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War in Ukraine: Latest news, analysis, video interviews, video reports

From Z to Saint Javelin: symbols of the two sides of the war in Ukraine

From Z to Saint Javelin: symbols of the two sides of the war in Ukraine

The letter Z, written in paint on Russian tanks, a mural of “Holy Javelin” on a block in Kyiv, “babushka Z” coming out to meet the Russian army or the insult “Idi nahui” addressed to the invading forces – these are some of the symbols associated with the war in Ukraine. Moscow uses symbols to justify its invasion and convince Russian men to enlist; Ukraine, to raise the morale and determination to resist, but also to strengthen the population’s feeling of national identity.

Marin Gherman
Marin Gherman
01 Feb 2023
The TV Rain row shows that while Russian journalists are welcome in the Baltics there are limits to what they can broadcast

The TV Rain row shows that while Russian journalists are welcome in the Baltics there are limits to what they can broadcast

As the Kremlin made it virtually impossible for independent media to work in Russia, many outlets and journalists took refuge abroad. The Baltics offered such a safe haven including to the famous TV Rain, which moved its main operations to Latvia. After broadcasting for several months, TV Rain’s license was revoked for not complying with the Latvian rules and showing sympathy for the Russian troops fighting in Ukraine. However, Riga’s decision, while considered too harsh by some, did not lead to an exodus of Russian independent media from the Baltics.

Kaspars Germanis
Kaspars Germanis
31 Jan 2023
The Russian independent media writes about the stream of dead coming from Ukraine and the failure of the Gerasimov doctrine

The Russian independent media writes about the stream of dead coming from Ukraine and the failure of the Gerasimov doctrine

Russian funeral businesses are overcrowded and cemeteries across the country are expanding or new ones are being created due to the large number of people killed in the war in Ukraine, the Russian independent media writes. Veridica has also discovered an analysis about the failure of the so-called Gerasimov doctrine, which was supposed to make the Russian army a modern force capable of fighting a new type of war with hybrid elements

Mariana Vasilache
Mariana Vasilache
30 Jan 2023
As the war with Ukraine rages on, Russia is afraid of a psychic attack and is ready to defend itself with priests and officers with paranormal powers

As the war with Ukraine rages on, Russia is afraid of a psychic attack and is ready to defend itself with priests and officers with paranormal powers

According to a document of the Russian Federal Guard Service, the agency is prepared to defend Vladimir Putin including with the help of hypnotists and priests. The existence of a parapsychological defence plan may seem bizarre, but a penchant for mysticism and the paranormal is not uncommon in Russia. Over time, the elites and even the state have turned to unconventional helpers, such as Rasputin, KGB parapsychologists or the FSB general who said he can read minds.

Ionuț Iamandi
Ionuț Iamandi
30 Jan 2023
Eleven long months: how are Ukrainian refugees adapting in an increasingly weary Poland

Eleven long months: how are Ukrainian refugees adapting in an increasingly weary Poland

As Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine in early 2022, millions of civilians fled the country and went West, out of harm’s way. Many chose to stay in Poland. They received some help from the state, but they mostly benefited from a network of volunteers providing everything from daily necessities to accommodation and jobs. Eleven months on, as some Poles are getting increasingly weary of refugees, the latter are still trying to adapt while dealing with the war traumas.

Michal Kukawski
Michal Kukawski
26 Jan 2023
Russia threatens the Republic of Moldova militarily, informationally and politically. Chisinau takes measures to strengthen its security and relies on the support of its Western partners

Russia threatens the Republic of Moldova militarily, informationally and politically. Chisinau takes measures to strengthen its security and relies on the support of its Western partners

The Russian bombardments on Ukraine also alerted the authorities in Chisinau after, on several occasions, fragments of rockets fell on the territory of the Republic of Moldova. The incidents showed how vulnerable the Republic of Moldova is from a military point of view, without an anti-aircraft defense and with an army of only six thousand people. But the biggest danger to the security and stability of the state seems to come from elsewhere – from the informational space controlled by Russia and from some politicians who enjoy, openly or secretly, the support of Moscow.

