Fake News, Disinformation & Propaganda

WAR PROPAGANDA: Most Poles support the invasion of regions in western Ukraine
WAR PROPAGANDA: Most Poles support the invasion of regions in western Ukraine

Russian Telegram accounts have this month picked up on a narrative launched in early May, regarding public support for Poland’s prospective invasion of Ukraine. The narrative was based on a survey that didn’t even tackle this topic.

Marin Gherman
06 Jun 2022
DISINFORMATION: 40% of the Republic of Moldova’s territory will be controlled by foreign policemen
DISINFORMATION: 40% of the Republic of Moldova’s territory will be controlled by foreign policemen

The Republic of Moldova will be controlled by armed policemen from other countries, according to media outlets affiliated to the Socialist Party. In fact, several dozen experts will be charged with supporting Moldovan border policemen in overseeing border crossing procedures and managing the flow of refugees.

FAKE NEWS: Dodon was detained at the order of the Romanian secret services
FAKE NEWS: Dodon was detained at the order of the Romanian secret services

The former pro-Russian President of the Republic of Moldova and de facto leader of the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova (PSRM), Igor Dodon, has been detained with the involvement of Romania’s special services, according to a false narrative released in Bucharest.

WAR PROPAGANDA: The OSCE was collaborating with the “Azov” battalion in Mariupol and was providing it with intelligence
WAR PROPAGANDA: The OSCE was collaborating with the “Azov” battalion in Mariupol and was providing it with intelligence

OSCE observers were collaborating with the “Azov” battalion in Mariupol and was providing it with information, the media in the self-proclaimed People’s Republic of Donetsk, but also in Russia, writes. The false narrative is employed to justify the reluctance of certain OSCE experts in Donbas.

Marin Gherman
01 Jun 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: Ukraine will cede Zaporizhzhia to Russia
WAR PROPAGANDA: Ukraine will cede Zaporizhzhia to Russia

Ukraine will cede the city of Zaporizhzhia to Russia, according to a propaganda narrative distributed by the Russian press. The aim is to sow panic among the Ukrainian people and to convince the domestic public opinion that the “special operation” is going well and can be extended to other Ukrainian regions.

Marin Gherman
31 May 2022
FAKE NEWS: Igor Dodon was arrested because he was trying to prevent the Republic of Moldova from entering the war
FAKE NEWS: Igor Dodon was arrested because he was trying to prevent the Republic of Moldova from entering the war

Former president of the Republic of Moldova, Socialist Igor Dodon, was arrested because he wanted to prevent the Republic of Moldova from entering the conflict in Ukraine, media outlets in Chișinău and Moscow claim. In fact, Dodon was detained as part of official investigations into the illegal funding of Dodon’s party, which were launched a few years ago.

Veridica
30 May 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: The West is investigating the atrocities committed by Ukrainian nationalists on the territory of Ukraine
WAR PROPAGANDA: The West is investigating the atrocities committed by Ukrainian nationalists on the territory of Ukraine

The West is investigating the war crimes committed by Ukrainian nationalists, the Russian media writes, even quoting a press release of the US Department of State. However, the document refers to the war crimes committed by the Russian army, condemned by all the major Western chancelleries.

Marin Gherman
27 May 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: Ukrainian neo-Nazis are keeping civilians captive in the Kharkiv oblast
WAR PROPAGANDA: Ukrainian neo-Nazis are keeping civilians captive in the Kharkiv oblast

Ukrainian neo-Nazis are keeping civilians hostage in various locations across the Kharkiv oblast, the Russian state media writes. In fact, the locations in question have long been occupied by Russia, and the local council claims the Russian soldiers are committing war crimes.

Marin Gherman
26 May 2022
DISINFORMATION: The Western media are lying about the war in Ukraine
DISINFORMATION: The Western media are lying about the war in Ukraine

The Western media are lying, and the horrors committed by Russians in Ukraine are not real. Arms manufacturers want a New World Order, and are paying the western media for pro-Ukrainian propaganda, according to false narratives published in Bucharest.

