Tag Archives: Vatnik

Microsoft: Russia behind fake Kamala Harris hit-and-run story!

Microsoft has confirmed that Russia is responsible for the fake story about Kamala Harris paralysing a 13 year-old girl in a hit-and-run accident! Here is what you need to know…

Fake Kamala Harris hit-and-run story : A quick primer!

Earlier this month, a video went viral on social media, showing a young Black woman on a wheelchair claiming that Vice President Kamala Harris left her paralysed in a 2011 hit-and-run accident in San Francisco.

The alleged victim, who was alternatively called Alisha Brown / Alicia Brown, said that she “cannot remain silent anymore“, and lamented that her childhood “ended too soon“.

The video by KBSF-TV showed the shattered windshield of the alleged vehicle used by Kamala Harris in that hit-and-run accident, as well as X-ray images of the alleged victim.

As I covered in my fact check article, the story was fabricated. Kamala Harris was not involved in a hit-and-run accident in 2011 in San Francisco, that left a girl paralysed.

https://www.techarp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Fake-KBSF-TV-Kamala-Harris-car-accident-video-small.mp4?_=1

Microsoft: Russia behind fake Kamala Harris hit-and-run story!

On Tuesday, 17 September 2024, the Microsoft Threat Analysis Center issued a report identifying Russia as being responsible for the fake story about Kamala Harris paralysing a 13 year-old girl in a hit-and-run accident!

According to its latest threat assessment report, Microsoft said that the fake Kamala Harris hit-and-run story was created by a covert Russian disinformation team known as Storm-1516 (also known as CopyCop).

While some people have suggested that the young Black woman was AI-generated, Microsoft said that Storm-1516 paid an actor to play the part of the alleged victim. The fake story was disseminated through a fake website for a non-existent San Francisco news outlet called KBSF-TV, that was created just a week earlier.

Clint Watts, general manager of the Microsoft Threat Analysis Center said in an ABC News interview that Microsoft has been tracking the use of AI by nation states for more than a year and while foreign actors tried AI initially, many have gone back to basics as they’ve realized AI was “probably more time-consuming and not more effective.”

The Microsoft report also highlighted a second video created and spread by Storm-1516 / CopyCop, which showed two Black men beating up a bloodied white woman at a Donald Trump rally.

Microsoft explained how Russian intelligence actors struggled initially to adapt to President Joe Biden dropping out of the race, but have now started serious attacks to discredit Kamala Harris and stoke controversy around her campaign.

A newer Russian group called Storm-1679 has allegedly pivoted from producing content about the 2024 Paris Olympic Games to publishing false videos designed to discredit Vice President Kamala Harris. One of the videos featured a fake New York City billboard showing false claims about her policies.

Microsoft warned that Russian actors will continue use cyber proxies and hacktivist groups to spread allegedly hacked or leaked materials to undermine confidence in the US Presidential election outcome.

When asked about Russia’s motivation behind these fake videos, Watts said the Russia-aligned groups Microsoft tracks may not necessarily support particular candidates, but they are motivated to undermine anyone who “is supporting Ukraine in their policy.”

Vice President Kamala Harris has publicly vowed to support Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion if elected as President. On the other hand, Donald Trump has repeatedly refused to say whether he wants Ukraine to win the war, only saying that “I want the war to stop“.

This Microsoft report comes after the Biden Administration seized Kremlin-run websites and charged two Russian state media employees in an alleged scheme to secretly fund a network of right-wing American influencers to influence the 2024 Presidential election.

Ultimately, this is yet another example of political fake news surrounding the upcoming 2024 US Presidential election. Here are some other examples I fact checked recently:

As the 2024 US Presidential election draws close, you can expect more of such fake news and/or fake videos to appear, so be wary and skeptical!

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

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Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Did Kamala Harris paralyse girl in 2011 hit-and-run accident?!

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Did Kamala Harris paralyse a 13 year-old girl in a 2011 hit-and-run accident?! Take a look at the viral video, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Kamala Harris paralysed girl in 2011 hit-and-run accident!

Some people are sharing a video and/or an article which claim that Kamala Harris paralysed a 13 year-old girl in a 2011 hit-and-run accident!

Jen X : 🚨 In June 2011, Kamala Harris allegedly struck two pedestrians in San Francisco and fled the scene leaving a 13 years old girl paralyzed. Alisha Brown, a victim, claims Harris’ team intimidated her mother to keep silent. Story surfaced after her mother’s death in 2024.

K.D. : Kamala Harris hit a woman then fled the scene in 2011. This was buried to cover up for her felony hit and run that left a woman paralyzed SMH~!

Truth Patriot : 🚨 Kamala Harris’s Hit-and-Run Cover-Up: The Scandal Erupts 🚨

Back in 2011, Kamala Harris, now our Vice President, allegedly struck a 13-year-old girl with her car, leaving the scene like a ghost in the night. But here’s where it gets spicier – the girl, now wheelchair-bound, claims Harris’s team didn’t just leave her there; they allegedly intimidated her family into silence. #JusticeForVictims #KamalaCoverUp

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https://www.techarp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Fake-KBSF-TV-Kamala-Harris-car-accident-video-small.mp4?_=2

Truth : Kamala Harris did not paralyse girl in 2011 hit-and-run accident!

With help from Shayan Sardarizadeh of BBC Verify, we can confirm that this is another example of fake news created about Kamala Harris, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : KBSF appears to be a fake website

Let me start by pointing out that the article and video (archive) by KBSF – San Francisco News is fake.

First of all, there is no TV station by the name KBSF in San Francisco, or anywhere else in the United States for the matter.

In addition, the website itself is brand new – its domain – kbsf-tv.com, was only registered on 20 August 2024, at around 9:13 PM Zulu Time (UTC). The ownership of the website domain is also being “redacted for privacy” – which is common with scam or fake websites.

According to Shayan Sardarizadeh of BBC Verify, KBSF – San Francisco News has all the hallmarks of AI-powered fake news websites set up by Mosc0w-based John Mark Dougan, who is a former Florida police officer.

Fact #2 : Accident photo was taken in 2018

The cover photo, which purportedly shows the scene of the hit-and-run accident, wasn’t taken in 2011, or in San Francisco for the matter.

That photo was actually taken on Wednesday, 17 January 2018, on Route 10 in Mangilao, Guam. The 59 year-old driver struck an 81 year-old man, who later died at the hospital.

Fact #3 : Article confuses victim’s name

The KBSF article twice named victim / whistleblower as Alisha Brown, but later changed it to Alicia Brown. The video itself labels the victim as Alicia Brown.

Fact #4 : X-ray photos are not from car accident

As “evidence”, the video showed two X-ray photos, purportedly showing the injuries that Alisha / Alicia Brown suffered after being hit by Kamala Harris in 2011. The truth is – those X-ray photos were taken from medical research journals.

The first is an x-ray image taken on 4 February 2009, and shows rib fractures in a 58 year-old man suffering from Cronkhite-Canada syndrome.

The second x-ray image shows a Type C pelvic ring injure in a 12 year-old girl, that was posted online in the Journal of Children’s Orthopaedics on 1 February 2017.

Obviously, both x-ray images had nothing to do with any hit-and-run accident involving Kamala Harris, or a 13 year-old girl called Alicia / Alisha Brown.

Fact #5 : This is just political fake news

Ultimately, this is yet another example of political fake news surrounding the upcoming 2024 US Presidential election. Here are some other examples I fact checked recently:

As the 2024 US Presidential election draws close, you can expect more of such fake news to appear, so be wary and skeptical!

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Did UAE freeze French fighter jet deal over Pavel Durov arrest?!

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Did the UAE freeze a French fighter jet deal after France arrested Telegram CEO Pavel Durov?! Take a look at the viral claims and video, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : UAE froze French fighter jet deal over Pavel Durov arrest!

People are sharing news reports and/or an Al Jazeera video, which purportedly claim that the UAE just froze its contract to purchase 80 fighter jets from France, over its arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov.

Firstpost : #FPWorld: Following the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has suspended the deal with France for 80 warplanes, according to a report.

Financial Express : UAE cancels $20 billion Rafale deal with France despite Telegram CEO’s release

Kim Dotcom : The French Govt just lost $17 billion over the arrest of Pavel Durov. The UAE froze a deal to purchase 80 Rafale fighter jets and says that the arrest of Pavel Durov is outrageous. Pavel is a citizen of the UAE and a close friend of the Deputy Prime Minister Hamdan Al Maktoum.

Chuck Callesto : SHOCK REPORT: ⚠️United Arab Emirates government look to have FROZEN BILLIONS OF DOLLARS worth of contracts with France after the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov..

Zlatti71. : The UAE has frozen a contract to purchase 80 fighter jets from France: Durov’s arrest has angered the sheikhs.

– The United Arab Emirates took drastic measures by freezing a contract to purchase 80 French fighter jets following the arrest of Pavel Durov.

– The creator of Telegram, who is personally acquainted with the son of the UAE Prime Minister, found himself at the center of an international scandal that has infuriated the sheikhs to the limit.

– Experts believe that by its actions, France has made a serious mistake, provoking the anger of influential allies. Now, Paris is paying for its rashness, and the future of the deal, as well as the trust of the UAE, hangs by a thread.

Suppressed News. : BREAKING: The UAE has frozen a contract to purchase 80 fighter jets from France worth at-least $10B as a response to Telegram Owner Pavel Durov’s arrest as it has angered the sheikhs.

Mete Sohtaoğlu : 📹📸 #UAE- The United Arab Emirates has frozen its contract to purchase 80 Rafale fighter jets from France worth a staggering €17 billion over the arrest of Telegram owner Pavel Durov

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Truth : UAE did not freeze French fighter jet deal over Pavel Durov arrest!

This appears to be yet another example of Russian propaganda, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : No evidence UAE froze French fighter jet deal

Let me start by pointing out that there is no evidence that the United Arab Emirates froze its 2021 deal to purchase 80 Rafale F4 fighter jets.

If that actually happened, it would have been announced by the UAE authorities, and condemned by the French government. As a public-listed company, Dassault would also have to issue a statement on such a shocking development. It would also have resulted in widespread coverage by the mainstream media.

Yet, none of that happened. This fake news appears to have proliferated mainly through Telegram, and X (formerly Twitter).

Fact #2 : Al Jazeera video is fake

The viral Al Jazeera video, which claims that the UAE has frozen its contract to purchase 80 fighter jets from France, is fake. Al Jazeera never created, nor posted, this video.

The last time Al Jazeera ever posted about any arms deal between the UAE and France, was on 4 December 2021, when it reported on the UAE and France signing an arms deal involving 80 Rafael fighter jets and 12 military helicopters.

To be clear – Al Jazeera never made or posted the viral video below, or its contents:

The UAE has frozen the contract actions for the purchase of 80 fighter aircraft from France. This comes after the arrest of businessman Pavel Durov in Paris.

It is known that the UAE Prime Minister vetoed the continuation of action on the contract. Experts believe that the contract freeze is directly related to the arrest of UAE citizen Pavel Durov.

Pavel Durov had direct contact with the son of Emirati Prime Minister Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum. Thanks to the influence of Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Pavel Durov was granted UAE citizenship in 2021.

80 Rafale F4 fighter aircraft were due for delivery in 2027. The estimated value of the contract is about $10 billion. Amid the scandal surrounding Pavel Durov, the contract has been frozen. That could be a serious image blow for the French military-industrial complex.

Political analyst Marwan Bishara is sure that such a decision by the UAE is a consequence of a political mistake by the French government.

“Detaining a businessman who assets are based in the UAE on far-fetched charges that cast a shadow over the entire UAE is a sure way to spoil diplomatic relations between France and the UAE.”

Marwan Bishara emphasises that the UAE leadership has not been notified of France’s intentions regarding their citizen.

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Fact #2 : Fake Al Jazeera report started in Telegram

Ironically, this fake Al Jazeera report appears to have originated in Telegram. According to Maria Dubovikova (archive) who traced this hoax, here is the timeline on 27 August 2024 (Moscow Time):

20:29 : Russian Telegram group Condottiero posted (translated) – “The UAE unilaterally suspended the contract for the purchase of 80 French fighter jets due to Durov’s arrest. Additionally, the Sheikhs are considering a complete blockade of trade operations with France, including in the defense sector.”

20:35 : Russian Telegram group Topaz posted (translated) – “The United Arab Emirates have frozen the contract to purchase 80 fighter jets from France following the arrest of Pavel Durov. They are also considering the possibility of a complete blockade of military-technical cooperation with France.”

By 11 PM (23:00), a fake video appeared on X, mimicking an Al Jazeera news video with this information. This video was never on the Qatari outlet’s platforms.

The fake news then spread outside of Russian Telegram channels, after being shared by Western opinion leaders like Kim Dotcom, Candace Owens, Chuck Callesto, etc.

Fact #3 : No evidence Marwan Bishara ever mentioned Pavel Durov

I could also find no evidence that Marwan Bishara ever commented on Pavel Durov, or his arrest by French authorities, or any response by the UAE government or leaders.

In fact, Marwan Bishara has not written any opinion piece for Al Jazeera for more than half a year – his last piece was posted on 24 November 2023, and it was about the Gaza war.

Fact #4 : UAE to receive Rafale F4 fighter jets only in 2027

There is also the inconvenient fact that Dassault is only expected to ship its first Rafale F4 fighter jet to the UAE in 2027, which is 3 years away. So there is nothing to freeze, so to speak.

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Did Putin vow to shut down adrenochrome supply chain?!

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Did Vladimir Putin just vow to shut down the Hollywood adrenochrome supply chain in Ukraine?! Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Putin Vows To Shut Down Adrenochrome Supply Chain!

People are sharing an article (archive) by The People’s Voice (formerly NewsPunch), which claims that Russian President Vladimir Putin just vowed to shut down the Hollywood adrenochrome supply chain in Ukraine!

Here is an excerpt of the long and (intentionally?) confusing article. Feel free to skip to the next section for the facts!

Putin Vows To Shut Down Hollywood Adrenochrome Supply Chain

Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed to shut down the adrenochrome supply chain servicing Hollywood after Russian forces made a series of horrifying discoveries in Ukraine in recent days.

Putin has enlisted Hollywood insiders including Mel Gibson and Steven Seagal to put all the chess pieces together so he can make his move.

The elites in Tinseltown are already feeling the effects of Putin shutting down child factory farms in Ukraine, and according to reports on the ground they have begun moving their operations elsewhere – including with in the United States and Mexico.

However, Putin has a plan to save those children as well and it involves enlisting the help of those who are intimately acquainted with the sick Hollywood system.

According to CIA sources, eight million children go missing in the world each and every year, the vast majority of them lost into a system of pedophilia and adrenochrome blood trafficking, while mainstream media downplay the gravity of the situation out of fear of angering their overlords.