Corneliu Rusnac
Corneliu Rusnac
25 Jan 2023
WAR PROPAGANDA: The West is forcing Russia to expand its military operations in Ukraine

WAR PROPAGANDA: The West is forcing Russia to expand its military operations in Ukraine

Russia will have to expand its military operations in several Ukrainian regions in order to defend itself against the threat of Western arms provided to Kyiv, according to a propaganda narrative disseminated by the Russian state media. In reality, the West is supporting Ukraine to defend itself against the aggression of Russia, which has committed war crimes, caused enormous destruction and triggered a refugee crisis in the EU.

Marin Gherman
Marin Gherman
23 Jan 2023
The Russian independent media writes about who killed Ukrainians in Dnipro and how the Putin regime uses fear to serve its interests

The Russian independent media writes about who killed Ukrainians in Dnipro and how the Putin regime uses fear to serve its interests

“In Russia, journalists don’t ask questions”, one officer suspected of having played a part in the bombing of a residential building in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro told a journalist. The Russian independent media also says that the Kremlin’s efforts to increase the size of its army are doomed to fail, and describes how the Putin regime is trying to keep the Russians in check and strike fear into the international community.

Mariana Vasilache
Mariana Vasilache
23 Jan 2023
WAR PROPAGANDA: The former Prosecutor General of Ukraine is morally preparing Ukrainians for defeat

WAR PROPAGANDA: The former Prosecutor General of Ukraine is morally preparing Ukrainians for defeat

The former Prosecutor General of Ukraine has admitted that Ukraine will be defeated by Russia, the Russian media reports. Yuriy Lutsenko, who was also one of the leaders of the opposition during the pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych's term, would thus morally prepare the Ukrainians for defeat. In reality, the politician's words were taken out of context. What he actually wrote was that, despite the difficulties encountered, Ukraine will succeed in liberating all its occupied territories.

Marin Gherman
Marin Gherman
21 Jan 2023
Georgia risks compromising its relation with the West and returning to Russia's orbit if ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili dies in prison

Georgia risks compromising its relation with the West and returning to Russia's orbit if ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili dies in prison

Over the past year, the health of the former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, who is serving a six-year prison sentence, has been a major topic of political debate both inside and outside of Georgia. The opposition and Saakashvili's lawyers say he should be transferred to a European clinic to be treated for mental illness, personality deterioration and severe depression. The government claims that the former president is faking it. Finally, signals are coming from Brussels that if Mikheil Saakashvili dies in detention, Georgia's European future could be jeopardized.

Diana Shanava
Diana Shanava
20 Jan 2023
WAR PROPAGANDA: Volodymyr Zelensky wants a global nuclear war

WAR PROPAGANDA: Volodymyr Zelensky wants a global nuclear war

Volodymyr Zelensky has called on the West to deliver more weapons in order to start a global nuclear war, the Russian government media writes, quoting a French politician. In fact, Ukraine needs more weapons from the West in order to defend itself against the Russian aggression in the context of ongoing hostilities.

Marin Gherman
Marin Gherman
20 Jan 2023
FAKE NEWS: The West and Romania will go to war on the side of Ukraine

FAKE NEWS: The West and Romania will go to war on the side of Ukraine

A multinational coalition other than NATO will go to war on the side of Ukraine, thus confirming that Moscow is, in fact, fighting the West, which is perpetuating the fratricidal Russian-Ukrainian conflict in order to achieve global economic supremacy. The false narrative was launched by journalist Ion Cristoiu. In reality, Cristoiu interprets facts and statements in a personal note, without providing any evidence to support his claims.

Cezar Manu
Cezar Manu
19 Jan 2023
WAR PROPAGANDA: Mothers and wives of Ukrainian soldiers killed in action are proteststing against war

WAR PROPAGANDA: Mothers and wives of Ukrainian soldiers killed in action are proteststing against war

A mass protest against the war was held in Kyiv by the wives and mothers of Ukrainian soldiers killed in action, according to a propaganda narrative carried by the Russian state media. In reality, a rally was held in the capital of Ukraine by the wives and mothers of the soldiers in captivity, who called on the president to organize a new exchange of prisoners.