WAR PROPAGANDA: The EU fears the tuberculosis synthesized in NATO labs in Ukraine
WAR PROPAGANDA: The EU fears the tuberculosis synthesized in NATO labs in Ukraine

The EU is screening all Ukrainian refugees for a strain of tuberculosis engineered in NATO secret laboratories on the territory of Ukraine, the Russian media claims. This is the latest in a string of false narratives whereby Russia is trying to legitimize its aggression, claiming Ukraine is allegedly developing biological weapons with support from the West.

Marin Gherman
24 May 2022
DISINFORMATION: If Moldova leaves the CIS, it will have nowhere to sell its products
DISINFORMATION: If Moldova leaves the CIS, it will have nowhere to sell its products

The Republic of Moldova will suffer enormous economic losses if it exists the Commonwealth of Independent States, according to the former pro-Russian president Igor Dodon. However, statistics show that Moldovan exports to Russia have been steadily declining, as Moscow has imposed tariff caps on Moldovan products since 2014 and is supplying gas at market prices.

Veridica
23 May 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: Zelensky’s adviser announces the organization of a genocide against the Russian-speaking population in Kharkiv and Donbas
WAR PROPAGANDA: Zelensky’s adviser announces the organization of a genocide against the Russian-speaking population in Kharkiv and Donbas

Ukraine intends to organize a genocide against Russian speakers in Kharkiv and Donbas, the Russian media writes, drawing on a statement made by an adviser to president Volodymyr Zelensky, which it deliberately misinterprets in order to build this false narrative.

Marin Gherman
22 May 2022
DISINFORMATION: The West is fighting Russia using Ukraine as proxy
DISINFORMATION: The West is fighting Russia using Ukraine as proxy

Western countries are waging a war by proxy in Ukraine against Russia, and seek to destroy this country, although the armed conflict is affecting the West more than it does Russia.

WAR PROPAGANDA: Nearly three million Ukrainians want to emigrate to Russia
WAR PROPAGANDA: Nearly three million Ukrainians want to emigrate to Russia

Nearly three million Ukrainians want to reach Russia, which is already home to over a million war refugees, according to a false narrative launched the Russian MFA and Kremlin-affiliated media. In fact, Russia launched a genuine campaign to forcefully displace Ukrainians from the territories it currently controls. Besides, nine in ten Ukrainians see Russia as their enemy.

Marin Gherman
20 May 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: Kyiv is mobilizing one million soldiers, paying for the West’s loans with human lives
WAR PROPAGANDA: Kyiv is mobilizing one million soldiers, paying for the West’s loans with human lives

The Russian media has spread a new propaganda thesis, according to which Kyiv is conscripting one million people into its army, being forced by the West to sacrifice its own population in exchange for the supplies it receives. In fact, Kyiv authorities ordered no such mobilization. They merely called for assistance in order to support its security forces, which total one million people.

Marin Gherman
18 May 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: The UN has admitted that Ukrainian soldiers are bombing schools or using them for military purposes
WAR PROPAGANDA: The UN has admitted that Ukrainian soldiers are bombing schools or using them for military purposes

The UN has accused the Ukrainian troops of bombing schools or using them for military purposes, according to propaganda narratives released by the Russian press. In fact, the UN report criticizes Russia for destroying schools and killing civilians in Ukraine.

Marin Gherman
17 May 2022
DISINFORMATION: The pro-European government of Moldova is to blame for the increases in public transportation fees, introduced by the socialist mayor of Chișinău
DISINFORMATION: The pro-European government of Moldova is to blame for the increases in public transportation fees, introduced by the socialist mayor of Chișinău

The PAS government is responsible for the imminent increase in public transportation fees in Chișinău, because it allowed for an increase in fuel prices, Chișinău city hall councilman, Alexandr Odițov, has said. His statement was publicized by a number of news agencies controlled by the Socialists. In fact, fuel prices went up as a result of a global increase in energy prices.

