Fake News, Disinformation & Propaganda

WAR PROPAGANDA: The armed conflict in Ukraine is a civil war because Russians and Ukrainians are one people
WAR PROPAGANDA: The armed conflict in Ukraine is a civil war because Russians and Ukrainians are one people

The conflict in Ukraine is a civil war involving the same people, formally divided into two different states, according to the Russian state media, citing a State Duma deputy from Vladimir Putin's party. In reality, the war in Ukraine is a military aggression by Russia, against a neighboring state and people, condemned by the international community.

Marin Gherman
08 Dec 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: Ukraine’s leadership wants to profit from the war with no regard for the hardships of civilians
WAR PROPAGANDA: Ukraine’s leadership wants to profit from the war with no regard for the hardships of civilians

Kyiv politicians want to prolong the war against Russia indefinitely in order to accumulate as much wealth as possible, the Russian government media writes, quoting a commentary published by a left-wing German newspaper. In fact, Ukraine expressed willingness to take part in peace negotiations, but later rejected the idea due to Moscow’s ultimatums and its attacks on civilian objectives, also as a result of victories obtained on the ground by the Ukrainian army.

Marin Gherman
07 Dec 2022
FAKE NEWS: The Moldovan authorities sell at higher prices the cheap gas they receive from Russia
FAKE NEWS: The Moldovan authorities sell at higher prices the cheap gas they receive from Russia

The authorities in Chisinau are reselling to the EU, at higher prices, part of the natural gas supplied by Gazprom, according to a false narrative in the Russian media. In reality, Chisinau supplies Transnistria with all the gas it currently buys from Gazprom and uses other sources for the consumers on the right bank of the Dniester.

Veridica
06 Dec 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: The United States has been arming Ukraine since 2014 to push it to war against Russia
WAR PROPAGANDA: The United States has been arming Ukraine since 2014 to push it to war against Russia

The United States and its Western allies have been arming Ukraine since 2014 in order for it to start a war with Russia, writes the Russian press, which resumes, in another form, the narrative according to which the West and Ukraine are responsible for the war. In reality, Ukraine was invaded by Russia, and the provision of arms to Kyiv was a reaction to Russia’s aggression.

Marin Gherman
05 Dec 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: Only Russian speakers from eastern Ukraine are mobilized in order to exterminate them
WAR PROPAGANDA: Only Russian speakers from eastern Ukraine are mobilized in order to exterminate them

The Armed Forces of Ukraine are mobilizing only Russian speakers in the southeast, so that once they are dead Kyiv can bring Ukrainian speakers from western Ukraine to these depopulated areas, reads a propaganda narrative disseminated by the Russian government media. In fact, losses on the battlefield prove that the army comprises many servicemen from western Ukraine, and the percentage of eastern recruits have gone up due to their resistance to Russia’s large-scale invasion.

Marin Gherman
01 Dec 2022
DISINFORMATION: A blackout will sweep Romania during the holidays so that patriots can be assassinated
DISINFORMATION: A blackout will sweep Romania during the holidays so that patriots can be assassinated

Brussels has given the go-ahead for the physical and spiritual destruction of Romania, one of the last bastions in the fight against globalism, and a blackout will be triggered in this country so that sovereigntists can be taken out. This piece of disinformation stemmed from a dialogue between Luis Lazarus and Diana Iovanovici-Șoșoacă. Ridden with mystical drivel, lies and elements recalling of Nazi propaganda, the narrative surfaced in response to the first “blackout” simulation organized in Romania two weeks ago in Mediaș.

Veridica
30 Nov 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: Moscow shows restraint when bombing Ukraine because it knows the population doesn’t support the neo-Nazi government
WAR PROPAGANDA: Moscow shows restraint when bombing Ukraine because it knows the population doesn’t support the neo-Nazi government

Russia is careful when bombing Ukrainian infrastructure because it knows this brotherly people does not support the neo-Nazis in power, reads a false propaganda narrative published by Russian media. The article quotes a controversial American political theorist, known for spreading countless conspiracy theories and for his enthusiastic support of Vladimir Putin.

Marin Gherman
29 Nov 2022
FAKE NEWS: The Government in Chisinau wants to force Moldova’s entry into NATO
FAKE NEWS: The Government in Chisinau wants to force Moldova’s entry into NATO

The power in Chisinau wants to force the entry of the Republic of Moldova into NATO and for this purpose is trying to silence the opposition through criminal cases, according to the Kremlin-affiliated media. The same media say that inviting the Republic of Moldova to the NATO meeting in Bucharest represents a violation of its neutrality status and a further confirmation that this country is already “with one foot” in NATO.