Children are now a more valuable commodity than drugs to the criminal class, and in Hollywood, children operate as a unit of currency, according to Mel Gibson, who warns that entertainment industry elites, including many household name celebrities, regularly “feast on the blood of children.”

Russian forces claim that Ukraine is a hub for child trafficking and organ harvesting. These crimes are not limited to the criminal underworld; the lucrative nature of these activities has attracted the involvement of the Ukrainian elite, who have dominated the market.

Ukraine’s former Deputy Minister of Health of Ukraine Mykhailo Zagreychuk and ten other surgeons were arrested for illegal organ trafficking with Europe and the US.

Meanwhile, children are being smuggled out of Ukraine and sold to the highest bidder, regularly changing hands for tens of thousands of dollars.

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Truth : Putin Did Not Vow To Shut Down Adrenochrome Supply Chain!

This is yet another example of fake news created / promoted by The People’s Voice, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Putin Did Not Vow To Shut Down Adrenochrome Supply Chain

This is silly but it has to be said – Russian President Vladimir Putin did not vow to shut down the Hollywood adrenochrome supply chain in Ukraine!

If he actually made such a vow, it would have been reported widely across the world, not only by the Russian media. Yet, that never happened… because it was all made up!

Unsurprisingly, The People’s Voice article provided no evidence to back up its “fact checked” claim.

Fact #2 : There Are No Child Factory Farms In Ukraine

The People’s Voice article claimed that Vladimir Putin was “shutting down child factory farms in Ukraine“. That’s also utter nonsense.

There are no child factory farms in Ukraine. What are child factory farms anyway? It’s all made-up nonsense.

Yet again, The People’s Voice article provided no evidence to back up its suggestion that “child factory farms” exist in Ukraine.

Fact #3 : No One Is Harvesting Children For Adrenochrome

The People’s Voice article is based on a far-right conspiracy theory about adrenochrome being harvested from children’s blood or adrenal gland, and used as a drug or elixir of youth.

Truth be told – that’s a really silly conspiracy theory, as there is currently no medical use for adrenochrome, and it can be synthesized in a laboratory. So there is absolutely no need to kill any child to produce adrenochrome.

Fact #4 : Putin Wanted For Abducting Children From Ukraine!

It is ludicrous for The People’s Voice to suggest that Vladimir Putin would want to do anything to save children. After all, he has sacrificed the lives of hundreds of thousands of young Russian boys and men in his invasion of Ukraine.

But even more ironically, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin on 17 March 2023, for abducting children from Ukraine!

Today, 17 March 2023, Pre-Trial Chamber II of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or “the Court”) issued warrants of arrest for two individuals in the context of the situation in Ukraine: Mr Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and Ms Maria Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova.

Mr Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, born on 7 October 1952, President of the Russian Federation, is allegedly responsible for the war crime of unlawful deportation of population (children) and that of unlawful transfer of population (children) from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation (under articles 8(2)(a)(vii) and 8(2)(b)(viii) of the Rome Statute). The crimes were allegedly committed in Ukrainian occupied territory at least from 24 February 2022.

There are reasonable grounds to believe that Mr Putin bears individual criminal responsibility for the aforementioned crimes, (i) for having committed the acts directly, jointly with others and/or through others (article 25(3)(a) of the Rome Statute), and (ii) for his failure to exercise control properly over civilian and military subordinates who committed the acts, or allowed for their commission, and who were under his effective authority and control, pursuant to superior responsibility (article 28(b) of the Rome Statute).

Fact #5 : The People’s Voice Is Known For Fake News

The People’s Voice is the current name for NewsPunch, which possibly changed its name because its brand has been so thoroughly discredited after posting numerous shocking but fake stories.

Founded as Your News Wire in 2014, it was rebranded as NewsPunch in November 2018, before becoming The People’s Voice. A 2017 BuzzFeed report identified NewsPunch as the second-largest source of popular fake news on Facebook that year.

Its articles have been regularly debunked as fake news, so you should never share anything from NewsPunch / The People’s Voice. Here are some of its fake stories that I fact checked earlier:

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Did Russia Just Shoot Down US Drone Over Black Sea?!

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Did Russia just shoot down a US drone flying over the Black Sea?! Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Russia Just Shot Down US Drone Over Black Sea!

People are claiming that Russia just shot down a US drone flying over the Black Sea!

US Civil Defense News : 🚨We reported it first! Before it happened!! Now Russia just shot down a US Drone over the Black Sea!!

US Civil Defense News : 🚨🚨🚨Update: Russian revenge!! Reports are coming out that Russian air defense forces shot down an American RQ-4 Global Hawk, a $100 million dollar drone over the Black Sea!!! 🔥🔥🔥

US Civil Defense News : 🚨Update: Report that a Russian MiG-31 fighter jet shot down the US RQ-4B Global Hawk over the Black Sea near Crimea where the US surveillance drone was providing targeting information to NATO missiles in Ukraine!!

SilencedSirs : ⚡️BREAKING: An American drone has been shot down over the Black Sea by Russia – Fighterbomber (linked to Russian Air Force). 🇷🇺 🇺🇸

Russia said there will be consequences for the US after ATACMS hit Crimea. #Russia #USA #BlackSea #Drone #Crimea #ATACMS #Geopolitics

Russian Market : #BREAKING US DRONE SHOT DOWN IN THE BLACK SEA – UNCONFIRMED

⚡️Waiting for confirmation ⚠️

❗️Military bloggers hint at the destruction of an American drone over the Black Sea by the Russian Aerospace Forces

A start. Congratulations to everyone involved. Handsome guys! We are expecting OK from the Pindos about “unprofessional actions.” There is now increased turbulence in the Black Sea. Let’s see whether it’s on an ongoing basis or whether it was a one-time event.

There have been no official statements at this time. It could probably be an RQ-4 Global Hawk.

No Evidence Russia Just Shot Down US Drone Over Black Sea!

This appears to be just more misinformation / Russian propaganda circulating online, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : No Evidence Russia Shot Down US Drone

Let me start by pointing out that there is no evidence that Russia just shot down a US drone flying over the Black Sea.

These claims appear to be made by pro-Russian social media accounts. There has not been any official confirmation from the Russian Ministry of Defense, or even official Russian media outlets.

Needless to say – none of those people making these claims actually provided any evidence that a Russian MiG-31 fighter jet shot down a US drone over the Black Sea.

Fact #2 : US Military Said There Was No Incident Over Black Sea

A US military official told Idress Ali of Reuters, that no incident had been reported over the Black Sea.

Idrees Ali : A U.S. military official says no incident has been reported over the Black Sea.

Fact #3 : US Drone Apparently Landed Safely

In addition, WarZone – News (Telegram) and other analysts (example) pointed out the US drone which Russia allegedly shot down apparently landed safely at around 2 AM Moscow time, on 24 June 24, 2024 at the Sigonella Air Base in Sicily, Italy.

The RQ-4B Global Hawk strategic reconnaissance drone with callsign Forte 10, operating yesterday off the coast of Crimea, which the Russians said they had shot down, returned “safely” to the Sigonella base in Italy on or around June 24, 2024 to 2:00 Moscow time.

Fact #4 : US Drones Are Flying In International Airspace

The US Air Force has been conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions using RQ-4B Global Hawk and MQ-4C Triton drones in the Black Sea to monitor Russian military movements in Crimea.

Russia has threatened to take stronger actions against US and NATO drones flying in the Black Sea. However, those drones are flying in international airspace, and Russia cannot simply shoot them down. That would have been considered a “casus belli“.

While Russia sometimes intercepts and monitors such drone flights, it has rarely attacked them, because it would have caused an international incident. That was what happened in March 2023, when a Russian Su-27 fighter jet damaged an American MQ-9 Reaper drone.

On 14 March 2023, two Russian Su-27 fighter jets intercepted a USAF MQ-9 Reaper drone on the way to a reconnaissance mission over the Black Sea. The Russian planes repeatedly flew past the drone to dump fuel on it. It was likely one of these attempts that damaged the drone’s propeller, forcing it to ditch in the Black Sea.

That incident was strongly condemned by the White House and the Pentagon. The Russian Defense Ministry made it a point to state that its fighter jets did not fire any weapons or make contact with the drone.

The Russian fighters did not use their airborne weapons, did not make contact with the drone, and returned safely to their home airfield.

Regardless of what Russia thinks of these drone flights, it would not dare to shoot down any US drone, especially if it’s flying in international airspace.

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Did British MP Warn Of NATO Dirty Bomb False Flag Op?!

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Did British MP Andrew Bridgen warn of NATO planning a dirty bomb false flag operation to spark World War 3?! Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : British MP Warns Of NATO Dirty Bomb False Flag Op!

People are sharing an article (archive) by The People’s Voice (formerly NewsPunch), which claims that British MP Andrew Bridgen just warned about NATO planning a dirty bomb false flag operation to spark World War 3!

Here is an excerpt of the article. Feel free to skip to the next section for the facts!

British MP Warns NATO Planning ‘Dirty Bomb’ False Flag in Europe to Spark WW3

NATO is planning to launch a false flag attack on a European city using a nuclear “dirty bomb” and pin the blame on Russia, according to British Member of Parliament Andrew Bridgen who was citing high-level parliamentary intelligence.

Bridgen explained on GB News that British intelligence service agents have warned him about the plot to embroil the world in the Ukraine war with Russia and spark World World 3.

An “attack” by Russia on any NATO country in Europe would result in Article 5 being triggered, requiring the United States and all NATO members to declare war on Russia. A false flag by NATO, pinned on Russia, could perform the same function. Watch:

Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization holds that “The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all.”

NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg has been desperate to bring more parties into the war in Ukraine, citing Russia as an expansionist threat, despite the fact Russian forces have remained stationed within Russian territory for decades, while NATO forces have been steadily encroaching closer to Russian borders.

The outgoing secretary-general used a recent interview with NPR to stress the importance of Article 5 and call for the US to re-commit to defending Europe in the event of an attack.

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Truth : British MP Did Not Warn Of NATO Dirty Bomb False Flag Op!

This is yet another example of fake news created / promoted by The People’s Voice, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Andrew Bridgen Is Not Privy To Parliamentary Intelligence

The People’s Voice article claimed that Andrew Bridgen cited “high-level parliamentary intelligence” and “British intelligence service agents” when he warned about a false flag attack on a European city using a nuclear dirty bomb. That’s simply not true.

First of all, Andrew Bridgen is an independent Member of Parliament, who does not sit in the Intelligence and Security Committee. Therefore, he has no access to sensitive or classified material provided by the UK intelligence community.

But more importantly – Andrew Bridgen himself never cited “high-level parliamentary intelligence” or claimed that “British intelligence service agents” told him about it. If you watch the GB News video above, he only referred to “defence analysts” – which could refer to anyone outside of the UK intelligence services with an opinion on defence matters.

Fact #2 : Andrew Bridgen Never Mentioned NATO

The People’s Voice article claimed that Andrew Bridgen said that “NATO is planning to launch a false flag attack on a European city using a nuclear dirty bomb“.

That’s not true either, because Andrew Bridgen never mentioned NATO at all!

Andrew Bridgen only claimed on GB News that there would be a nuclear detonation, and in fact, appears to make that comment after being asked about Russia using nuclear weapons:

GB News : Well, Putin said that he will use nuclear weapons if Russia is threatened, so isn’t there actually a way of winning any war against Russia?

Bridgen : Well, if he has nuclear, no one’s winning, aren’t they? I’ve got defence analysts feeding me information, and they’re in you know, services, and they’re saying that there is going to be a nuclear detonation in Europe.

When GB News pressed him on who would do such a dastardly deed, Bridgen notably did not mention NATO.

Fact #3 : No Dirty Bomb Has Exploded In Donbas

Andrew Bridgen bizarrely claimed that a dirty bomb may have already exploded in the Donbas region of Ukraine.

Bridgen : Well, it could be a dirty bomb. There’s a lot of nuclear material floating around in Ukraine from their nuclear reactors.

I mean to create contamination, all you need is some conventional explosives and some nuclear material and you’ve got a dirty bomb. They may have already been set off in the Donbas area now.

It may seem silly, but it has to be said – no dirty bomb has exploded in Donbas. If that occurred, it would have sparked international outrage as the affected area would have been contaminated for years.

Fact #4 : Ukraine Is Not A NATO Country

The People’s Voice article bizarrely referred to Article 5 of the NATO treaty, saying that an attack by Russia on any NATO country would require the United States and all NATO members to “declare war on Russia”. It then states that such a “false flag by NATO, pinned on Russia” could be that trigger.

Well, that’s a really silly claim. Even if the (non-existent) dirty bomb did indeed explode in the Donbas region of Ukraine, it would not trigger Article 5… because Ukraine is not a NATO member!

Fact #5 : The People’s Voice Is Known For Fake News

The People’s Voice is the current name for NewsPunch, which possibly changed its name because its brand has been so thoroughly discredited after posting numerous shocking but fake stories.

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Did Germany expel Ukrainian soldiers wearing Nazi symbols?!

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Were seven Ukrainian soldiers expelled from exercises in Germany for wearing Nazi symbols?! Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Germany Expelled Ukrainian Soldiers Wearing Nazi Symbols!

The Russian media, and pro-Russia supporters, are claiming that Germany just admitted it expelled Ukrainian soldiers who were found wearing Nazi symbols.

RT : Germany admits to expelling Ukrainian soldiers over Nazi symbols

Russian Market : Meanwhile in Germany:

Seven soldiers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces were expelled from exercises in Germany for wearing Nazi symbols.

“Their training was immediately terminated, and the servicemen were sent back to their homeland,” stated in a report by the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Wearing Nazi symbols in Germany carries a penalty of up to three years in prison.

Michael Weingardt : 🇩🇪🇺🇦- Germany expelled seven Ukrainian soldiers undergoing training in the country on Thursday due to their display of Nazi symbols, as reported by Kommersant. The training was abruptly stopped after the discovery of some soldiers wearing Nazi symbols.

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Truth : Germany Expelled Only Seven Ukrainian Soldiers Wearing Nazi Symbols!

Here is what you need to know about Germany expelling Ukrainian soldiers wearing Nazi symbols!

Fact #1 : Germany Expelled Only 7 Ukrainian Soldiers For Wearing Nazi Symbols

First, let me point out that Germany did indeed expel Ukrainian soldiers after they wore “right-wing extremist symbols” while undergoing training by the Bundeswehr.

The German government revealed this in response (full PDF) to a question from the AfD (Aktion für Deutschland / Alternative for Germany) party, which is ironically a far-right populist party that was embroiled in a Neo-Nazi scandal in 2017!