Marin Gherman
Marin Gherman
18 Jan 2023
DISINFORMATION: Chișinău’s war-mongering stirs up concern in Bucharest

DISINFORMATION: Chișinău’s war-mongering stirs up concern in Bucharest

“Romania is worried by Moldova’s war-mongering”, reads a recent false narrative promoted by Russian propaganda and shared by media institutions in Chișinău. The author, a former communist MP, also interposes several false theses, designed to undermine the solidity of Chișinău-Bucharest relations. In fact, Romania remains the top supporter of the Republic of Moldova in the EU, as well as a major trade partner, and irrespective of which political party takes power, it is the first country to support the Republic of Moldova in times of crisis.

Veridica
Veridica
17 Jan 2023
The Wagner group: the army of mercenaries and criminals the Kremlin relies on to make headway into Ukraine

The Wagner group: the army of mercenaries and criminals the Kremlin relies on to make headway into Ukraine

In mid-January, the Russian Defense Ministry for the first time gave credit to the Wagner Group for its exploits in Ukraine. Tensions between the conventional army and the Wagner Group, whose founder criticized the war tactics of Russian generals, are common knowledge. Besides, in recent years, the Kremlin preferred to keep its dealings with the Wagner Group and its activity far from prying eyes. Recognizing the merits of this military contractor, whose very existence is illegal even in the eyes of Russian legislation, confirms the Wagner Group’s growing contribution to the war effort.

Marin Gherman
Marin Gherman
16 Jan 2023
Russia's global cyberwar: how Poland became one of the main targets of attack

Russia's global cyberwar: how Poland became one of the main targets of attack

Poland ranks sixth in Europe regarding cyber threats. The targets are not only private firms and Internet users, but increasingly hospitals, transport companies, banks and all administration branches. Authorities warn that the number of attacks is increasing and allege that Russia is behind them, as it tries to destabilise Poland for the key role it plays in supporting Ukraine.

Michal Kukawski
Michal Kukawski
13 Jan 2023
WAR PROPAGANDA: Because of Ukraine, the EU states will go into recession, and without Russian energy they will not make it through

WAR PROPAGANDA: Because of Ukraine, the EU states will go into recession, and without Russian energy they will not make it through

The EU will go into recession because of Ukraine and will hardly survive the harsh winters, according to Russian media propaganda narratives that intentionally misquote the IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva. In reality, she encouraged the Western states’ aspiration towards energy independence, stating that the EU risks going into recession due to the Russian aggression, but also other factors.

Marin Gherman
Marin Gherman
13 Jan 2023
The Russian independent media writes about the massacre in Makiivka, the Russification of deported Ukrainian children and a new arms race

The Russian independent media writes about the massacre in Makiivka, the Russification of deported Ukrainian children and a new arms race

The Russian authorities have for the first time admitted to sustaining heavy losses following a Ukrainian attack, and the shift in the communication strategy seems to be meant to prevent a scandal, the Russian independent media writes. Independent journalists also discuss the Russification of Ukrainian children deported to Russia and the arms race triggered in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine.

Mariana Vasilache
Mariana Vasilache
13 Jan 2023
The Estonian route: while trying to get to Europe, thousands of Ukrainian refugees are forced to go East to avoid the fighting

The Estonian route: while trying to get to Europe, thousands of Ukrainian refugees are forced to go East to avoid the fighting

Estonian city Narva and Russia’s Ivangorod are connected by a Friendship Bridge, a name that sounds quite ironic nowadays when many Ukrainian refugees use the bridge to make their way to Europe. They had to go East, then North, as their route West was blocked by the fighting. A network of Russian and Estonian volunteers has been helping these refugees. While some continue towards other European countries, many decided to stay in the small Baltic country, which is starting to feel overwhelmed.

