Category Russia

Fake: First Children’s Brigade Being Formed in Ukraine

In a comment for StopFake, the 117th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade in the Sumy region claimed that this information is fake. There is even no 153rd brigade in the Armed Forces. Instead, the 153rd separate battalion of the territorial defense was formed in Shostka at the very beginning of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine. In Ukraine, only citizens over the age of 18 are considered conscripts and can be drafted.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin suffered a heart attack Oct. 22, 2023.

Unverified reports about Russian President Vladimir Putin's health have been circulating online, driven by social media. The Kremlin denied Russian President Vladimir Putin was ill. Photos released by Russian media show Putin at meetings and public events in the days after this supposed health emergency. The claim started on Telegram, a platform known for facilitating the spread of misinformation about Russia. The account that made the claim has shared other dubious reports about Putin's health in the past. Based on available information, we rate the claim that Putin recently suffered a heart attack False.
Read MoreRussian President Vladimir Putin suffered a heart attack Oct. 22, 2023.

Rakvere products in Russian propaganda

In response to the viral photos, the representative also raised questions about their authenticity, pointing out that labels on the products appeared to be printed on paper and merely taped onto the goods. [...] In a twist to the viral post, Facebook users have taken the investigation a step further. They’ve tried to identify the specific store and pointed out that it is currently out of service.
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Fake: Biden Says Money For The Deaths of Ukrainians is an United States’ Investment

Biden was not referring to investments in "killing Ukrainians" or the American military-industrial complex, as the Russian media wrote. The president was talking about investing in the security and stability of the democratic world. Biden noted that when terrorists do not pay the price for their terror, and dictators do not pay for their aggression, they cause even more chaos, death and destruction, triggering a chain of unpunished cruelty around the world. The American President emphasized that there is a direct link between Ukraine's victory in the Russian war and the well-being of American citizens. Biden emphasized that if we do not stop dictator Putin and his ilk now, after Ukraine and Israel, they will move on to other countries – the NATO countries, including the United States.
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Fake: Ukrainians Demand Ransom from the Deceased Hamas Hostage’s Family

There is no police investigation claiming that the family of Shani Louk, who was killed by Hamas, received ransom calls from Ukraine. Neither the German media WDR, cited by the propagandists, nor any other credible sources published such news. Propaganda used the signature style of the German media to justify Hamas and denigrate Ukraine.
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Manipulation: Security in Ukrainian Trains Will Detect Passengers Opposed to the Zelenskyi Regime

Employing security officers is a standard practice for companies that organize passenger transportation. The main task of the officers is not to detect those disloyal to the authorities, as the propagandists claim, but to control security at railway facilities, primarily with the aim of preventing citizens from transporting explosive and other prohibited substances and weapons without proper permission.
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Fake: Ukrposhta Presents a Stamp Sketch with the SS “Galicia” Veteran

This stamp does not exist. In a comment to StopFake, Ukrposhta denied this information. The list of issued stamps can be seen on the post office's official website, and the propaganda's made-up stamp with the SS "Galicia" veteran is not among them.
Read MoreFake: Ukrposhta Presents a Stamp Sketch with the SS “Galicia” Veteran