AfD : Have right-wing extremist symbols (tattoos, items of clothing, etc.) been found on the Ukrainian soldiers trained in Germany, and if so, how many cases are there and what, if any, has the federal government done about it?

German Federal Government : Seven such cases were identified during training conducted by the Bundeswehr for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The training of the affected Ukrainian soldiers was immediately completed in coordination with the Ukrainian armed forces and the affected persons were returned to Ukraine. German soldiers who deal with members of the Ukrainian armed forces as part of the training support would be regularly taught and sensitized about right-wing extremist symbols. Ukrainian soldiers went through an instruction on Nazi symbolism after their arrival in Germany.

As you can see – Germany has a zero tolerance policy for Nazi symbols, immediately ending the training of those seven Ukrainian soldiers, and returning them to Ukraine.

Ukrainian soldier throwing away the Donetsk Republic flag in Lyman.

Fact #2 : Only 7 Soldiers Expelled Since 2022

However, this does not appear to a recent development, but cumulative through the last 1.5 years.

The EUMAM UA (European Union Military Assistance Mission Ukraine) was established on 15 November 2022 to train Ukrainian soldiers in Germany.

The German federal government did not state when those soldiers were identified – whether it happened recently, or when EUMAM UA first started, or anytime in between.

Fact #3 : Over 10,000 Ukrainian Soldiers Were Trained In Germany

While it is “shocking” that seven Ukrainian soldiers were caught wearing “right-wing extremist symbols”, they are an extremely minuscule minority. After all, over 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers were trained in Germany since EUMAM UA was established!

In 2023 alone, 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers were trained in Germany in more than 260 training sessions. Even if we only take into account the 2023 numbers alone, those seven soldiers account for only 0.07% of AFU forces training in Germany.

Fact #4 : Russia Itself Has Lots Of Neo-Nazis

What pro-Russia supporters won’t tell you is that Russia itself has lots of neo-Nazis, with a long history of neo-Nazism in Putin’s Russia. Unlike Germany, Russia does not appear to have any zero tolerance policy for neo-Nazis.

In fact, Russia has many neo-Nazis fighting in its invasion of Ukraine, as well as many soldiers wearing the same or similar right-wing extremist symbols or Nazi symbols!

If Russia wishes to rid the world of neo-Nazis, it should start in its own backyard…

Fact #5 : Russia Colluded With Nazi Germany In World War 2

It is also important to remember that Russia colluded with Nazi Germany, until Germany invaded the Soviet Union in Operation Barbarossa.

Multiple commercial agreements provided Nazi Germany with desperately needed raw materials, including oil.
The Soviet Union invaded Poland in partnership with Nazi Germany.
The Soviet Union invaded Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia, just after Germany invaded France, the Netherlands and Belgium.
The Soviet Union tried to join the Axis Pact, which consisted of Nazi Germany, Japan and Italy.

If Hitler did not make the mistake of invading the Soviet Union, it was likely that Europe would have been divided between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany as per the infamous Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact.

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Did NATO + Russian Forces Engage In Battle In Ukraine?!

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Did NATO troops from France and Germany engage Russian troops in battle at Chasiv Yar, Ukraine?! Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : NATO + Russian Troops Engaged In Battle In Ukraine!

People are claiming that NATO troops from France and Germany just engaged Russian troops in battle at Chasiv Yar, Ukraine.

US Civil Defense News : 🚨Update: Reports that NATO (French and German) troops entered the battle to defend Ukraine near the Chasov Yar, Ukraine! This is bad news.

SilencedSirs : 🇺🇦🇷🇺🇫🇷🇩🇪 BREAKING: French and German forces have engaged in a fierce battle near Chasov Yar against Russian paratroopers. Unlike earlier reports of uncommitted mercenaries, these are highly trained, motivated #NATO troops. Initial encounters indicate they are likely from the French Foreign Legion, with reports suggesting their first casualties number up to 7. This deployment comes as part of France’s covert operations to bolster Ukrainian defenses, with plans to send approximately 1,500 legionnaires. #Ukraine #NATO #French

Lukyluke31 (translated) : 🇫🇷🇩🇪⚡️🇷🇺 French and German mercenaries engaged in combat with units of the 98th 🇷🇺 Div. near Chasov Yar
▶️ Except that they are *NOT* the usual mercenaries, but professional soldiers from NATO countries
– Colonelcassad source

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Truth : NATO + Russian Troops Did Not Engage In Battle In Ukraine!

This is yet another example of fake news about the Ukraine War, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : No Evidence Of Battle Between NATO + Russian Troops

First, let me just point out that there is zero evidence of any battle between NATO and Russian troops at Chasiv Yar, Ukraine. There is also no evidence that 7 NATO soldiers died in that battle!

If such a battle actually occurred, Russia would have officially protested against the direct involvement of NATO troops in battle against its forces. After all, Russia has already threatened action against any NATO troops in Ukraine.

Yet, there was no official condemnation by Russia over this alleged battle with NATO troops from France and Germany. Unsurprisingly, none of those who made these claims ever provided any evidence.

There was also no photographic evidence of the battle, or NATO soldiers fighting Russian forces at Chasiv Yar. That’s because it never happened.

Fact #2 : Photo Was Posted At Least 9 Years Ago

This photo showing French Foreign Legion soldiers posing next to a helicopter, is being shared as “evidence” that NATO troops were deployed to fight against Russian forces. Allegedly, this photo was taken at or near Chasiv Yar.

However, this photo isn’t new. In fact, a Russian forum posted it (archive) on 1 December 2014 – over 9.5 years ago! That may not even be the oldest example of this photo, but it was the oldest I found so far.

The truth is – this photo was not taken in Ukraine, and has nothing to do with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, or NATO troops fighting against Russian forces in Chasiv Yar.

Fact #3 : Claim Based On Single Russian Source

The claim of NATO soldiers engaged in battle with Russian forces appear to be based on a single Russian source – Colonelcassad on Telegram, who posted on 5 May 2024 (translated):

French and German mercenaries entered the battle near the Chasov Yar

It is reported from the ground that in the forestry area, on the southern approaches to Chasov Yar, in a shooting battle, the paratroopers encountered groups of mercenaries. However, now these are no longer the same tik-tok soldiers of foreign countries who came to Ukraine to earn money and, at the first threat to their lives, fled from their positions, packed their bags and went back. Now trained, highly motivated and ideological fighters, in other words, professional military personnel of NATO countries, are entering the battle.

The first reports (based on radio interceptions) about the arrival of foreign mercenaries in Chasov Yar arrived about a month ago, but then it was completely unclear what kind of units they were. We dare to assume that the paratroopers met with representatives of the French Foreign Legion, who, according to Military Chronicle, had previously been transferred to Slavyansk. Apparently, the unit, which was originally planned to be used in the defense of Slavyansk (in the event of a front breakthrough), is now involved in the defense of Chasov Yar, where the situation for the Ukrainian Armed Forces is worsening every day.

If this is indeed the case, then yesterday the French Foreign Legion suffered its first losses (up to 7 people)!

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It was posted in Russian, hence the Russified name, Chasov Yar, instead of the official Ukrainian name, Chasiv Yar.

However, Colonelcassad provided no evidence to back up his claims. Where is the drone footage? Where are the photos and/or videos of the battle or the 7 dead NATO soldiers???

His claims were never corroborated by other sources, and certainly not by Russian media, or the Russian government.

Fact #5 : French Foreign Legion Soldiers Were Allegedly Deployed

Colonelcassad referred to an earlier report that French Foreign Legion soldiers were allegedly deployed to Slavyansk – a city approximately 50 km away from Chasiv Yar.

That report was based on a single report by the Russian Weapons Telegram channel, which stated (translated):

⚡️The first company-tactical units of the French Foreign Legion are deployed in the Slavyansk and Kramatorsk operational directions. It is this fact that may be responsible for the multiple intensification of high-precision rocket and artillery strikes of the Tornado-S MLRS on the logistics hubs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Slavyansk, Seversk and Kramatorsk.

The Russian Weapons Telegram channel not only provided no evidence to back up its claim, it shared a photo that was taken more than 9.5 years ago (see Fact #2 above)!

So there is no actual evidence that any French Foreign Legion contingent was deployed to Slavyansk.

Fact #6 : French Troops Were Allegedly Only Military Advisors

In any case, Russian Weapons did not claim that those French Foreign Legion soldiers were there to fight against Russian forces. In fact, it only claimed that those soldiers were likely there as foreign advisors to help with Ukrainian rocket and artillery strikes.

It would, therefore, make sense that those soldiers were allegedly deployed to Slavyansk – some 50 km away, and not the frontlines at Chasiv Yar.

Fact #7 : No Germans Troops Were Allegedly Deployed

On top of that, Russian Weapons only mentioned French Foreign Legion soldiers were allegedly deployed to Chasiv Yar.

There was no mention of any German troops, although it is possible that there might be Germans in the French Foreign Legion. French Foreign Legion soldiers are mostly foreigners, with the exception of its commission officers.

That said – German nationals serving under the French Foreign Legion would be considered as French soldiers. On top of that, Legionnaires may apply for French citizenship after three years of service, or upon being wounded in battle.

In any case, there are no known sources claiming that actual German troops were deployed to Slavyansk or Chasiv Yar in Ukraine. So why would anyone quote Russian Weapons and suggest that there were German troops as well???

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Is Ukraine now drafting soldiers with Down syndrome?!

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Is Ukraine now forced to draft soldiers with Down syndrome?! Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Ukraine is drafting soldiers with Down syndrome!

People are sharing videos of what they claim or suggest is a Ukrainian soldier with Down syndrome, in a trench being abused by his fellow Ukrainians. In another video, the same Down syndrome soldier is seen almost dropping a bomb upside down a mortar tube!

Ian Miles Cheong : There are multiple videos of Ukrainian men with obvious physical and intellectual disabilities being press-ganged, “mobilized” and forced to be on the front lines—some of whom are rescued by women who no longer want to lose their men to fight Zelensky’s war. This video of an intellectually disabled man is one such example. How much longer must this go on?

Alex Jones : I have seen dozens of videos posted by the Ukrainian soldiers torturing this man. The first time I saw it 6 months ago I thought it must be fake. Then I investigated and determined it is real. The other videos are so evil I can make myself post them. My question is, what is wrong with the military in Ukraine to do stuff like this and post it? How could you be proud of this?

Alex Jones : Yesterday I posted another video of this disabled man who has been conscripted in to the Ukrainian army to fight their lost NATO sponsored war with Russia. A lot of pro Zelenskyy sickos thought it was funny to watch him be abused. Others think it is fake. The truth is Ukraine has been forcing children as young as 14 and men as old as 65 in to service. We are sleep walking in to WW3 and people need to wake up.

Joey Mannarino : Zelenskyy is sending men with Downs Syndrome to fight for Ukraine now. America should refuse to fund this.

The People’s Voice : Ukraine Resorts To Drafting Physically & Mentally Disabled Men

Jackson Hinkle : 🚨🇺🇦 UKRAINE has run out of soldiers, so they are FORCING 25 YEAR OLDS with DOWN SYNDROME to fight WALL STREET’S WAR!

SpetsnaZ 007 : 🇺🇦 This is Vokha, a Ukrainian soldier with Down syndrome getting harassed and beat up by his “comrade”.

What a sick world we live in. Fк Zelensky.

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https://www.techarp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ukrainian-down-syndrome-soldier-01.mp4?_=5

Truth : Ukraine is not drafting soldiers with Down syndrome!

This appears to be yet another example of Russian propaganda and/or fake news, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Down syndrome Man Does Not Appear To Be AFU Soldier

Let me start by pointing out that there is no evidence that the soldier with Down syndrome is actually part of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). In fact, there is no evidence he is even a soldier!

If you look carefully at the two videos (another below), you will notice a few problems with claims that the Down syndrome man is an AFU soldier:

His uniform lacks any unit patch or identification
He’s wearing rubber boots, even though it’s winter
While you may think he’s wearing a bulletproof vest, he’s just wearing an empty plate carrier, without any actual armour plate.
He also lacks a helmet and a weapon of any kind, even though the videos claim / suggest that he’s on the frontline.

Unsurprisingly, none of those sharing these videos actually provided any evidence that the man, who is apparently called Vokha, is serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

https://www.techarp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ukrainian-down-syndrome-soldier-02.mp4?_=6

Fact #2 : It Was Likely Recorded Far From Any Frontline

The videos lack any features that allow for geolocation, so it could easily be recorded in Russia, or Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine, using a Ukrainian man with Down syndrome.

In fact, it was likely recorded far away from any frontline as his abuser / cameraman was very loud. Such shouting would have attracted the attention of the opposing side, resulting in artillery fire or a drone attack.

In addition, there was a distinct lack of background sound – no booming of artillery, not even gunshots in the distance. It literally sounds like the videos were taken in a safe environment, far from any fighting.

Fact #3 : AFU Does Not Accept Soldiers With Disabilities

I should also point out that the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) does not accept soldiers with such significant disabilities.

As the AFU’s Regulation on Military Medical Examination decreed (archive), people with significant congenital or chromosomal abnormalities are ineligible for military service, even if they wish to voluntarily join the AFU!

Fact #4 : He Would Have Endangered His Fellow Soldiers

Frankly, it would not make sense for Ukraine to deploy soldiers with Down syndrome on the frontlines, even if they are desperate, because they would pose even more danger to their fellow soldiers.

People with Down syndrome not only have some intellectual impairment, they also have health problems. If they are ever drafted to serve in the military, they would be serving in the rear, and never on the frontlines.

Fact #5 : This Is Likely Just Russian Propaganda

This is likely just Russian, or pro-Russia, propaganda / fake news, just like these examples that I fact checked earlier:

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Was “Dead” Ukrainian Crisis Actor Caught Waking Up?!

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Was a “dead” Ukrainian crisis actor caught waking up on TV, during a live video of civilian casualties?!

Take a look at the viral video, and find out what the facts really are!

Updated @ 2024-04-07 : Added new video
Originally published @ 2022-03-14

Claim : “Dead” Ukrainian Crisis Actor Caught Waking Up On TV!

People are sharing a video which they claimed is evidence of Ukrainian fake news.

It shows a reporter speaking, with rows of black body bags behind him – supposedly civilian casualties in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

One of the “dead” Ukrainian crisis actor is seen fiddling with his body bag that was blowing in the wind, before a lady goes to help cover him up!

Ukraine live TV supposedly filming dead TV persons killed during the invasion. But during filming one of dead woke up. 🤣🤣🤣

What nonsense!!!

Truth : “Dead” Crisis Actor Was NOT Caught Waking Up On Ukrainian TV!

This is yet another example of anti-Ukrainian fake news, apparently created and distributed by pro-China activists.