Olesja Lagashina
Olesja Lagashina
12 Jan 2023
WAR PROPAGANDA: NATO is providing outdated equipment to Ukraine

WAR PROPAGANDA: NATO is providing outdated equipment to Ukraine

NATO member states are providing outdated weapons to the Ukrainian army in order to get rid of “scrap metal” and renew their warehouses with state-of-the-art military equipment and weapons, according to a new false narrative promoted by Russian media. In fact, the Ukrainian army received modern weaponry from the West, which helped it liberate several districts in the southeast and northeast.

Marin Gherman
Marin Gherman
10 Jan 2023
Romania in 2022: Top FAKE NEWS & DISINFORMATION narratives debunked by Veridica

Romania in 2022: Top FAKE NEWS & DISINFORMATION narratives debunked by Veridica

The war in Ukraine, sovereigntist rhetoric and conspiracy theories regarding the so-called sanitary dictatorship were the topics of scores of disinformation narratives and fake news published in Romania in 2022. They were promoted by/on various media outlets (România liberă, Național, Activenews, GoldFM, gândește.org etc.) as well as on social media by controversial figures such as Sorin Roșca Stănescu, Cosmin Gușă, Diana Șoșoacă and Adrian Severin.

Cătălin Gomboș
Cătălin Gomboș
09 Jan 2023
WAR PROPAGANDA: Russophobic foreign nationals will be entitled to tear apart Crimea and Donbas once these territories are liberated

WAR PROPAGANDA: Russophobic foreign nationals will be entitled to tear apart Crimea and Donbas once these territories are liberated

After the liberation of the Crimean peninsula and the occupied territories in Donbas, anti-Russian foreign companies will be entitled to tear apart these territories, the Russian media writes, quoting Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky. In fact, the Ukrainian leader spoke about projects designed to rebuild Ukraine, with the help of foreign companies. The president’s speech makes no mention of “Russophobia” or “tearing apart” Ukrainian territories, as the Russian propaganda claims.

Marin Gherman
Marin Gherman
06 Jan 2023
The Republic of Moldova 2022: Top FAKE NEWS & DISINFORMATION debunked by Veridica

The Republic of Moldova 2022: Top FAKE NEWS & DISINFORMATION debunked by Veridica

The war launched by Russia in Ukraine also led to an intensification of the use of propaganda materials, fake news and disinformation targeting the Republic of Moldova. The goal was to discredit the West and undermine the values it promotes, but also to blame the pro-European government for the economic and social issues initially triggered by the Covid pandemic, then by the war.

Veridica
Veridica
06 Jan 2023
Ukraine in 2022: Top FAKE NEWS, DISINFORMATION and PROPAGANDA narratives debunked by Veridica

Ukraine in 2022: Top FAKE NEWS, DISINFORMATION and PROPAGANDA narratives debunked by Veridica

Classical disinformation themes and fake news were increasingly replaced with war propaganda as an instrument of publicizing Moscow’s false narratives. The purpose of these narratives, irrespective of how they were presented to audiences, was to manipulate public opinion, to legitimize Russia’s actions, to conceal war crimes and atrocities committed in Ukrainian settlements, to shatter the Ukrainians’ morale and fighting spirit, as well as to spread a controlled form of chaos in the proximity of ex-Soviet space.

Marin Gherman
Marin Gherman
04 Jan 2023
The Russian independent media writes about the economic fallout of the war

The Russian independent media writes about the economic fallout of the war

The war in Ukraine is costing Russia more and more every day, the Russian independent media writes, reporting on the budget deficit for 2022 and the budget for 2023, also referring to the problems facing the industry sector, where the focus is on military production.

Mariana Vasilache
Mariana Vasilache
04 Jan 2023
WAR PROPAGANDA: The EU hides its involvement in crimes committed on Ukrainian territory by setting up a special tribunal

WAR PROPAGANDA: The EU hides its involvement in crimes committed on Ukrainian territory by setting up a special tribunal

The EU's initiative to establish a special tribunal for the war crimes committed in Ukraine, which will cooperate with the International Criminal Court, has been presented by Russian propaganda as an attempt to hide Brussels' involvement in the commission of these crimes. In reality, the EU has not committed any crime on the territory of Ukraine, but it has supported Kyiv's defensive efforts in the face of Russia’s aggression.