Veridica
28 Nov 2022
FAKE NEWS: Already conquered by the West, Romania lets itself be trampled upon by Ukraine
FAKE NEWS: Already conquered by the West, Romania lets itself be trampled upon by Ukraine

With its sovereignty at the mercy of the great Western powers, Romania is now turning itself into a doormat for Kyiv and dismissed its Minister of Defense, Vasile Dâncu, just because he spoke of peace, according to the former Prime Minister, Viorica Dăncilă. The narrative very much resembles Russia's, according to which Ukraine - the country under attack - is the one that does not want peace. Viorica Dăncilă has also promoted the false narrative that Ukraine undermines Romania’s agriculture and, implicitly, its economy.

Veridica
23 Nov 2022
DISINFORMATION: The International Court of Justice admitted Russia was not involved in the downing of flight MH17 in 2014
DISINFORMATION: The International Court of Justice admitted Russia was not involved in the downing of flight MH17 in 2014

According to the ruling of the International Court of Justice, Russia was not involved in the downing of aircraft MH17, which was transiting the airspace of Donbas in 2014, pro-Kremlin media writes. In fact, the Dutch tribunal has recognized Russia’s involvement in this crime against civilians.

Marin Gherman
22 Nov 2022
FAKE NEWS: Chișinău is negotiating with Kyiv a territory exchange: it offers a military depot in Transnistria in exchange for a part of the region of Odessa
FAKE NEWS: Chișinău is negotiating with Kyiv a territory exchange: it offers a military depot in Transnistria in exchange for a part of the region of Odessa

The Republic of Moldova wants to give Transnistria to Ukraine in exchange for a part of the region of Odessa. Kyiv might thus get its hands on the munition warehouse Russia is currently controlling in Transnistria, according to a false narrative disseminated by the Russian media. In fact, a territory exchange was never in the cards. As regards the munition storehouse, the Republic of Moldova has for many years asking that the munition be transferred to Russia and that this country withdraw from its territory.

Veridica
21 Nov 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: Putin did not attend the G20 summit because the West was preparing a terrorist attack against him
WAR PROPAGANDA: Putin did not attend the G20 summit because the West was preparing a terrorist attack against him

The Western secret services were preparing an attempt on the life of the Russian president during the meeting of the G20 leaders, that is why Vladimir Putin refused to participate in the summit, writes the pro-Kremlin press, also stating that the West regularly resorts to terrorism. In reality, there was no threat of an attack, Putin refusing to come to Indonesia amid the withdrawal of the Russian troops from Kherson. Moreover, Russia itself is resorting to terrorist methods, trying to demoralize the population of Ukraine through bombings.

Marin Gherman
20 Nov 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: The French reject the policy of sanctions against Russia and the assistance provided to Ukraine
WAR PROPAGANDA: The French reject the policy of sanctions against Russia and the assistance provided to Ukraine

According to a propaganda narrative circulated in the Russian media, the French are calling on their government to stop its policy of sanctions against Russia and also stop supporting Ukraine because the interests of its citizens must come first. The thesis is substantiated only by quoting one far-right politician.

Marin Gherman
18 Nov 2022
FAKE NEWS: NATO stole Romania's National Day, while leaving the country without an army
FAKE NEWS: NATO stole Romania's National Day, while leaving the country without an army

The military conflict near the country's borders has brought the discussion about Romania's defensive capabilities back into focus, and now that Romania is about to celebrate its National Day on December 1st, the sovereignist propaganda resumed its discourse, announcing the systematic loss of state independence, this time symbolized by the fact that only foreign soldiers would participate in the December 1st parade. In reality, units of the partner armies, and not only from NATO, but even from the ex-Soviet space, are constantly invited to the parade.

Veridica
16 Nov 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: Volodymyr Zelensky visited Kherson to give the go-head for the massacre of civilians
WAR PROPAGANDA: Volodymyr Zelensky visited Kherson to give the go-head for the massacre of civilians

After the visit to Kherson of Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, a gruesome massacre of civilians will commence, which is why residents are asked to steer clear of the city center, reads a propaganda narrative promoted by Russian government media. In fact, both the Ukrainian army as well as Kyiv leaders were greeted as liberators, while new information started to surface after Russia’s retreat regarding war crimes Russian troops might have committed.

Marin Gherman
15 Nov 2022
FAKE NEWS: The US is preparing to attack Transnistria
FAKE NEWS: The US is preparing to attack Transnistria

American soldiers from the well-known 101st Airborne Division have been deployed in Romania also with the aim of attacking the separatist Transnistrian region, in particular the power plant in this region, a controversial Russian political scientist claims. The false narrative was taken over by Politnavigator, a Kremlin-affiliated website.