Fact #1 : TV Broadcast Was In German

The video has the chyron, WIEN: DEMO GEGEN KLIMAPOLITIK, with one individual holding a sign that said “Aktuell Klimapolitik Nicht“.

Those are German words, not Ukrainian or Russian; and the reporter was speaking in German.

This is one of the reasons why I believe this to be a Chinese effort at misinformation, rather than Russian.

Russians would not waste their time with this video, because they know that most Europeans would be able to identify the German language even if they don’t understand it.

Fact #2 : oe24TV Is Austrian, Not Ukrainian

The video identifies the reporter as Marvin Bergauer of oe24TV – a TV channel that belongs to Österreich.

Österreich, which literally means Austria, is an Austrian newspaper that publishes in the German language.

Fact #3 : Video Was About A Climate Change Protest

The video was actually about a climate change protest in Vienna, as these English translations will tell you :

WIEN: DEMO GEGEN KLIMAPOLITIK = Vienna: Demo against climate policy
Aktuell Klimapolitik Nicht = No to the current climate policy

The “dead bodies” were not crisis actors, but 49 protesters in body bags outside the Federal Chancellery in Vienna. This was what oe24 reporter, Marvin Bergauer, was saying in German :

No greenhouse gas and reduction targets in Austria for 400 days. That is the official title of this event here, this demonstration.

It was organised by Fridays For Future… Here you can also see this protest action, which is somewhat macabre. Forty-nine people are lying here on the ground to represent the climate deaths.

Fact #4 : Video Was Taken Before Russian Invasion Of Ukraine

This video was recorded on 4 February 2022 – 20 days before Russia invaded Ukraine.

You can confirm this in the official oe24TV broadcast page for this protest, as well as this tweet by the Fridays for Future group in Vienna.

Seit 400 Tagen hat Österreich kein wirksames Klimaschutzgesetz.

Und das mit einer Bundesregierung, die sich „Klimaschutz“ groß auf die Fahnen schreibt.

Durch jeden Tag (!), an dem Österreich seine Treibhausgasemissionen nicht senkt, werden 49 Menschen zu Tode kommen.

🧵Thread! pic.twitter.com/nScxYLhhz4

— Fridays For Future Wien – #DontFuelWar (@ViennaForFuture) February 4, 2022

Fact #5 : Video Was Also Misused By COVID-19 Deniers

This video was also misused earlier by COVID-19 deniers who claimed that these are crisis actors in Germany who pretended to be dead COVID-19 patients.

They were sharing it as evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic was staged or planned, and that people did not actually die from it.

This video was already circulating in the West since 9 February 2022, so it would be really peculiar for Russian disinformation teams to reuse it.

This would suggest that the video is being used by Chinese disinformation efforts unfamiliar to its earlier circulation in the West.

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Did Zelenskyy Buy Highgrove House From King Charles?!

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Did Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy just purchase Highgrove House from King Charles for £20 million?!

Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Zelenskyy Bought Highgrove House From King Charles!

People are sharing a post by the Russian Embassy in South Africa (archive), which claims / suggests that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy just purchased Highgrove House from King Charles for £20 million!

Zelensky purchases King Charles’ Highgrove House – British media

Ukrainian president, whose term of office expires on 20 May, has bought Highgrove House from Britain’s King Charles III. This was reported by The London Crier, which has stated that the deal amounted to £20 million.

Grant Harrold, the king’s former butler, said that according to his information, the sale deal was completed on February 29, 2024, during the visit of Zelensky’s wife to the UK. The sale of Highgrove House was also confirmed by staff involved in maintaining the former royal residence. Most of them were laid off on March 21, 2024.

Also, on 12 January 2024, the UK government announced additional funding for Ukraine of £2.5 billion for 2024/2025.

Earlier, similar claims were made by Maria Dubovikova (archive), who calls herself a “prominent independent analyst and media expert”.

Truth : Zelenskyy Did Not Buy Highgrove House From King Charles!

This appears to be yet another example of Russian propaganda, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Highgrove House Has Not Been Sold

Let me just start by pointing out that there is no evidence that King Charles sold Highgrove House to anyone, never mind Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

In fact, the official Highgrove website still states that it is the family home of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, and it is still open for people to visit!

Fact #2 : Prince William Owns Highgrove House

While Highgrove House is where King Charles III and Queen Camilla occasionally stay, it technically belongs to the Duchy of Cornwall.

When Charles became King in September 2022, Prince William became the new Duke of Cornwall. As the new Duke of Cornwall, Prince William is the official owner of Highgrove House, not King Charles.

So if Volodymyr Zelenskyy, or anyone else for the matter, wishes to purchase Highgrove House, they would have to ask Prince William, not King Charles!

Fact #3 : British Media Did Not Make These Claims

While the Russian Embassy in South Africa claims that British media made these claims, that’s not accurate.

These claims appear to originate from a single website, called London Crier, which describes itself as “London’s most trusted source of unbiased news“, but appears to be nothing more than a Russian-linked website designed to spread misinformation / disinformation.

Fact #2 : London Crier Is Brand New

The truth is – London Crier is a brand-new website whose domain was recently created on 26 March 2024 at 8:20 AM UTC (archive). On top of that, four snapshots (here, here, here, and here) showed that it wasn’t even operational at that time.

In fact, London Crier only appeared to go live on 2 April 2024, which was when the article on the Highgrove House purchase and a whole slew of other “articles” were published. Even then, it looked like a rushed job, with its Terms page filled with “Loren ipsum” placeholder text!

By 6 April, the London Crier appears to be offline. So much for “London’s most trusted source of unbiased news“…

Fact #3 : Many London Crier Articles Were In Russian

Even though it called itself “London’s most trusted source of unbiased news“, its articles not only push pro-Russian talking points, some were published entirely in Russian!

It appears that its creator(s) were translating Russian articles, and missed some of them! Here’s one example – Kremlin Accuses Ukraine of War Crimes (archive). That’s quite a remarkable demonstration of Russian professionalism!

Fact #4 : This Is Just Russian Propaganda

This appears to be yet another example of Russian propaganda, like these examples I fact checked recently:

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Did Russia Arrest Rustam Azhiev For Moscow Attack?!

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Did Russia arrest a Ukrainian man called Rustam Azhiev for the Crocus City Hall attack in Moscow?! Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Russia Arrested Rustam Azhiev For Moscow Attack!

Some people are claiming that Russia just arrested a Ukrainian man called Rustam Azhiev for the Crocus City Hall attack in Moscow that killed at least 133 people.

Paul A. Szypula : Ukraine citizen Rustam Azhiyev was just identified as a terrórist who took part in the massącre Friday of over 150 peaceful people in Moscow.

Were U.S. tax dollars used by Zelensky to facilitate this horrendous attack on innocent citizens of Russia?

Richard : It appears that Rustam Azhiyev, is a Ukrainian citizen, purportedly served in the Ukrainian Armed Forces in 2022 and is now being identified as one of the terrorists.

This seems to align with Putin’s assertions….

🇺🇲 Silent Silas 🇺🇲 : We’re led to believe Islamic State claimed responsibility for attack on Crocus City Hall in Moscow. Seems like a cover.

On the other hand, we have one of the terrorists that aided in killing 130 unarmed people, a former Ukrainian soldier Rustam Azhiyev.

Ayesha ilyas : 🚨BREAKING: One of the terrorists who killed over 130 innocent people in the Moscow concert hall attack, Rustam Azhiyev, has been identified as a Ukrainian citizen and “former” soldier ⚠️

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Truth : Russia Did Not Arrest Rustam Azhiev For Moscow Attack!

This appears to be yet another example of fake news circulating on X (formerly Twitter), and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Rustam Azhiev Is Chechen Battalion Deputy Commander

Let me start by pointing out that Rustam Magomedovich Azhiev (born Мохмад ВоӀ Рустам / Moxmad Vo’ Rustam on 12 April 1981) is currently the deputy commander-in-chief of the Chechen battalion OBON, which is fighting on the Ukrainian side of the Ukraine War.

Azhiev was a former Chechen wrestler who started fighting against the Russian military in the Second Russo-Chechen War in 1999. He later fought against Russia in the Syrian civil war, as Abdul Hakim al-Shishani, the emir of the jihadist militant group, Ajnad al-Kavkaz (AK).

In 2022, Abdul Hakim al-Shishani and his AK militants joined the fight against the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Fact #2 : Russia Never Said He Was Rustam Azhiev

Without a doubt, Rustam Azhiev has been a thorn in the side of the Russian government for many years, and is thus, is well-known (infamous?) to them.

If Russia did indeed capture Rustam Azhiev, it would have been a major coup. The Russian government would have publicly announced it, and made a big fuss. Yet, it did nothing of the sort.

Even Margarita Simonovna Simonya, the editor-in-chief of RT – the Russian state broadcaster, only identified the man in the viral photo as the “mastermind” behind the Crocus City Hall attack. She never identified him as Rustam Azhiev.

The only people who are apparently making these claims are Western social media users who probably cannot tell the difference between a Chechen and a Syrian, never mind identify Rustam Azhiev in a line-up. Unsurprisingly, none of them actually provided any evidence that the man is Rustam Azhiev.

Fact #3 : The Captured Man Is Not Rustam Azhiev

While the man may look superficially like Rustam Azhiev, they are not the same man as the photo above shows. They have different cheek profiles, and their ears look different.

But the clearest indication is their hair partings. The man who was captured has hair parted on his left side. Rustam Azhiev’s hair is parted on his right side.

It cannot be determined from the photo, but the real Rustam Azhiev lost three fingers while fighting in the Second Russo-Chechen War in 2009. The Russian government would obviously know if this man is, or is not, Rustam Azhiev.

Fact #4 : Rustam Azhiev Was Never Associated With ISIS

Rustam Azhiev may hate Russia, but he has never been associated with ISIS. His jihadist militant group, Ajnad al-Kavkaz, was made up of fighters from the Caucasus Emirate, but operated autonomously.

In fact, AK’s support for the fight against Russia has less to do with its jihadist ideals, and more to do with fighting against Russia’s oppression, as one of its commanders explained:

Every enemy of Russia is a friend of ours. Also, the Ukrainian people are oppressed, and Islam commanded us to support the oppressed, let alone if the oppressor is a common enemy to us.

There is simply no evidence that Rustam Azhiev would subject himself to ISIS command, never mind actually take part in an ISIS operation.

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Fact Check : King Charles III Just Died From Cancer?!

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Did King Charles just die from cancer at the age of 75?! Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : King Charles III Just Died From Cancer!

Some people are claiming that King Charles III just died from cancer at the age of 75! Here are just some examples:

TRACKER DEEP : BREAKING: SOURCE REPORTS KING CHARLES HAS DIED AFTER SUCCUMBING TO PROSTRATE CANCER AT THE AGE OF 75

US Civil Defense News : 🚨🚨🚨Update: British King Charles III has died of cancer at age 75!! 🔥🔥🔥

US Civil Defense News : 🚨Update: The Royal Family is saying the news of King Charles death is still not public or ‘official.’ They are still planning a major news conference soon…

THE NAIROBIYAN™ : Who will takeover as the king or queen now that King Charles III has died

Ghost Ezra : BREAKING: SOURCE REPORTS KING CHARLES HAS DIED AFTER SUCCUMBING TO PROSTATE CANCER AT THE AGE OF 75

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No Evidence King Charles Died From Cancer!

This appears to be another example of fake news circulating on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : King Charles Did Not Die From Cancer!

Let me start by simply pointing out that King Charles did not die from cancer on 17 March 2024.

There was no announcement from official Buckingham Palace sources like its official website, or its official Instagram page, or its official X page.

If King Charles III actually died from any cause, it would have officially announced on the official website, and on the BBC. Yet, there has been no such announcement.

On the other hand, the UK Embassy in Ukraine officially announced that King Charles is not dead:

News about King Charles III death is fake

Fact #2 : King Charles III Death Announcement Is Fake

Other people are sharing what appears to be an official announcement by Buckingham Palace, which states simply:

THE FOLLOWING ANNOUNCEMENT IS MADE BY ROYAL COMMUNICATIONS

The King passed away unexpectedly yesterday afternoon.

Monday, 18th March 2024

Even though this announcement was dated today – Monday, 18 March 2024, it was not posted by Buckingham Palace. We also know that it’s fake, because:

The announcement does not appear to be formatted properly as previous official statements.
Statements issued by Buckingham Palace would not be labelled as issued by Royal Communications.

Fact #3 : King Charles III Does Not Have Prostate Cancer

Here’s another clue why this is a fake claim – King Charles does not have prostate cancer.

On 5 February 2024, Buckingham Palace issued a statement informing the public that when King Charles underwent a procedure for benign prostate enlargement, his doctors discovered an unspecified cancer.

During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.

Buckingham Palace declined to reveal what type of cancer King Charles was diagnosed with, and would only confirm that it was not prostate cancer.

No further details are being shared at this stage, except to confirm that His Majesty does not have prostate cancer.

Fact #4 : No One Offered Any Evidence

Quite a number of people are claiming that an unnamed “source” reported that King Charles died from prostate cancer. However, none of them actually offered any evidence such a source exists.

Fact #5 : Rumour First Appeared In Russian Media

Interestingly, this rumour appears to have first appeared in Russian media, instead of the notoriously inquisitive and free media in the United Kingdom!

Russia’s Gazeta, for example, reported on its Telegram channel that Russian media reported King Charles III died, only to later update it with an announcement that:

Buckingham Palace told TASS that Charles III is alive. He continues to perform work duties and engage in private affairs.

Fact #6 : Rumour Came Right After Major Announcement Fake News

Coincidentally (or perhaps not), this rumour came right after people falsely claimed that the British Royal Family told people to look out for an impending major announcement.

Fact #7 : This Is Just Royal Family Fake News!

This appears to be yet another example of fake news about the British Royal family, like these examples:

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Did Alexei Navalny Die Suddenly From Vaccine SADS?!

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Did Alexei Navalny die suddenly from COVID-19 vaccine SADS?! Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Alexei Navalny Died Suddenly From Vaccine SADS!

Right after news broke that Alexei Navalny died suddenly in a remote Russian penal colony, some people immediately claimed or suggested that Vladimir Putin’s most feared opposition leader was killed by the COVID-19 vaccine!

Richard : So according to the most recent autopsy results of Alexei Navalny, the 47-year-old’s cause of death is a blood clot in the heart.

Doctors suspect it was caused by vaccination against the coronavirus with the Pfizer vaccine. Apparently Navalny was vaccinated four times…. #Navalny #AlexeiNavalny #Nawalny

DiedSuddenly : “Safe and effective!”

Bruin Republicans at UCLA : Alexei Navalny died from the COVID vaccine and the fact that nobody wants to admit it is shameful

Why would you blame Putin for something Navalny did to himself by taking an experimental MRNA vaccine?

