Category Russia

Photo manipulated to show Boris Johnson making Nazi salute

An image circulating online purports to show Boris Johnson raising his arm in a Nazi salute alongside three Ukrainians. But the photo is altered; in the original, the former United Kingdom prime minister is resting both hands by his sides.

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The Top Myths about US Aid to Ukraine

The Top Myths about US Aid to Ukraine

As Congress debates additional support for Ukraine, the anti-Ukraine echo chamber will peddle myths and half-truths, including these four:
Myth: Washington is writing Kyiv “blank checks” that Americans cannot afford.
Myth: There is not enough oversight of US aid to Ukraine.
Myth: America is exponentially the largest donor to Ukraine.
Myth: Russia is a distraction. The US must focus on China.

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Fact check: No evidence drone attack launched from Estonia or Latvia

A post shared on Facebook claims that a drone attack on a Russian airbase was launched from Estonia or Latvia.

Verdict: Misleading
There is no evidence that the attack was launched from Estonia or Latvia. Both countries denied the claim.

Read MoreFact check: No evidence drone attack launched from Estonia or Latvia

Russia’s Wagner mercenaries landing in Niger? No, ‘breaking news’ video shot in 2006 – Africa Check

Niger's coup leaders did reportedly ask Russia's Wagner mercenaries help them hold on to power. But a video circulating online with the claim it shows a planeload of Wagner soldiers landing in Niger in 2023 is 17 years old.

Read MoreRussia’s Wagner mercenaries landing in Niger? No, ‘breaking news’ video shot in 2006 – Africa Check

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.

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Photo from Ukraine falsely shared as aftermath of Myanmar clash

As anti-junta forces reportedly captured a strategic military base in southern Myanmar, a photo surfaced in Burmese posts that falsely claimed it showed a foreign woman helping rebels loot pagodas in the battlefield. The picture was actually taken in a Ukrainian town damaged by heavy Russian attacks.

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Article screenshot on CNN website

Newly declassified US intel claims Russia is laundering propaganda through unwitting Westerners

CNN reports: Russian intelligence is operating a systematic program to launder pro-Kremlin propaganda through private relationships between Russian operatives and unwitting US and western targets, according to newly declassified US intelligence. [...]

The official stressed that the Western voices that eventually became mouthpieces for Russian propaganda were almost certainly unaware of the role they were playing.

“At the end of the day, this unwitting target is disseminating Russian influence operation, Russian propaganda to their target public,” the US official said. “Ultimately, a lot of these are unwitting people — they remain unaware who is essentially seeding these narratives.”

Read MoreNewly declassified US intel claims Russia is laundering propaganda through unwitting Westerners