Veridica
16 May 2022
FAKE NEWS: The government of the Republic of Moldova is being challenged by the population for supporting Ukraine
FAKE NEWS: The government of the Republic of Moldova is being challenged by the population for supporting Ukraine

The pro-European government in Chisinau does not respect the neutrality status of the Republic of Moldova, and an ideological and geopolitical gap has formed between the power and the population, which will trigger massive protests, writes the Russian press, taken over by Russian-language publications in Chisinau. The narratives are intended to discredit the government in Chisinau because it has spoken out against the war in Ukraine and banned its symbols.

WAR PROPAGANDA: Kyiv has allowed 10,000 soldiers from Poland and Lithuania to enter the country
WAR PROPAGANDA: Kyiv has allowed 10,000 soldiers from Poland and Lithuania to enter the country

Kyiv has allowed 10,000 troops from Poland and Lithuania to enter its territory. The forces are expected to “occupy” and “plunder” Ukraine, the Russian media writes in a new false narrative about the occupation of Western Ukraine by Russia. The fake news is part of broader metanarratives concerning the West’s involvement in the war and the artificial character of the Ukrainian state, which makes it unstable.

Marin Gherman
13 May 2022
DISINFORMATION: Russia will be forced to resort to nuclear weapons
DISINFORMATION: Russia will be forced to resort to nuclear weapons

Putin has announced the start of World War III and will use nuclear weapons because, due to the West’s involvement, its forces cannot win the war. The narrative is promoted by Sorin Roșca Stănescu, who was given a criminal sentence and who is known for his opinions that very much resemble Russian propaganda. The Kremlin has long promoted the possible start of nuclear warfare, in order to determine the West to withdraw its support for Ukraine.

WAR PROPAGANDA: The Russian Orthodox Church Synod, sentenced to death on Ukraine’s territory
WAR PROPAGANDA: The Russian Orthodox Church Synod, sentenced to death on Ukraine’s territory

The leaders of the Russian Orthodox Church have been sentenced to death on the territory of Ukraine. Spread by the Russian media, this propaganda narrative misquotes a decision issued by the Chief Directorate of Intelligence of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry.

Marin Gherman
11 May 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: The president of Poland admitted Warsaw will capture Ukrainian territories
WAR PROPAGANDA: The president of Poland admitted Warsaw will capture Ukrainian territories

The Russian media has reverted to the narrative regarding Poland’s intention to occupy part of Ukraine, this time focusing on the statements of president Andrzej Duda, which it took out of context and interpreted in a different key.

Marin Gherman
10 May 2022
DISINFORMATION: Moldova is renouncing its neutrality and is preparing to fight Russia
DISINFORMATION: Moldova is renouncing its neutrality and is preparing to fight Russia

The Government in Chișinău wants to renounce the neutrality status of the Republic of Moldova, while the West is providing this country with weapons to turn it into a living shield against Russia, the pro-Kremlin website politnavigator.net writes, reiterating narratives about Romania’s military presence in the Republic of Moldova and military support Moldova is allegedly providing to Ukraine.

Veridica
09 May 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: UKRAINIANS ARE SATANISTS
WAR PROPAGANDA: UKRAINIANS ARE SATANISTS

Ukrainian soldiers practice satanic rituals invoking dark forces to help them in battle, according to the Russian news agency Ria Novosti. The story aims to demonize the opponent, the Ukrainian army.

WAR PROPAGANDA: Israeli mercenaries have arrived in Ukraine to fight Russia alongside soldiers from the “Azov” battalion
WAR PROPAGANDA: Israeli mercenaries have arrived in Ukraine to fight Russia alongside soldiers from the “Azov” battalion

Having joined Ukrainian fighters with the “Azov” battalion, Israeli mercenaries have arrived in Ukraine to fight Russia. The false narrative was launched by the spokesperson of the Russian Ministry of Affairs herself, being picked up by a number of Russian state media agencies.