Doll Arntzen : 🔥It Was Fauci Not Putin 🔥

According to Rossiya 1 television, there are the results of Alexei Navalny’s autopsy. The cause of death of the 47-year-old was a blood clot in the heart. Doctors suspect that it was caused by vaccination against coronavirus with the Phizera vaccine.

Navalny was vaccinated four times. 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯

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No Evidence Alexei Navalny Died From Vaccine SADS!

It’s now tradition for anti-vaccine activists to blame all sudden deaths or illnesses on the COVID-19 vaccine. Here are the reasons why this is yet another example of fake news created and propagated by anti-vaccine activists…

Fact #1 : Alexei Navalny Died Suddenly In Arctic Prison

Alexei Navalny (born Alexei Anatolyevich Navalny / Алексей Анатольевич Навальный on 4 June 1976) died suddenly at the FKU IK-3 Arctic Circle penal colony in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug on Friday, 16 February 2024.

His death was announced by the Russian Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) the same day, which stated that Navalny lost consciousness after a walk. Medical workers at the penal colony attended to him, and an emergency medical team was called.

On 02/16/2024, in correctional colony No. 3, convicted Navalny A.A. felt ill after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness. The medical staff of the institution immediately arrived, and an ambulance team was called. All necessary resuscitation measures were carried out, which did not give positive results. The doctors of the emergency medical service pronounced the convict dead.

Several Russian state-owned news agencies reported that an ambulance arrived at the scene in less than 7 minutes, and performed resuscitation measures for more than half an hour. However, they failed to revive Alexeï Navalny, who was then pronounced dead at 2:17 PM local time.

His mother, Lyudmila Navalnaya, 69, received an official note the next day, on Saturday, 17 February. Alexei Navalny was 47 years old when he died.

Fact #2 : An Autopsy Is Being Conducted On Alexei Navalny

The Investigative Committee of Russia announced that “a set of investigative and operative measures” will be undertaken to determine Navalny’s cause of death, and his body would only be released to his family after the investigation was complete. The Russian authorities can legally hold his body for up to 30 days.

According to Novaya Gazeta, Alexei Navalny’s body was taken to Labytnangi, before being taken to a clinical morgue in Salekhard in the evening. His body allegedly had bruises consistent with chest compressions, which indicated that attempts were made to resuscitate Navalny.

Fact #3 : Alexei Navalny’s Cause Of Death Has Not Been Revealed!

It seems absurd for anyone to claim that Alexeï Navalny died from the COVID-19 vaccine, when his official cause of death has not been announced.

His mother was told by the prison that Alexei Navalny died from “sudden death syndrome”. However, there is no such diagnosis of death according to the ICD-10, which Russian doctors must follow.

In any case, “sudden death syndrome” has nothing to do with COVID-19 vaccines, and is a general term for any sudden, unexpected death from natural causes”.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sudden death syndrome (SDS) is defined as the sudden, unexpected death from natural causes witnessed within one hour of symptom onset, or if there are no witnesses – death occurring within 24 hours of someone being seen alive and symptom-free.

Russian propaganda outlet RT, citing an anonymous source, reported that Alexei Navalny died from a blood clot. While that is possible, it is not possible for anyone to know that without first conducting an autopsy.

Until Alexei Navalny’s official cause of death is revealed after his autopsy is complete, take these claims with a pinch of salt. More so if the sources are Russian state-owned media outlets.

Fact #4 : Unknown If Alexei Navalny Was Vaccinated Against COVID-19

Despite claims or suggestions that Alexei Navalny was fully-vaccinated, receiving four doses of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, there isn’t any actual evidence that he ever received the COVID-19 vaccine.

It is possible that Alexei Navalny was unvaccinated against COVID-19, because the COVID-19 vaccine is not mandatory in Russia. In fact, many people who were injured or died suddenly were actually unvaccinated, like Kris Jordan, Aaron Carter, Kirstie Alley, Stephan Bonnar, Shane Macaulay, David Wayne Burleson, and Kaden Clymer.

Until and unless his family (or the Russian authorities) reveal his COVID-19 vaccination status, anyone who tells you that Alexei Navalny was vaccinated or otherwise, is likely lying to you. None of us know that.

Fact #5 : Russia Never Approved Any mRNA Vaccines

Even if Alexei Navalny was vaccinated against COVID-19 in Russia, it is almost a certainty he never received any mRNA vaccine. That’s because Russia has never approved any mRNA vaccine to date.

Alexei Navalny was hospitalised in Germany in December 2020, and flew back to Russia on 17 January 2021, where he was immediately detained and imprisoned. This was before COVID-19 vaccination was available to his age group in Germany on 17 May 2021, so he couldn’t have gotten his mRNA vaccine then either.

Fact #6 : Russian Vaccines Do Not Have Four Doses

It also seems quite impossible for Alexei Navalny to have received four vaccine doses. as many have claimed.

After all, Russia only approved four COVID-19 vaccines, two of which were approved for a third (booster) dose. There is no fourth dose for any COVID-19 vaccine in Russia.

Even Alexei Navalny was vaccinated against COVID-19 in Russia, he would have received at most – three doses of the Sputnik V or Sputnik Light vaccines.

Fact #7 : Vaccine Side Effects Appear Within Hours / Days

Even if Alexei Navalny was fully-vaccinated against COVID-19, he would have received his doses more than two years ago! He cannot possibly have suffered from a vaccine side effect, because they appear within hours or days, not months later.

Mild side effects like injection site pain, fever, muscle ache, headache, lethargy develop within minutes to hours of the vaccination. Anaphylaxis develops within minutes, while other severe adverse reactions like myocarditis and VITT develop within days or weeks.

The spike proteins produced by the COVID-19 vaccines also do not stick around for months. If these spike proteins are permanent (as antivaxxers claim), we would have lifelong immunity.

Your own immune system will identify the spike proteins as foreign, and destroy them within a matter of days, although some may last for up to a few weeks. This is part of how vaccines teach your immune system to identify the enemy and destroy it.

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Don’t forget to protect yourself, and your family, by vaccinating against COVID-19!

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Was Lloyd Austin Just Killed In Ukraine?!

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Was US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin just killed in Ukraine by Russian hypersonic cruise missiles?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the FACTS really are!

Claim : Lloyd Austin Was Just Killed In Ukraine!

On 16 January 2024, Real Raw News posted an article (archive) claiming that US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was just killed in Ukraine by a Russian cruise missile strike!

As usual, the article is long, rambling and confusing, so here is an excerpt. Please feel free to skip to the next section for the facts!

White Hats Confirm Lloyd Austin Killed in Ukraine

The White Hat coalition has confirmed that the criminal Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was killed in Ukraine on January 3 by a Russian cruise missile strike that annihilated a command post where Austin and a high-ranking Ukrainian military commander, Lieutenant General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, were scheming to overthrow Vladimir Putin, a source in General Eric M. Smith’s office told Real Raw News.

As reported on January 7, Russian FSB agent Andrei Zakharov told RRN that the criminal Biden regime’s claims about Austin being secretly hospitalized for a week were disinformation because Russian intelligence placed him in Kyiv at the time of his alleged hospitalization. He said 20 hypersonic cruise missiles destroyed a maze of subterranean chambers in which Austin and Zaluzhnyi plotted Putin’s demise.

Although White Hats didn’t dismiss the claim as propaganda, they wanted physical evidence of Austin’s death. They received that evidence, our source said, on January 14.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu sent Gen. Smith’s office a digital copy of Austin’s fingerprints, lifted from equipment he had touched in the Kyiv bunker. The prints were a 14-point match, more significant than the 10–12-point match used by courts of law to prove a person’s identity. Shoigu also sent surveillance photographs of Austin and Zaluzhnyi lingering outside the bunker a day before the strike. Our source said that Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command experts authenticated the prints and images.

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Truth : Lloyd Austin Was Not Killed In Ukraine!

The truth is – this is just another FAKE STORY created by Real Raw News, just to generate page views and money.

Fact #1 : Real Raw News Is A Fake News Website

Real Raw News is a fake news website that capitalises on making shocking but fake stories to generate page views and money.

To protect himself from legal repercussions, the owner and writer, Michael Baxter (real name – Michael Tuffin), claims that his articles are “humour, parody, and satire“.

That disclaimer, which is not clearly mentioned in his articles, lets him keep creating fake news to go viral, and generate money.

His articles have been regularly debunked as fake news, so you should NEVER share anything from his website. Here are some of his fake stories that I debunked earlier:

Everything posted by Real Raw News must be regarded as FAKE NEWS, until proven otherwise.

A March 2018 screenshot of Michael Tuffin, who goes by the pseudonym Michael Baxter

Fact #2 : Lloyd Austin Is Not Dead

This is really silly, but it has to be said – US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III is not dead. Neither was he killed in Ukraine by Russian cruise missiles.

If anything happened to Lloyd Austin III, not only would the Biden Administration have been informed, so would the US Congress. It would also have been reported by the press all over the world.

The lack of any legitimate report of his death is even more impossible after the recent political brouhaha over Lloyd Austin belatedly informing the Biden Administration and the US Congress that he was hospitalised for prostate cancer surgery.

In fact, Lloyd Austin has just been called to testify before the House Armed Services Committee on 14 February 2023, over his failure to notify the White House about his recent hospitalisation. Do you think anyone would have kept his “death” a secret?

The truth is – Lloyd Austin is very much still alive, after being released from the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Monday, 15 January 2024. On 19 January – 3 days after Real Raw News claimed that he was killed in Ukraine, he even had a voice call meeting with the Swedish Minister of Defense, Pål Jonson.

Fact #3 : Hypersonic Missiles Are Very Expensive

Real Raw News absurdly claimed that Lloyd Austin was killed by 20 hypersonic cruise missiles, when only one would have been sufficient. Okay, fine, you can throw in a second “just to be sure’.

Russia only has one hypersonic cruise missile in service – the 3M22 Zircon (Tsirkon / Циркон), known to NATO as SS-N-33. With a top speed of Mach 9, the 3M22 Zircon has the kinetic energy to easily penetrate bunkers. You don’t need 20 of them. You only need one.

It is also important to note that Zircon is extremely expensive to make, reportedly costing some $210 million per missile. If Russia actually fired 20 of them – that’s US$4.2 billion to destroy a single bunker. Not only is that an extravagant waste of money, Russia only started deploying the Zircon in January 2023, and has very few of them.

If Russia ever used a Zircon in Ukraine, it would have been reported by TASS, as well as military observers and the Ukrainian media. It never did. The Zircon remains the only missile that Russia has not deployed in Ukraine.

Fact #4 : Marine Cyberspace Command Does Not Authenticate Identities

Real Raw News laughably claimed that Russian forces stormed Kyiv to retrieve Lloyd Austin’s fingerprints. Never mind, they barely moved the frontline since October 2022. Russian forces are currently several hundred kilometres away from Kyiv.

It doesn’t even make sense for Russia to retrieve his fingerprints, especially when Ukraine and the United States would be able to authenticate Lloyd Austin’s death. On top of that – it absurdly claims that the prints and photos were authenticated by a Cyberspace Command unit!

The US Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command (MARFORCYBER) is a cybersecurity and cyberwarfare unit. It is meant to protect critical network infrastructure, and conduct cyberattacks. What it does not do is authenticate fingerprints and photos.

Everything posted by Real Raw News should be regarded as FAKE NEWS.

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Did Ukrainian Pilot Defect To Russia With NATO Tech?!

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Did a senior Ukrainian pilot just defect to Russia with his Su-27 fighter loaded with NATO missiles, and electronics?!

Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Ukrainian Su-27 Pilot Defected To Russia

People are sharing two photos of a Ukrainian Su-27 fighter jet, claiming / suggesting that it was just flown to Russia by a defecting Ukrainian flight commander, fully-loaded with NATO missiles, radar, and electronic warfare equipment.

Spetsnaℤ 007 🇷🇺 : So this appeared in the base today😁

A Ukrainian “flight commander” flew a SU-27 jet over the Russian border and landed in one of our bases.

Can’t wait for the F-16…

Intelligence FRONT : A senior pilot who served as a squadron commander in the Ukrainian Air Force escaped with a Su-27 jet and took refuge in Russia. It is said that the pilot arrived with a large amount of information, documents and some intact western-made missiles, radar and electronic warfare pod on the plane. This is the first time such an incident has occurred, and the fact that the incoming pilot is a high-ranking figure with plenty of documentation, and that the planes are already NATO integrated and carry NATO equipment and missiles, constitutes a historical opportunity for the Russians regarding NATO air equipment and missiles. It was also a chance to obtain extensive information about the situation of the Ukrainian Air Force and air defense forces, as well as NATO activities in the country.

US Civil Defense News :🚨Update: Ukrainian flight captain decided he wanted to live and defected to Russia, flying and landing his fighter jet in Russia. They realize the war is over. They lost. It’s time to move on!!!

No Evidence Ukrainian Su-27 Pilot Defected To Russia!

This appears to be another example of FAKE NEWS / VATNIK PROPAGANDA circulating on X (formerly Twitter), and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Photos Were Taken At RIAT 1996

First, let me just point out that the claim or suggestion that a Ukrainian Su-27 fighter jet with the tail number 48 just defected to Russia is definitely false.

The two photos of the same Ukrainian Su-27 aircraft with the tail number 48 were not taken recently, or even in Ukraine or Russia.

The photos are of a Ukrainian Su-27S at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) show, was held at RAF Fairfore in Gloucestershire in the UK. They were taken in July 1996 – more than 27 years ago!

The photo above was taken by Mike Freer, who captioned it as a Ukrainian Su-27S “departing RIAT 96”.

The photo below was taken by Peter Fothergill, who took his photo on 19 July 1996, but only uploaded it to the AirFighters website on 1 September 2020.

Fact #2 : No Evidence Of Pilot Defecting With Su-27

Claims that a senior Ukrainian officer or flight commander defected to Russia with a Su-27 fighter jet loaded with NATO missiles and electronics have been circulating on X (formerly Twitter) since 18 November 2023.

However, none of those who posted the news have actually provided any evidence that such a defection took place.

The defection of a senior Ukrainian pilot would have been major news, especially if he flew a Su-27 fighter jet loaded with NATO missiles and electronics to Russia. Yet, Russian news media have not mentioned such a stunning development.

Fact #3 : Ka-52 Pilot Reported A Pilot Defection

The claims appear to be based on a short report by the Russian state news agency, TASS. On 18 November 2023, TASS reported that a Ukrainian military pilot defected to Russia.

According to Alexey Voyevoda – a Ka-52 helicopter pilot who organised the flight, the pilot is now “consulting with the Federal Security Service”.