Veridica
14 Nov 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: Zelensky will cede the Lviv region to Poland
WAR PROPAGANDA: Zelensky will cede the Lviv region to Poland

Ukraine will cede the Lviv region to Poland and will pass a law on this matter before the end of the year, according to the Russian media. In reality, no such bill is registered or discussed in Ukraine, and the information is just a fabrication of Russian propaganda.

Marin Gherman
10 Nov 2022
FAKE NEWS: Romanian consumers will no longer be able to purchase energy from Hidroelectrica and Nuclearelectrica, which will supply electricity to the Republic of Moldova
FAKE NEWS: Romanian consumers will no longer be able to purchase energy from Hidroelectrica and Nuclearelectrica, which will supply electricity to the Republic of Moldova

Romania will run out of electricity supplies this winter, because the government passed a decree whereby the entire energy output of the country’s state-owned electricity providers will be transferred to the Republic of Moldova, according to a false narrative launched in the context of the energy crisis caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In fact, Bucharest authorities never passed such a decree, while both providers have standing contracts with the state that need to be honored.

Veridica
09 Nov 2022
FAKE NEWS: The Republic of Moldova steals Transnistria’s gas and sells it to Ukraine
FAKE NEWS: The Republic of Moldova steals Transnistria’s gas and sells it to Ukraine

The Republic of Moldova steals the gas destined for Transnistria and sells it to Ukraine at the market price, claims the press in Tiraspol, although the authorities in Chisinau are procuring gas from other markets, as Gazprom has limited supplies.

Veridica
08 Nov 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: Belarus and Russia form joint military group to defend against Ukrainian terror attacks and potential NATO aggression
WAR PROPAGANDA: Belarus and Russia form joint military group to defend against Ukrainian terror attacks and potential NATO aggression

Belarus and Russia are forced to create a joint military group to defend themselves against a potential NATO aggression, fascist provocations by Poland and terrorist actions by Ukraine, according to propaganda narratives carried by the two countries’ media. In reality, Belarus is not targeted by any foreign power, but it has allowed Russia to use its territory for the aggression against Ukraine.

Marin Gherman
07 Nov 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: Ukraine's unemployed will be drafted and sent to the front
WAR PROPAGANDA: Ukraine's unemployed will be drafted and sent to the front

The unemployed in Ukraine will be sent to the front, according to a false narrative disseminated by Russian state media. In reality, the government in Kyiv wants to attract people who have lost their jobs into the process of rebuilding the Ukrainian infrastructure, part of a project symbolically called the “Recovery Army”.

Marin Gherman
04 Nov 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: The Ukrainian army is rewarding citizens who trick their friends into enrolling
WAR PROPAGANDA: The Ukrainian army is rewarding citizens who trick their friends into enrolling

In light of the severe shortage of servicemen, the government of Ukraine is offering up to 20 thousand hryvnya (tantamount to some 500 USD) for every man a citizen brings to military enlistment offices, the Russian government media writes. In fact, such methods are illegal on the territory of Ukraine, and Russia is the one that is forcefully recruiting servicemen to offset its losses.

Marin Gherman
02 Nov 2022
FAKE NEWS: The Netherlands opposes Romania’s Schengen accession because the port of Constanța threatens the supremacy of the port of Rotterdam
FAKE NEWS: The Netherlands opposes Romania’s Schengen accession because the port of Constanța threatens the supremacy of the port of Rotterdam

The Netherlands will never agree to Romania joining the Schengen area, for fear the port of Constanța might become the biggest port in Europe, thus irreversibly impacting the Dutch economy, which is largely based on trade coming in and out of the port of Rotterdam, a false narrative promoted in Bucharest reads. In fact, a real competition between the two ports is out of the question, since the port of Rotterdam is better positioned on the map and has superior infrastructure and operational capacities.

Veridica
31 Oct 2022
PROPAGANDA: Russia may recreate Stephen the Great’s Moldavia, to the detriment of Romania
PROPAGANDA: Russia may recreate Stephen the Great’s Moldavia, to the detriment of Romania

Romania intends to annex the Republic of Moldova, including Transnistria and part of the territory of Ukraine, which includes Odesa, but Russia will not allow this, writes a pro-Kremlin publication in an article entitled “Russia will take Moldova along with Iași”. The narratives are false given that, on the one hand, Romania has no territorial claims, and on the other hand, Russia is now mired in Ukraine and does not have the force to change the borders of the states to its liking.