Marin Gherman
Marin Gherman
30 Dec 2022
“The kid started to stutter and pee the bed in terror”. The war still haunts Ukrainian refugees in Moldova

“The kid started to stutter and pee the bed in terror”. The war still haunts Ukrainian refugees in Moldova

The war still haunts the refugees, even though some left Ukraine months ago. The memory of Russian bombing is still alive for them. They speak all the time to their relatives back home, who give them regular updates on what’s happening. They keep thinking of going back home. A few tens of thousands out of the millions of Ukrainian war refugees chose to stay in the Republic of Moldova. Mariana Vasilache spoke to some of them at her childhood school, which is now their new home.

Mariana Vasilache
Mariana Vasilache
29 Dec 2022
Ukrainian refugees in Romania are afraid to return home, but it’s hard for them to integrate because of the language barrier

Ukrainian refugees in Romania are afraid to return home, but it’s hard for them to integrate because of the language barrier

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, more than 5 million Ukrainians have crossed the Romanian border, fleeing the war. Most chose to go further west, but some decided to stay here. Officially there are 90 348 of them, but the real number could be much higher. Before arriving in Romania, many only knew what Soviet and Russian propaganda had told them, so they were amazed at what they found and how they were received. With all the help they get, however, there are problems, as the refugees find it difficult to integrate due to language barriers and many still feel the psychological impact of the drama they have been through.

Marin Gherman
Marin Gherman
27 Dec 2022
Why Putin’s Russia is fascist and why Ukraine is fighting on behalf of the free world and needs to win*

Why Putin’s Russia is fascist and why Ukraine is fighting on behalf of the free world and needs to win*

On February 24, 2022, the free world woke up to a dystopia. It had believed in peace more than it did in the signs of war, and had invested Putin with its good faith, just as it had done with Hitler in the years leading up to World War II. Russia has reintroduced large-scale war into a post-modern, hedonist society whose instincts were weakened by peace and prosperity, thus restoring evil to a global standing. Prior to the launch of the invasion, Europe hadn’t seen an interstate conflict in over 75 years. Any counterfactual examination is obviously pointless, but still, the question remains: how could the West fail again to foresee the predictable advent of a totalitarian regime with fascist overtones and the start of a new war in Europe?

Marian Voicu
Marian Voicu
26 Dec 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: Zelensky has killed over 50,000 women by mobilizing them

WAR PROPAGANDA: Zelensky has killed over 50,000 women by mobilizing them

Of the 57 thousand women drafted into the army, only 6,000 remain on the frontline, the rest having been killed or taken prisoner, the Russian media writes, accusing president Volodymyr Zelensky of killing his own people in the Russian-Ukrainian war. In fact, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, only 101 women were killed in action, and many of those enrolled didn’t even see combat, as they work for auxiliary structures of the Armed Forces deployed to various regions of the country.

Marin Gherman
Marin Gherman
26 Dec 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: The USA has declared war on Russia, allowing the Ukrainian army to bomb Crimea

WAR PROPAGANDA: The USA has declared war on Russia, allowing the Ukrainian army to bomb Crimea

Ukraine’s military campaign on the territory of Crimea is tantamount to the USA declaring war on Russia, and Moscow may answer by bombing Washington, the Russian government media writes, quoting a Moscow official. In fact, Ukraine is entitled to recapture this territory, and the international community has never recognized the illegal annexation of Crimea or it being part of the Russian Federation.

Marin Gherman
Marin Gherman
23 Dec 2022
The Russian independent media writes about deserting servicemen and Moscow’s “crisis propaganda”

The Russian independent media writes about deserting servicemen and Moscow’s “crisis propaganda”

Russian servicemen sent to the frontline in Ukraine are trying to flee the war and dodge military service, and the authorities respond by putting them on trial, the Russian independent media writes. Independent journalists also look at the Kremlin’s response to the defeats sustained by the Russian army in Ukraine: it fashioned a “crisis propaganda”.

Mariana Vasilache
Mariana Vasilache
23 Dec 2022