MOSCOW, November 18. /TASS/. A military pilot of the Ukrainian armed forces has defected to Russia, a Ka-52 helicopter pilot, who organized the flight, told TASS.

“The Ukrainian military pilot is in Russia, consulting with the Federal Security Service,” Alexey Voyevoda said.

Voyevoda explained that he cannot yet disclose the details of this operation.

You will note that the TASS report never said that it was a senior pilot, or a flight commander. It also never said that the pilot flew to Russia with a Su-27 fighter jet, much less one loaded with NATO missiles or electronics.

Fact #4 : Ka-52 Extraction Is Plausible

The Kamov Ka-52 Alligator (Hokum B) is a two-seater helicopter, seating a pilot and a gunner side-by-side.

While it is not capable of carrying any passengers, it is possible for a Ka-52 pilot like Alexey Voyevoda to fly into Ukraine without a gunner, to extract a defecting Ukrainian pilot.

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Joe Biden Caught Receiving Laundered Chinese Money?!

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Was Joe Biden just caught receiving almost a quarter million dollars worth of laundered Chinese money?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Joe Biden Caught Receiving Laundered Chinese Money!

People are sharing videos, articles, etc. that claim or suggest that US President Joe Biden just got caught receiving almost a quarter million dollars worth of laundered Chinese money!

House Oversight Committee : Comer Reveals How Joe Biden Received Laundered China Money

House Oversight Committee : Comer Releases Evidence of Direct Payment to Joe Biden

Russia Today : Biden took $40,000 in ‘laundered Chinese money’ – House Oversight chair

The People’s Voice : Joe Biden Received $40,000 In ‘Laundered Chinese Money’

Still No Evidence Joe Biden Received Chinese Money!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS created / propagated by Republicans (and useful idiots) of the MAGA persuasion, as well as pro-Russia supporters (vatniks), and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Joe Biden Has Not Been Referred For Impeachment

The Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, James Comer – a Republican from Kentucky, has publicly claimed TWICE that he has evidence of Joe Biden receiving Chinese money.

Yet, the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability has not yet referred President Joe Biden for impeachment proceedings, or call for a Special Council to prosecute him. What are they waiting for?

Fact #2 : There Was No Evidence Of Corruption

On both occasions, Comer only provided a scan copy of a personal cheque issued to Joe Biden by his brother, James Biden and James’ wife, Sara Biden, as “evidence” of corruption.

October 20, 2023 Press Release

House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) today announced the committee obtained bank records revealing a $200,000 direct payment from James and Sara Biden to Joe Biden in the form of a personal check.

November 1, 2023 Press Release

House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) today released a video and bank records memorandum revealing how Joe Biden received $40,000 in laundered China money from the account of his brother, James Biden, and his sister-in-law, Sara Biden, in the form of a personal check.

Neither personal cheques from his brother or his brother’s wife are actual evidence that President Joe Biden received “laundered Chinese money”. They are only evidence that Joe Biden received money from his brother, and his brother’s wife.

If that is the bar for evidence of corruption and/or receiving “laundered Chinese money”, then many of us who received money from our relatives are guilty of corruption and/or receiving laundered foreign money. That sounds stupid? Yes, that’s exactly how stupid the so-called “evidence” against Joe Biden really looks.

Fact #3 : Cheques Were For Personal Loan Repayment

The two cheques clearly stated that they were to pay Joe Biden for a (personal) loan. You know – the kind family members often give out to their brothers or sisters who are in financial trouble. The words “Loan repayment” was even stated clearly in the front of the two cheques.

I should point out that Comer was not able to prove that these were not loan repayment cheques. He only said he would view the $200,000 cheque as “troubling” even if it was for a loan repayment, because it came on the same day James Biden received $200,000 from a struggling health company he did business with.

Wow! Imagine that – it was “troubling” for Comer to see someone receive repayment for a personal loan he made out to his own brother, just because it appears that his brother received the money from a company he did business with.

Fact #4 : Joe Biden Loaned His Brother Money

James Comer also claimed that he did not “believe” that Joe Biden actually loaned his brother money.

When Democratic members of his committee and a lawyer for James Biden said that the committee has documents to prove that Joe Biden did indeed loan $200,000 to James Biden, Comer declared that the Democrats were “lying”, and said that “at the end of the day, there’s no document that shows there was a loan”.

CNN fact checker Daniel Dale revealed on 31 October 2023, that they were able to obtain the same banking records that Comer’s committee received, and they showed that President Joe Biden loaned his brother $200,000 less than two months prior to the James Biden “loan repayment” cheque for the same amount.

The banking records that both CNN and Comer’s committee had access to showed that Joe Biden sent a $200,000 wire transfer to James Biden on January 12, 2018. James Biden then issued the $200,000 loan repayment cheque on March 1, 2018.

The top Democrat on Comer’s committee, Rep. Jamie Raskin, even wrote to rebuke Comer, pointing out that there is “clear evidence that this transaction was a short-term, interest-free loan between brothers“.

[T]he bank records provided to the Committee clearly show that President Biden had $200,000 wired to his brother on January 12, 2018.

Despite this clear evidence that James Biden received a loan from his brother on January 12, 2018, and paid him back 48 days later with a check for the same amount marked ‘loan repayment,’ you continue to misrepresent the facts.”

In short – Comer’s committee appears to have documents showing that there was a loan from Joe Biden to James Biden, so the loan repayment was legitimate, and not actual evidence of corruption or money laundering.

Fact #5 : Joe Biden Was A Private Citizen At That Time

This may seem like a small point, but it is an important one to make. These personal loans and loan repayments between Joe Biden and his brother all occurred in 2017-2018.

At that time, Joe Biden was not President. Heck, he was not even a Presidential candidate – he did not announce his 2020 Presidential bid until April 25, 2019.

In other words – there is simply no question of Joe Biden abusing the power of his office (he had none at that time) to enrich himself with foreign money.

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Did Canadians Protest Trudeau + Zelensky At Royal York Hotel?!

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Did large crowds of Canadians protest Trudeau and Zelensky at the Royal York Hotel, forcing them to run away?!

Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Major Canadian Protest Of Trudeau + Zelensky!

People are sharing a video showing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy leaving the Royal York Hotel, claiming that they were hounded by protestors who chased them away with insults:

Circulating on WhatsApp : BIG BREAKING NEWS – PM Justin Trudeau and Ukraine PM Zelensky had to run away from Royal York Hotel after massive crowd of Canadians greeted & chased them with “F*ck You, F*ck You, Get out of our country” slogans🔥🔥 This is a historic insult to the PM of any country in the history of this world. These 🐖s deserve it.

Kat Canada : TORONTO: Trudeau and Zelensky leave Royal York Hotel as an even bigger crowd of protesters shout “F**K YOU” “GET OUT OF OUR COUNTRY”

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Kyle Becker : “Get out of our country, Zelensky! Pay for your own f***ing war!”

Ukrainian President Zelensky is *ROASTED* coming out of the Royal York Hotel after meeting with Canadian PM Trudeau

https://www.techarp.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IS_gigE1kSSChQaw.mp4?_=7

Truth : Canadian Protest Of Trudeau + Zelensky Was Small

Let’s take a look at what went on before and during the viral video…

Fact #1 : Video Was Recorded On 22 September 2023

The video appears to be recorded by Dacey Media on Friday night, 22 September 2023, just outside the Fairmont Royal York Hotel.

Fact #2 : There Was Only One Guy With A Megaphone

While it may sound like many people were protesting Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau, and/or Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, there does not appear to be many protestors.

The video actually shows a single person shouting using a megaphone. Perhaps 2-3 other protestors could be seen in the video. The other people standing around them appear to be bystanders, or just people walking past.

Fact #3 : Most Canadians Were There To Greet Zelenskyy

According to Toronto Sun reporter, Joe Warmington, most people who gathered outside the Fairmont Royal York hotel were there to greet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

It was Zelensky, donned in his famous green battle fatigues, that the crowd was most excited to catch a glimpse of. And he didn’t disappoint.

The crowd clearly appreciated seeing Zelenskyy as well and could be heard chanting “stand with Ukraine.”

In the viral video, you can see that most people were holding their smartphones up to take photos or videos of Volodymyr Zelenskyy as he came out.

Fact #4 : There Were Only A Few Protestors

He also shared that there was a group of anti-Trudeau protestors:

The Prime Minister also waved at onlookers and soaked up applause from the crowd — many tourists in for the weekend — while ignoring the taunts from a couple of dozen anti-Trudeau protesters.

The photo he took that day though only shows a few anti-Trudeau protestors.

Fact #5 : Zelenskyy Was Attending Round Table Discussion

While it has been claimed that Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau was meeting Ukrainian President Zelenskyy at the Royal York Hotel, or vice versa, that was not exactly the case.

Zelenskyy was at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel to take part in a roundtable discussion with Canadian business leaders at 6:30 PM. Justin Trudeau attended the roundtable with Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.

Fact #6 : They Were Leaving For A Rally At Fort York

Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau did not flee the hotel because of a protest. Neither did Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy left the Royal York Hotel with Justin Trudeau and Chrystia Freeland to attend a reception and rally at Fort York at 8:30 PM.

As this photo shows, many people were obviously very enthusiastic about meeting the Ukrainian leader at the Fort York event.

Fact #7 : Canadians Enjoy Free Speech

This may come across as peculiar to people in China and Russia, but Canadians enjoy the freedom of expression, which includes the right to protest peacefully.

If you look at the video, you will see police officers standing nearby to ensure that everything stayed peaceful. They were not there to block or prevent the protest or heckling. They were also not there to arrest the protestors.

Would a similar protest be possible in Russia or China? Can you imagine Russians heckling Vladimir Putin, without getting arrested by the police? Can you imagine Chinese netizens freely shouting similar insults at Xi Jinping? Of course, not.

The very fact that Canadians can shout insults at their own Prime Minister without fear, with the Prime Minister and the Canadian police ignoring all of that, is testament to the freedom of speech in Canada.

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Did Putin Threaten To Release 9/11 Satellite Evidence?!

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Did Russian President Vladimir Putin threaten to release secret satellite evidence of US government’s involvement in the 9/11 attacks?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

Updated @ 2023-09-21 : Added new information on the Pravda article, and the Russian satellite.
Originally posted @ 2022-03-11

Claim : Putin Threatened To Release 9/11 Satellite Evidence!

People are sharing a long message which claims that Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened to release secret satellite evidence of US government involvement in the 9/11 attacks!

They appear to believe that Putin issued this threat in retaliation for US sanctions against Russia, and military assistance to Ukraine. It’s a long post, so please skip to the next section for the facts…

Putin is going to hit once, but he’s going to hit hard. Russia is preparing the release of evidence of the involvement of the US government and intelligence services in the September 11 attacks. The list of evidence includes satellite images.

Published material can prove the US government complicity in the 9/11 attacks and the successful manipulation of public opinion. The attack was planned by the US government, but exercised using her proxy, so that an attack on America and the people of the United States looked like an act of aggression by international terrorist organizations.

The motive for deception and murder its own citizens served US oil interests and the Middle East state corporations. The evidence will be so convincing that it utterly debunks the official 9/11 cover story supported by the US government.

Russia proves that America is no stranger to using false flag terrorism against its citizens in order to achieve a pretext for military intervention in a foreign country. In the case of “the September 11 attacks,” the evidence will be conclusive satellite imagery.

If successful, the consequences of Putin’s tactics would expose the US government’s secret terrorist policies. The government’s credibility will be undermined and should bring about mass protests in the cities leading to an uprising, according to American analysts..

And as the United States will look on the world political arena? The validity of America’s position as a leader in the fight against international terrorism will be totally undermined giving immediately advantage to rogue states and Islamic terrorists.

Show less

Truth : Putin Did Not Threaten To Release 9/11 Satellite Evidence!

This is yet another example of pro-Russia FAKE NEWS that are spamming social media, as well as WhatsApp and Telegram groups. Here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Pravda Article Was Posted In February 2015

The Pravda article (translated archive | original Russian) was actually posted on 7 February 2015, and updated on 10 February 2015. This was specifically mentioned in the 2015 examples :

VT Editor’s note: Russian satellite evidence proving the controlled demolition of the World Trade Center using “special weapons” was reviewed by a VT editor while in Moscow.

The article below was forwarded to us for publication in the US and translated from Russian. It is 3 days old, published on February 7, 2015.

The fake news creators removed that section, to mislead you into thinking that this was a new threat by Putin in 2022 and 2023.

Fact #2 : No Evidence Putin Threatened To Release 9/11 Satellite Photos

Even though the viral post is based on a Pravda article, there never was any evidence that Vladimir Putin himself actually threatened to release satellite photos, or evidence of any 9/11 conspiracy.

The Pravda article itself did not make that claim. It only claimed that Russia is “preparing” to release evidence of the involvement of the US government and intelligence services in the 9/11 attacks.

Fact #3 : Russia Did Not Release Any Evidence Of 9/11 Conspiracy

If the Pravda article is true, then Russia is taking an extraordinarily long time to release evidence of a 9/11 conspiracy by the US government and intelligence services.

Despite preparing for over 8.5 years – since February 2015 – the Russian government has never released any evidence of any conspiracy by the US government in the September 11 attacks.

No satellite imagery… no photos… no documents… no evidence in any form or manner. Why not? Does it take that long to develop and digitise the photos from Russian satellites?

Fact #3 : Russian Satellites Were Terrible In 2001

It would also be quite a feat for Russia to provide “conclusive satellite imagery” as the Pravda article alleges, as Russian electro-optical satellites were not quite “state-of-the-art” in 2001, and that’s being generous.

At that time, they used the Yantar-4K2 (Cobalt / Kobalt) satellite – a slightly improved version of the Yantar-4KS1M (Neman / Неман) satellite, which had a resolution of just under a meter using the Zhemchug-18 camera.

These satellites have a limited lifespan of just 26 to 32 weeks, and used film which could be returned using two small canisters mid-mission, and a larger reentry module at the end.

Russia only had one in operation at that time – (Космос 2377) Cosmos 2377, which was launched on 29 May 2001, and dropped out of orbit on 10 October 2001.

Cosmos 2377 could plausibly have taken photos of the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, but the images was likely only as good as the Maxar IKONOS commercial imaging satellite.

Note that the Kobalt satellite is different from the Kobalt-M (Yantar-4K2M) satellite, which features upgraded optics with reported image resolution of 30 cm (0.3m), and a modernised platform. The first Kobalt-M satellite was launched on 24 September 2004.

Fact #4 : There Are Many Satellite Images Of 9/11 Attack

There is no real need for the Russians to share their satellite photos, because there are many publicly-available satellite photos on the September 11 attacks.

The private satellite imaging company, Maxar, for example, shared this high-resolution photo of ground zero at the World Trade Center on 15 September, 2001.