Veridica
31 Oct 2022
FAKE NEWS: Romanians are protesting en masse against NATO and the authorities’ support for Ukraine
FAKE NEWS: Romanians are protesting en masse against NATO and the authorities’ support for Ukraine

Unprecedented mass protests have been staged in Romania against NATO and the authorities’ support for Ukraine, pro-Kremlin news agencies write. In fact, Romania never saw any massive anti-NATO or anti-Ukraine protest actions, and the recordings in question do not show people shouting anti-establishment slogans or displaying protest banners that would suggest such large-scale actions. Moreover, the images published to support the idea of a protest were taken in a different season or even in a different country.

Marin Gherman
28 Oct 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: Israel will not supply weapons to Ukraine lest they should be stolen or sold to Iran
WAR PROPAGANDA: Israel will not supply weapons to Ukraine lest they should be stolen or sold to Iran

Israel will not provide Ukraine with weapons lest they should be sold to Iran, according to Kremlin-linked media, which deliberately misquotes former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In fact, the Israeli politician’s statement is taken out of context, while Israel refused to supply weapons to Ukraine for different reasons.

Marin Gherman
26 Oct 2022
FAKE NEWS: The world occult will bring humanity under control by imposing digital currencies and digital identities
FAKE NEWS: The world occult will bring humanity under control by imposing digital currencies and digital identities

Digital identity, which collects data about people's behavior, and digital currencies will be used to decide whether users will be allowed to own certain goods, to travel, vote, etc., according to a false narrative also published in Romania. In reality, digital identity can already be used to obtain various public and private services, and digital currency is another form of money existence.

Veridica
25 Oct 2022
DISINFORMATION: Pro-Europeans in Chișinău are creating a military autocracy that will be impervious to democratic change
DISINFORMATION: Pro-Europeans in Chișinău are creating a military autocracy that will be impervious to democratic change

The Republic of Moldova is building up its military, and the pro-European government is creating a dictatorial regime that will be hard to oust by democratic due process, Socialist deputy Bogdan Țîrdea has told Pravda. The Moldovan politician in fact reiterates false claims that have been increasingly disseminated by Russian propaganda and pro-Moscow politicians in Chișinău.

Veridica
24 Oct 2022
DISINFORMATION: Chisinau was developed by the Russians and fell into disrepair under the Romanian administration
DISINFORMATION: Chisinau was developed by the Russians and fell into disrepair under the Romanian administration

Chisinau developed only during the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union and fell into disrepair during the period of the union with Romania and the independence of the Republic of Moldova, according to a narrative in the Russian media. In reality, Chisinau developed significantly during the time it was part of Romania and was largely destroyed by the Red Army in 1941 and 1944, before being rebuilt in the Soviet style.

WAR PROPAGANDA: Foreign diplomats are fleeing Kyiv for fear of the Russian offensive
WAR PROPAGANDA: Foreign diplomats are fleeing Kyiv for fear of the Russian offensive

Foreign diplomats are leaving Ukraine, knowing a large-scale attack from Russia is imminent, the Kremlin-linked media writes, referencing the example of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia. In fact, Serbian diplomats left Kyiv in the early stage of the war, in March, and have not yet returned. This war propaganda narrative is designed to sow panic and confusion at the level of Ukrainian society.

Marin Gherman
20 Oct 2022
FAKE NEWS: The reform of the justice system leads to the undermining of the Constitutional Court and Romania losing its sovereignty
FAKE NEWS: The reform of the justice system leads to the undermining of the Constitutional Court and Romania losing its sovereignty

Romania is losing its sovereignty, the Constitution will no longer be observed, and Romanian justice will be carried out in Brussels at the pleasure of the West, according to a false narrative launched in the context of the debates on the justice laws. In reality, amending the law on the status of judges and prosecutors only aligns the Romanian justice system with the European one, observing the principle of the primacy of European Law.

Veridica
19 Oct 2022
FAKE NEWS: Russia withdrew from PACE because it didn’t want homosexuals in the State Duma
FAKE NEWS: Russia withdrew from PACE because it didn’t want homosexuals in the State Duma

Russia withdrew from PACE in March 2022 because it doesn’t have any gay MPs, which is something mandatory for all member states. This false narrative was fostered by the chairman of the State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin. In fact, Russia withdrew because it was about to be excluded from PACE due to its invasion of Ukraine. The topic has been relaunched in the public sphere after PACE designated Russia a terrorist state.

Marin Gherman
18 Oct 2022
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