweek from a spokesman for the Government Office of the Republic of Estonia said: "This is false information."

Read MoreEstonia Denies Link to Russian Airport Drone Strike

Was Russia ready to sign a peace treaty with Ukraine in 2022?

Putin's claims that a treaty was ready and acceptable for Ukraine in the spring of 2022 but was rejected by Ukraine are highly unlikely. The documents displayed at the June 17 meeting are likely to have been working drafts. The positions of the parties were too far apart, and Russia was not likely to abide by a ceasefire. A treaty would have to be signed by the presidents, and subject to a referendum in Ukraine.

Read MoreWas Russia ready to sign a peace treaty with Ukraine in 2022?

Twitter post: This is a lie. In the actual video he posted, the head of FEMA says the Individual And Households Program can give up to $41,000.

This is a lie. In the actual video he posted, the head of FEMA says the Individual And Households Program can give up to $41,000.

Ryan Knight is counting on people just reading his bullshit and not watching the video that contradicts his lie.

Read MoreTwitter post: This is a lie. In the actual video he posted, the head of FEMA says the Individual And Households Program can give up to $41,000.

Joe Biden’s Aid to Hawaii vs Ukraine Aid Compared: What We Know

Some Republicans and conservative commentators questioned President Joe Biden's priorities after the government announced a further $200 million of security assistance for Kyiv as it battles Russia's invasion, on the same day that people affected by the fires in Hawaii were offered $700 a household.

This is not the totality of the federal aid that will go to Maui, however. Although some figures have been released, the disaster recovery effort is in its early stages and further disbursements are expected in the days and weeks to come.

Read MoreJoe Biden’s Aid to Hawaii vs Ukraine Aid Compared: What We Know

Photos of French villa falsely tied to Ukrainian defense minister

Social media posts claim photos show a multimillion-dollar property recently purchased by the daughter of Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov. This is false; the luxury villa in Cannes, France has been on the market since October 2021, according to a real estate firm and the owners of the house.

Read MorePhotos of French villa falsely tied to Ukrainian defense minister

No, Elijah Wood did not urge Volodymyr Zelensky to seek treatment for alleged addictions

A video has been circulating online that allegedly shows "Lord of the Rings" actor Elijah Wood giving the Ukrainian president advice on how to tackle his alleged drug and alcohol addictions. He can be seen recording himself and talking to a so-called "Vladimir". However, the video has been heavily edited and his agent has confirmed it was not published by the actor.

Read MoreNo, Elijah Wood did not urge Volodymyr Zelensky to seek treatment for alleged addictions

Fake: Ukraine Secretly Transplants Soldiers’ Organs

Ukrainian legislation has prohibited organ transplants of servicemen who
died during hostilities in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions since 2019. A
new draft law under review is designed to clarify previously adopted norms,
broadening the ban on organ removal from servicemen who died in the line of
duty anywhere in Ukraine, where hostilities are taking place.

Read MoreFake: Ukraine Secretly Transplants Soldiers’ Organs
Did Elijah Wood Tell Zelensky via Instagram to Go to Rehab?

Did Elijah Wood Tell Zelensky via Instagram to Go to Rehab?

Apart from the fact that the video has been bizarrely edited, it does not mention Zelensky, only someone named Vladimir, and is attributed to an Instagram account with no web presence.

Elijah Wood does not have a public Instagram account and the video being shared of him online, allegedly asking Zelensky to seek treatment, is the only recording available. The video appears to have been spread as a Russian propaganda effort and to promote a dubious documentary that falsely credits Tom Cruise as its star.

Although Newsweek is yet to hear from Wood's representatives for comment, we are confident that the video and claims surrounding it are, respectively, inauthentic and false.

Read MoreDid Elijah Wood Tell Zelensky via Instagram to Go to Rehab?