Taken by IKONOS, which had a resolution of 0.82 to 1 metre, it gives you a good idea of the image quality and resolution that are already available for free to the public. So it begs the question – do the Russians really have better images than that?

Fact #5 : Satellites Have Limitations

Despite being extremely useful, imaging satellites not magical instruments. They have limitations in what they can and cannot do.

For example, they have to generally stay in a pre-determined orbit, and “fly through” an area – leaving large gaps during which there is no coverage.

They also cannot look inside or under solid objects – planes, buildings, trees; and their view can be obscured by smoke and clouds, unless they have multi-spectral ability.

You can see how the smoke obscures the picture in this Maxar image taken of the Manhattan financial district on September 11, 2001.

It is therefore highly improbable that any satellite image from way up high would have captured “incriminating evidence” of the US government’s involvement in the September 11 attacks.

Fact #6 : 9/11 Attack Was Committed By Al Qaeda

In the past 22 years, the many conspiracy theories have all been repeatedly looked into and debunked.

We now know, with absolute certainty, that the September 11 attacks were conceived by Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, approved by Osama bin Laden, and carried out by nineteen Al Qaeda terrorists.

There was no US government involvement in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

Osama bin Laden himself claimed responsibility for the 9/11 attacks on several occasions. You don’t need a satellite to know that.

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Joe Biden Confused + Stuttering In Viral Interview?!

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Was Joe Biden confused and stuttering in a viral MSNBC interview with Nicolle Wallace?!

Take a look at the viral video, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Joe Biden Was Confused + Stuttering In Viral Interview!

People are sharing a video of US President Joe Biden looking and sounding confused during an MSNBC interview. It has gone viral in MAGA groups, and is being promoted by pro-Russian and pro-CCP groups, as well as the Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛) .

OMG! President Of The United States? 🤦🏻‍♂️🫣🤣🤣

What’s wrong with him? What’s he rumbling about? 🤔😥🤦🏻‍♂️

Truth : Joe Biden Was Not Confused / Stuttering In Viral Interview!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS about Joe Biden, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Joe Biden Interview Aired On June 30, 2023

First, let me just point out that Nicolle Wallace from MSNBC interviewed Joe Biden in the viral interview on June 30, 2023. You can watch the full MSNBC interview here.

During that interview, Nicolle Wallace asked President Biden about the US Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action, as well as his administration’s foreign policy and other plans.

Fact #2 : Viral Video Was Fabricated

While the MSNBC interview did occur, the viral Joe Biden interview that has been circulating in MAGA, pro-CCP and pro-Russian groups is a complete fabrication.

President Joe Biden never spoke like that in the MSNBC interview. The original MSNBC interview proves that beyond doubt.

Fact #3 : Viral Video Was Likely A Deep Fake Video

The viral video appears to have modified using AI deep fake technology to change how and what Joe Biden said in the viral video. It does not appear to be done by editing and splicing parts of the interview.

For one thing, some of the words he said in the viral video do not appear in the original video. The background in the viral video also appear consistent even when Joe Biden was stuttering in the viral video.

All that suggest that AI deep fake technology was used to change what Joe Biden said in the viral interview video, and how he said it.

Fact #4 : No Mainstream Media Reported This

If President Joe Biden really looked and sounded confused, or stuttered repeatedly during the MSNBC interview, it would have been international news, not just limited to the United States.

All of the mainstream media would have covered it. Even if they didn’t, you can count on right-wing news outlets like Fox News, Newsmax, or One America News Network, to cover his confusion and stuttering 24/7.

Yet, not a single mainstream media outlet reported on this major embarrassment for President Joe Biden? That’s because it never happened.

Fact #5 : This Is Just Fake News About Joe Biden

This is just ultimately just another example of political fake news to smear Joe Biden, and here are other examples:

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Germany Just Accused US Of Blowing Up Nord Stream 2?!

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Did Germany just publicly accuse the US of blowing up Nord Stream 2 at the United Nations?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

Updated @ 2023-08-05 : Updated with a new YouTube channel.
Originally posted @ 2023-05-01

Claim : Germany Accuses US Of Blowing Up Nord Stream 2!

People are sharing a YouTube video which shows the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, publicly accusing the US of blowing up Nord Stream 2 at the United Nations!

Fierce and powerful recent speech of German Chancellor on Americans blowing up the Nord Stream pipeline, the aggressive using of Ukraine to start a war against Russia . ‘ We are the baddies’

BREAKING NEWS!!! Germany Accuses US Of Blowing Up Nord Stream 2.
Bravo – finally 👍👏

How To Be A Hypocrite Show How The Actions Of The West Divides The World Instead Of Bring It Together

Truth : Germany Did Not Accuse US Of Blowing Up Nord Stream 2!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS created by pro-Russia activists, and promoted / shared by pro-Russian vatniks, the Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛) and pro-CCP netizens, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Olaf Scholz Was Denouncing Russia’s Invasion Of Ukraine

I traced the video to a speech German Chancellor Olaf Scholz gave at the United Nations General Assembly’s 77th session on 20 September 2022

In the original, unedited video, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz did not accuse the US of blowing up the Nord Stream 2 pipelines. Instead, he denounced Russia’s invasion of Ukraine:

There is no justification whatsoever for Russia’s war of occupation against Ukraine. President Putin is waging this war with one single objective: to seize Ukraine. Self-determination, political independence do not count for him.

And there’s only one word for this – this is imperialism, plain and simple. The return of imperialism is not only a disaster for Europe, but also a disaster for our global peaceful order.

If we want this war to end, then we cannot be indifferent to how it ends. Putin will only give up his war and his imperialist ambitions if he realizes that he cannot wi.

This is why we will not accept a peace dictated by Russia. This is why we will not accept any pretentious referenda. And this is why Ukraine must be able to defend itself against Russia’s invasion.

Fact #2 : It Features A Fake “Satire” Voice-Over

The video is real, but the original audio was replaced by a fake male “satire” voice-over. The original, unedited video features a female interpreter, which you can view below.

The fake video creator actually mentioned this in the video’s title, but intentionally made the extra long to reduce visibility of that disclaimer. The fake news creator also mentioned the use of a fake voice-over in the description:

BREAKING NEWS!!! Germany Accuses US Of Blowing Up Nord Stream 2. (Satire Interpreter Voice)

How To Be A Hypocrite Show How The Actions Of The West Divides The World Instead Of Bring It Together. Satire Interpreter Voice To Show What The Rest Of The World World Prefer.

This goes to show just how many people don’t bother to even read the title. Of course, when it comes to pro-Russia and pro-CCP netizens, who cares? If it is anti-America, it must be true.

Fact #3 : It Was Posted By A New “Parody” YouTube Account

The viral video was posted by a new YouTube account created on March 15, 2023.

So far, this YouTube channel – AlienJacket, posted six anti-Western videos – five of which are fake “parody” videos.

The only non-parody video is of Zambian politician Fred M’membe criticising the United States at China’s recent “democracy forum” – the the Second International Forum on Democracy.

Despite being reported as misinformation, YouTube allowed the video to chalk up over 103,000 views over 3 months… and counting.

Fact #4 : It Was Reposted By MVO Channel

Perhaps impressed by how many views the fake video that AlienJacket created drew, a new YouTube channel called MVO Channel reposted the video in May 2023.

Again, YouTube left the video untouched, despite being reported as misinformation…

Fact #5 : Unknown Who Destroyed Nord Stream 2 Pipelines

It is currently unknown who destroyed the Nord Stream 2 pipelines. As far as plausible reasons go, many countries had plausible reasons to destroy the Nord Stream pipelines:

US : To prevent allies in Europe from being held hostage by their reliance on cheap Russian gas.
UK : To encourage allies in Europe to support Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion.
Russia : To stop supplying Europe without breaking its gas supply contracts, and/or to divide Europe.
Ukraine : To unite Europe against Russia.

While motive is important, it is not evidence that a country has committed the crime. There has to be actual evidence that the US / UK / Russia / Ukraine did it.

Regardless of what armchair experts may claim, there is simply no conclusive evidence YET that any of those countries are responsible for the destruction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines.

Fact #6 : This Is Pro-Russia Propaganda

This is really nothing more than yet another example of pro-Russia propaganda, like these examples:

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Did Ukrainians Attack Russian Woman With Putin Tattoo?!

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Did Ukrainian tourists attack a Russian woman with a Putin tattoo, only to end up getting beaten up instead?!

Take a look at the viral video, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Ukrainians Attacked Russian Woman With Putin Tattoo!

Pro-Russian propagandists and supporters (vatniks) are promoting a video that claims to show Ukrainian tourists attacking a Russian woman because she had a tattoo of Vladimir Putin, only to get beaten up instead!

❗️A group of Ukrainian tourists attacked a Russian woman holidaying on a Turkish beach who had a tattoo of Vladimir Putin.

😂Unfortunately for the Ukrainians – the Russian woman was a master in combat sambo.

The video, which is about 1 minute and 45 seconds long, is also being shared by pro-CCP netizens, and the Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛) on WhatsApp and Western social media platforms.

Claim : Ukrainians Did Not Attack Russian Woman With Putin Tattoo!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS created to diminish support for Ukraine’s fight to defend itself against Russian aggression, and here are there reasons why..

Fact #1 : The Video Was Originally Released On Telegram

First, let me start by pointing out that the original video was released by the Telegram account @BadShofer at 8:40 PM on 25 July 2023.

Fact #2 : The Video Was Recorded In Vladivostok

The video was not recorded in a beach in Turkey, as the viral message claimed. According to @BadShofer, the video was recorded in Vladivostok (Владивосток).

Vladivostok is a Russian city located near China and North Korea, and where the headquarters of the Russian Pacific Fleet is located. Needless to say – you won’t find Ukrainian tourists in Vladivostok!

Fact #3 : The Video Was Edited

The original video was only 53 seconds long. The viral video is much longer, but actually stops playing after 53 seconds.

The original video also had a much taller 9:16 aspect ratio. The viral video was edited to crop out the watermark at the bottom, which makes it look more squarish. This was probably done to make it more difficult for fact checkers to trace the provenance of the video.

You can watch the original clip posted by @BadShofer below, with the watermark intact.

https://www.techarp.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Vladivostok-fighting.mp4?_=8

Fact #4 : Table Umbrellas Have Russian Words

Just in case @BadShofer may be lying / mistaken, I took a closer look at the table umbrellas sponsored by Amstel, which have these Russian words printed on them:

C УВАЖЕНИЕМ К ДРУЖБЕ И [unreadable]
С 1870 ГОДА

WITH RESPECT FOR FRIENDSHIP AND [unreadable] SINCE 1870

A red Wall’s umbrella can also be seen with this Russian word:

МОРОЖеНОЕ!

ICE-CREAM!

They help to confirm that the location of this incident was not in Turkey, but in Russia.

Fact #5 : No Evidence Woman Had Putin Tattoo

The video itself shows no evidence that the woman had any Vladimir Putin tattoo. The only thing we can be certain of is that she has tattoos on both arms.

Since the incident occurred in Russia, if the lady was really attacked for having a Vladimir Putin tattoo, that must mean he’s really not very popular in Russia these days!

Regardless of the reason for this fight, it seems certain that no Ukrainian tourists were involved! It appears to be nothing more than a couple of Russian holidayers fighting with each other.

Fact #6 : This Is Just Russian Propaganda

Ultimately, the viral video is yet another example of Russian propaganda, which is shoddy as usual. However, it is being shared and promoted by Chinese netizens, and the Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛).

Here is a selection of Russian and Ukraine War propaganda that have been proven false:

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Did Russian Missiles Destroy Port Of Odessa In Ukraine?!

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Did Russian missiles hit British ships that exploded and destroyed the port of Odessa in Ukraine?!

Take a look at the viral video, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Russian Missiles Destroyed Port Of Odessa In Ukraine!

Pro-Russian propagandists and supporters (vatniks) are promoting a video that claims to show Russian missiles hitting two British ships carrying explosives, trigging a massive explosion that destroyed the port of Odessa in Ukraine!

BULLSEYE ! 🎯.

The port of Odessa, Ukraine, was hit by four Russian missiles that hit two British cargo ships that were just below the ground, triggering a massive EXPLOSION.

Great shot. Brits ships carrying high explosives to Ukraine . . mischief tsk tsk ! 🤔🤨😱

The video, which is about 1 minute and 55 seconds long, is also being shared by Chinese netizens in the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), and by the Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛) in WhatsApp and Western social media platforms.

Truth : Russian Missiles Did Not Destroy Odessa Or British Ships!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp, and social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Those Videos Are Over 3 Years Old!

First, let me start by pointing out that this incident did not occur in 2023. The videos were actually recorded at approximately 6 PM on Tuesday, 4 August 2020.

The explosions not only occurred 18 months before Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, they occurred almost 3 years ago!

Fact #2 : The Explosions Occurred In Beirut, Not Odessa

The massive explosions in the viral video did not occur in the Ukrainian port city of Odessa, but literally – a thousand miles away, at the port city of Beirut, Lebanon.

On 4 August 2020, a fire broke out in Warehouse 12 at the port of Beirut. Warehouse 12 contained 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, as well as fireworks.

About 20 minutes later, the first explosion at the warehouse sent a large cloud of smoke billowing into the evening sky, with bright firework flashes.

Then 35 seconds later, the fire triggered a much larger explosion with a massive shock wave that rocked Beirut, and was felt as far away as Israel and Cyprus – more than 240 kilometres away!

The force of the explosion was estimated to be around 500 to 1,100 tons of TNT, with the US Geological Survey measuring the event as equivalent to a 3.3 magnitude earthquake!

Fact #3 : Russia Is Blockading Ukrainian Ports

Even though many Western countries have provided Ukraine with billions in dollars worth of military equipment and other forms of aid, they are not being delivered with ships. That’s because Russia has blockaded Ukrainian ports along the Black Sea.

Even though ships were allowed to enter the port of Odessa under the UN-brokered Black Sea Grain Initiative, they were only allowed to transport grain and other food products, and fertiliser.

Ships involved in this initiative were inspected to ensure they would not be carrying unauthorised cargo or people. So it is impossible for any British ship to transport high explosives to the Port of Odessa.

Fact #4 : UK Aid Are Delivered By Land + Air

The United Kingdom provides billions of dollars worth of military equipment, including high explosives and ammunition to Ukraine. However, none of them are being delivered through ships due to the Russian naval blockade, as mentioned above.

Instead, the military equipment and other aid are being delivered through at least three NATO countries adjoining Ukraine. To avoid accusations that NATO is directly involved in the Ukraine War, the equipment are transported or flown to the Ukrainian border.

After that, Ukrainians either transport the equipment over the border, or take possession of them at the border.