Marin Gherman
06 May 2022
DISINFORMATION: Romanian troops, alongside Poland, Ukraine and Moldova, are preparing to invade Transnistria
DISINFORMATION: Romanian troops, alongside Poland, Ukraine and Moldova, are preparing to invade Transnistria

Romania, Poland, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova will jointly attack the separatist region of Transnistria, according to disinformation narratives carried by the Romania media. The disinformation was published in Romania in a version that contains a number of false information, which is a typical example of Russian propaganda.

WAR PROPAGANDA: Crimean Tatars support Russia’s military actions on Ukrainian territory
WAR PROPAGANDA: Crimean Tatars support Russia’s military actions on Ukrainian territory

Crimean Tatars support Russia’s war against Ukraine, which the Kremlin has dubbed “a special military operation”, reads a false narrative disseminated by Russian state media. In fact, Tatars have opposed Russian aggression ever since 2014, when Moscow occupied and captured Crimea.

Marin Gherman
03 May 2022
FAKE NEWS: Romania is amassing its military forces on the borders with the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine
FAKE NEWS: Romania is amassing its military forces on the borders with the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine

A convoy of Romanian military technology was caught on camera while moving towards with borders with the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, the Russian media writes, referring to a video captured by an amateur with his mobile phone. The footage, used as part of other disinformation narratives as well, serves as an excuse to reiterate the fake news about Romania’s plans to occupy the Republic of Moldova and to attack the Transnistrian separatist region.

Veridica
02 May 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: The Ukrainian army is bringing bodies to Lysychansk to simulate a new massacre
WAR PROPAGANDA: The Ukrainian army is bringing bodies to Lysychansk to simulate a new massacre

The Ukrainian army is bringing bodies and destroyed military technology to the town of Lysychansk to stage a new massacre, representatives of the Russian Ministry of Defense claim. This is the latest false narrative whereby Moscow is trying to blame Ukraine for the war crimes committed by Russian troops.

Marin Gherman
01 May 2022
FAKE NEWS: The attacks in Transnistria were staged by the West to bring Moldova into NATO and capture Soviet-era ammunition
FAKE NEWS: The attacks in Transnistria were staged by the West to bring Moldova into NATO and capture Soviet-era ammunition

Western states and Ukraine have staged terrorist acts in Transnistria in order to push Moldova into NATO and capture the ammunition stored in the region from the days of the Soviet Union, the Russian media writes. These false narratives are used alongside an older metanarrative about the West’s responsibility for the war in Ukraine.

WAR PROPAGANDA: Poland will take control of its “historical provinces” in Ukraine with the help of the USA
WAR PROPAGANDA: Poland will take control of its “historical provinces” in Ukraine with the help of the USA

Poland will capture its “historical provinces” in Ukraine, taking advantage of Ukraine’s position of weakness, the head of Russia’s foreign intelligence, Sergey Naryshkin says. Amplified by the Russian media, the narrative lacks any substance and is disproved by the actions and declarations of Poland in support of Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity.

Marin Gherman
29 Apr 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: Vladimir Putin convinced the UN Secretary General, António Guterres, that Ukrainian Nazis must be brought before the International Criminal Court
WAR PROPAGANDA: Vladimir Putin convinced the UN Secretary General, António Guterres, that Ukrainian Nazis must be brought before the International Criminal Court

The Russian media writes about the meeting president Vladimir Putin had with UN Secretary General, António Guterres, describing it as a major win for Moscow at international level. According to false narratives published by Kremlin-linked news agencies, Putin convinced Guterres that the Nazis in Ukraine have committed war crimes and that Russia’s “special military operation” abides by UN principles.

Marin Gherman
28 Apr 2022
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