Category Russia

No, this video does not prove that an attack on Odesa was staged by Ukraine

A video has gone viral on social media, with users claiming it showsÂ proof that the destruction ofÂ a historic cathedral in OdesaÂ on the night of July 22 to 23 was staged byÂ Ukrainian authorities. They argue that a woman in the video picks up the debris with too much ease for it to be real. However, the woman is actually picking up a light material,Â most likely polystyrene, so this does not prove that the attack was staged.

July 28, 2023
Attacks on religion Fact checks / debunkings Misconceptions Russia Ukraine War crimes

Does Video Show ‘Mass Surrender’ of Ukrainian Troops?

While footage and claims from Wagner should be treated cautiously, it stands to reason that had the video depicted a mass surrender, then Prigozhin or his representatives would have heralded that fact and not a prisoner exchange.

In short, based on footage from the Wagner Group and other news sources, Newsweek can confirm the aerial footage is not of a Ukrainian mass surrender.

July 27, 2023
Disinformation Fact checks / debunkings Misconceptions Russia Russian propaganda Ukraine

Illustration of a hand putting a ballot into a ballot box.

No, Zelensky hasn’t “canceled” Ukrainian elections

Accusations have circulated on social media that President Zelensky of Ukraine has cancelled elections in Ukraine, and extended martial law in order to remain in power.

In fact, holding elections now, under wartime conditions, would almost guarantee another Zelensky victory. It would also be illegal under Ukrainian laws that predate Zelensky's time in power.

July 23, 2023
Democracy Disinformation Elections Fact checks / debunkings Misconceptions Russian propaganda Ukraine

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.

Joe Rogan Claims U.S. Accidentally Sent $6.2 Billion to Ukraine

The U.S. did not accidentally send $6.2 billion to Ukraine. An overestimation of the cost of some military hardware meant that $6.2 billion was not spent in the transfer of U.S. stocks to Ukraine.

While the DOD has said that this can now be used toward future stock drawdowns authorized by the president, that does not mean $6.2 billion has been sent accidentally, and all that implies, to Ukraine.

July 20, 2023
Aid oversight Aid to Ukraine Corruption Disinformation Fact checks / debunkings Misconceptions Russian propaganda Ukraine USA

Resource: “Vatnik Soup” – a guide to pro-Russian propagandists

A project by Finnish academic Pekka Kallioniemi:

"#vatniksoup is a Twitter thread series (and a hashtag!) where I’ll introduce pro-Russian actors and propagandists from around the world, be they so-called “independent journalists”, politicians, military personnel or just regular grifters looking to get some easy money.

The series also has introductions and deeper insights on how online propaganda and disinformation works and is spread. For example, I’ll talk about troll farms, social media manipulation and Russia’s online information operations."

July 19, 2023
Disinformation Fact check websites Fact-checking tools Resources Russia Russian propaganda Where to learn more

Does Zelensky Live in $5.5M Mansion With Infinity Pool?

The tweet by Churchill offers no evidence that the image of a luxury property she shared belonged to Zelensky. Social media users were quick to point out that the image was taken from a real estate website for a property that was on sale for $5.5 million. It appears to be the latest unfounded accusation that Zelensky has faced that he has amassed properties around the world.

July 19, 2023
Corruption Disinformation Fact checks / debunkings Misconceptions Russian propaganda Ukraine

Is This a Real Video of a Traffic Jam of People Fleeing Crimea in July 2023?

According to social media users, tourists were leaving Crimea in the aftermath of an attack on a significant bridge.

July 18, 2023
Fact checks / debunkings Russia Ukraine

Kremlin Attempts to Erase Decades of Russia’s Military Expansion in Europe

"On July 11, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticized Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda’s proposal to establish permanent military NATO bases near the Russian border, claiming that Russia never moved its military infrastructure westward.

That is false.

Below is a brief catalog of Russian military progress in Europe."

July 15, 2023
Disinformation Misconceptions NATO Russia Russian propaganda

Deadly Kramatorsk missile was Russian – not Ukrainian

On June 28, 2023, a Russian missile hit a crowded restaurant in the Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk. 13 people died in this attack, including at least 3 children and a leading Ukrainian poet and author (as of July 3).

As with pretty much every major strike on civilians, to add insult to injury, false stories immediately began being circulated by pro-Russian influencers online.

July 10, 2023
Attacks on civilians Disinformation Fact checks / debunkings Russian propaganda Ukraine War crimes