Fact #5 : This Is Just Ukraine War Fake News

Here is a selection of Russian and Ukraine War propaganda that have been proven false:

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UK Storm Shadow vs. Russian SAM Battle Round 2!

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Another Russian SAM battery tried to take down another Storm Shadow missile on yet another missile vs missile battle in the Ukraine War!

Take a look at the viral video, and find out who won this round!

Claim : Russian SAM Brings Down Storm Shadow Missile!

After the recent dramatic failure of the Russian Pantsir-S1 short range air defence (SHORAD) system in hitting the Storm Shadow cruise missile, they decided to go for Round 2!

In a now-viral video, another Russian short range air defence (SHORAD) system fired multiple missiles at an incoming Storm Shadow stealth cruise missiles the United Kingdom supplied to the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).

The video was shared by a pro-Russian Telegram user called Mikhail Solomin (Михаил Соломин), who claims that “another” Storm Shadow fell “like a stone” after being shot down by high quality surface-to-air missiles, before falling apart like the European Union after Brexit.

Очередная пiрiмiга, лягушатно-наглосаксонская вундервафля пошла камнем вниз после качественной работы расчетов Панцирей, и упала в чисто поле, развалившись как евросоюз после брексита. Поскольку прошлый подобный видос уперли все возможные и не возможные паблики , как то позабыв указать на первоисточник, вешаю плашку в полвидоса.

Another frog, the frog-arrogant Saxon prodigy went down like a stone after the high-quality work of the Shells’ calculations, and fell into an open field, falling apart like the European Union after Brexit. Since the last similar vidos was blocked by all possible and not possible publics, somehow forgetting to point to the source, I hang a die in half a vidos.

A Russian poet! But did the Russians finally bag the elusive Storm Shadow? Or did Anglo-French military technology win the day again for Ukraine? Take a look!

Storm Shadow vs. Russian SAM Battle Round 2!

The viral video appears to have been taken by the Russian military at possibly a frontline airfield, with a flat terrain and low buildings – all censored to hide any identifiable features.

When the 38-second video starts, you can see two long contrails, which suggest that two longer-ranged missiles had already been fired earlier.

Then you can hear five successive surface-to-air missiles (SAM) being launched from two different missile launchers, possibly Pantsir-S1 SHORAD systems like in the earlier video.

None of them were heard exploding. But just before the video cuts out, the Storm Shadow missile is seen diving towards the right side of the screen and exploding in a big fireball.

Mikhail Solomin claims that this is evidence that the Russian missiles successfully took out the Storm Shadow missile through “the high quality work of the shells’ calculations“, because it hit an empty space to no effect.

Можно сравнить масштаб ракеты, и масштабы зацензуренных фрагментов, нет там не Панциря, не складов с боеприпасами, нет ни какого крупного и интересного объекта. Она просто упала в пустое место.

You can compare the scale of the rocket, and the scale of the censored fragments, there is no Shell, no ammunition depots, no large and interesting object. She just fell into an empty space.

Mikhail also claimed that the Storm Shadow’s nose cone was intact during its dive – evidence that it was not functioning properly during its dive:

“Подъём на высоту предназначен для достижения наилучшей вероятности идентификации цели и её пробития. Во время подрыва носовой конус отбрасывается, чтобы позволить термографической камере высокого разрешения (инфракрасное наведение) наблюдать за районом поражения.” (инфа с вики)
А как видно на скришоте, обтекатель на месте, пiримига-недомога.

“Climbing to a height is designed to achieve the best probability of identifying the target and penetrating it. During the explosion, the nose cone is discarded to allow a high-resolution thermographic camera (infrared guidance) to observe the affected area.” (info from wiki)
And as you can see on the screenshot, the fairing is in place, the frog is unwell.

It is true that the Storm Shadow / SCALP missile has a nose cone that is ejected on reaching the target zone, to allow its high-resolution thermographic camera to scan for, and locate, the target. However, the nose cone that is ejected is only a small portion of the Storm Shadow missile’s nose.

Unfortunately, it is very hard to tell from the few frames in the video whether the Storm Shadow still has its nose cone attached. The image is just too pixelated.

What the video clearly shows though is that the Storm Shadow SCALP missile was intact, and diving down (as intended) during its terminal approach. You can even hear its turbojet engine running.

This suggests that the Storm Shadow missile was not damaged by any of the five to seven surface-to-air missiles the Russians sent to intercept it.

To avoid interception, the Storm Shadow cruise missile “hugs the terrain” at very low altitude, and only pops-up on reaching the target area. So you will only see it diving down like that at its target area.

This tells us that, whether it still has its nose cone or not, the Storm Shadow missile in this video had already reached its intended target area, and did not just fall out of the sky because it got shot at with 5-7 Russian missiles.

Due to the heavy pixelation of the terrain, it is impossible to tell if the Storm Shadow missile merely slammed into open ground, or actually hit some kind of target. If it hit nothing of significance, then one has to wonder – why did the Russians so heavily pixelate all that “empty ground”?

Besides, the Storm Shadow missile could have been targeting an underground bunker. Its BROACH warhead has an initial shaped charge that is designed to clear the topsoil and/or penetrate a bunker, before its main charge explodes inside.

However, it is impossible to know for certain, because the video was heavily censored. One has to wonder why the Russians would pixelate the video if it truly showed a malfunctioning Storm Shadow missile hitting an open field.

An uncensored video would potentially allow OSINT teams like Oryx or Bellingcat to geolocate the action, and confirm or verify that the Storm Shadow missile really hit nothing of consequence.

Ukrainian bloggers are claiming that this incident occurred near Berdyansk, and the Storm Shadow hit a Russian armoured car. However, we really cannot see any evidence of that. And frankly speaking – no one in the right mind would fire a $3.2 million long-range cruise missile at an armoured car… unless Vladimir Putin himself is inside!

Based on the current evidence, it is likely that the Storm Shadow missile at least hit its target area (if not its actual target), and this viral video is yet another example of Russian propaganda. Here is a selection of Russian and Ukraine War propaganda that have been proven false:

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Did Pantsir-S1 Shoot Down Storm Shadow Missile?!

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Did the Russian Pantsir-S1 missile defence system successfully shoot down Storm Shadow stealth cruise missiles?!

Take a look at the viral video, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Pantsir-S1 Shot Down Storm Shadow Stealth Missile!

Pro-Russian propagandists and supporters (vatniks) are sharing a video as evidence that the Pantsir-S1 missile defence system successfully shot down the Storm Shadow stealth cruise missiles the United Kingdom supplied to the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).

⚡️Russian sources claim this footage shows a Storm Shadow Cruise missile getting shot down by the Pantsir-S1

Stormshadow missile shot down by #Russian Pantsir-S1.

Pantsir S1 shot down Storm Shadow

The 37-second video shows a tracking radar detecting the Storm Shadow missile in close proximity (appearing as a bright pink spot), before slewing to a second display showing it being tracked by the Pantsir-S1’s thermal imager, before two missiles are fired at it.

Truth : Pantsir-S1 Failed To Shoot Down Storm Shadow Missile!

The Russian government has done nothing but lie from before it invaded Ukraine until today, and this new video is no different.

The truth is – the video actually shows the Pantsir-S1 self-propelled air defence system shoot two 95YA6 surface-to-air missiles at the Storm Shadow, and both failed to hit the Storm Shadow missile which apparently hit its target in a large explosion.

In the first second of the video, a white dot appears on the radar screen. This is presumably the first Storm Shadow missile.

Then at 0:03, a small dot appears next to the white dot, and they both become large and bright pink spots at 0:04. Presumably two Storm Shadow missiles were detected by the Pantsir-S1’s radar. The video then slews to the thermal imaging display, which appears to be tracking one of the Storm Shadow missiles in flight.

At 0:10, the Pantsir-S1 fires the first 95YA6 missile resulting in a white flash-out on the thermal imaging display. The missile is seen rapidly closing in on the Storm Shadow missile before turning away. The thermal imager loses track of the Storm Shadow missile for a moment.

At 0:16, the Pantsir-S1 fires a second 95YA6 missile and the thermal display whites out again. The missile is seen flying off into the distance, while the Storm Shadow missile eventually disappears and a large explosion is seen on the ground, before the video cuts out.

What the video clearly shows is that the Pantsir-S1 is capable of detecting and locking onto the Storm Shadow cruise missile. It even had the opportunity to fire off not one, but two 95YA6 surface-to-air missiles at it.

The 95YA6 missile (export version is known as 57E6) has a maximum speed of 1,300 m/s (Mach 3.8) during its booster phase, with a terminal speed of 780 m/s (Mach 2.3) at its “guaranteed launch range of 18 km). It is said to have a kill probability of 70% to 90%.

The Storm Shadow cruise missile, on the other hand, flies on a pre-programmed path at just under the speed of sound – 0.95 Mach (323 m/s). So the 95YA6 missile is definitely more than capable of intercepting it.

But even with guidance data from the Pantsir-S1 radar, the two missiles (which lack their own seekers) just could not come close enough to the Storm Shadow cruise missile, to detonate their high-explosive warheads to take it down.

Graphics Credit : The Sun

According to the Ukrainian Defence Minister, all of the Storm Shadow missile launches were successful:

I can say that of the total number of Storm Shadow launches that have taken place, all 100% have reached the targets determined by the General Staff [of the Armed Forces of Ukraine – ed.]. 100 out of 100, absolutely impeccable.

While the Russian Defence Ministry claimed to have intercepted two Storm Shadow missiles, this video clearly demonstrates the poor performance of the Pantsir-S1 air defence system. This isn’t the first time the Pantsir-S1’s performance failed to live up to its reputation.

The UAE provided Russian Pantsir-S1 (NATO reporting name SA-22 Greyhound) systems to the Libyan National Army, where it initially performed well against slow-flying Bayraktar TB-2 drones. However, it was soon suppressed by Turkish electronic warfare systems, and some nine Pantsir systems were destroyed in drone strikes, while a tenth system was captured.

Ultimately, the viral video is yet another example of Russian propaganda, which is shoddy as usual. Here is a selection of Russian and Ukraine War propaganda that have been proven false:

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Leopard Tanks Russia Destroyed Were Just Tractors!

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Russia proudly declared that its forces destroyed eight Leopard tanks, but guess what – they were apparently just farming tractors!

Take a look at the viral video, and find out what the facts really are!

Russia : Our Troops Destroyed Eight Leopard Tanks!

On Tuesday, 6 June 2023, the Russian Defence Ministry proudly announced that its troops destroyed eight Leopard tanks while fighting off a Ukrainian counteroffensive.

The Russian Ministry of Defence released a video on Telegram, showing three of those Leopard tanks being destroyed as evidence.

Кадры уничтожения иностранной бронетехники, в том числе танков Leopard

Footage of the destruction of foreign armored vehicles, including Leopard tanks

The 47-second video shows missile strikes on two vehicles in the distance, from the gunner’s perspective.

While the Russian Ministry of Defence did not mention whether its troops destroyed the newer Leopard 2 tanks, or the much older Leopard 1 tanks, Ukraine has only received Leopard 2 tanks, so killing eight of them would be a tremendous coup.

https://youtu.be/FYOjjJIJXDM

Truth : Leopard Tanks Russia Destroyed Were Just Tractors!

The Russian government has done nothing but lie from before it invaded Ukraine until today, and this is no different.

Those Leopard tanks that it allegedly destroyed were really just farming equipment! That’s why they don’t appear to be moving in the video clip. Just sitting still in the open fields like sitting ducks.

Ironically, it was not the Ukrainians or Western government officials who exposed this new example of Russian government fake news, but pro-Russian military bloggers!

Just hours after the Russian Ministry of Defence triumphantly released its video showing at least two Leopard tanks being blown up, the video was thoroughly debunked by the pro-Russian Telegram channel, Military Informer.

These “Leopard tanks” were identified as John Deere 9000 and 700 series combine harvesters, which are commonly used in Ukraine.

And this “Leopard tank” was identified as a John Deere 4830 sprayer tractor. Also commonly used in Ukraine.

The Russian military military bloggers even highlighted the tractor’s wheels, which the Leopard tanks do not have.

A detailed comparison of the silhouettes of vehicles from the DoD video with agricultural vehicles, to which these silhouettes are most similar.

These are American combine harvesters John Deere 9000 and 700 series, as well as tractor-sprayer John Deere 4830. This equipment is quite popular in Ukraine.

Why it was necessary to give out frames with an erroneous defeat of agricultural equipment for an actual video of the defeat of the Leopards, we do not know.

It is unknown what ATGM (Anti-Tank Guided Missile) were used to destroy these farming machines of death (to wheat and insects), but those missiles likely cost more than the tractors that got blown up.

Just in case there’s any confusion, this is what the real Leopard 2 tank looks like, and its silhouette. As you can see, its 120mm Rheinmetall smoothbore cannon does not have a muzzle that bends downwards. Neither does it have four large wheels.

Another pro-Russian military channel also fumed about this ridiculous claim, “Why the fuck did they pass these off as Leopards?”

This pathetic propaganda effort notably comes after the same Russian Ministry of Defence announced that it “stopped” the Ukrainian counteroffensive, killing 1,500 Ukrainian soldiers and 109 armoured vehicles, including the eight Leopard tanks.

Wagner Group head, Yevgeny Prigozhin, even publicly called it “absurd science fiction“, and sarcastically suggested that this meant that “we [Russian forces] have already destroyed the entire planet five times over“.

Prigozhin also quipped that the war can now end because Russia has “no one left to fight“, and he would now get a tattoo of Defence Minister Sergei Shogun, Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov, and Defence Ministry spokesperson Igor Konashenkov “to mark this wonderful occasion“. What a burn!

Just in case you are wondering, this is not a photo of a Leopard 2 tank destroyed by Russian forces. It’s actually a Leopard 2A4 tank that was reportedly involved in a training accident somewhere in Poland. It apparently collided with another Leopard tank, causing a barrel strike that lifted the turret right off the chassis.

Ultimately, the viral video is just another example of Russian propaganda, which is shoddy as usual. Here is a selection of Russian and Ukraine War propaganda that have been proven false:

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Is Ukraine Investigating Zelenskyy For High Treason?!

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Is the State Bureau of Investigation investigating President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for High Treason against Ukraine?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Ukraine SBI Is Investigating Zelenskyy For High Treason!

People are sharing an article by Scotland Today online, which claims that the Ukraine SBI (State Bureau of Investigation) is investigating President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for High Treason!

Similar claims are also being made by pro-Russia (vatnik) websites and social media accounts. The article is long, so feel free to skip to the next section for the facts!

Zelenskyy to be investigated for “High Treason,” by Ukraine’s State Bureau of Investigation

The Pechersk District Court of Kyiv issued a ruling to oblige the Ukrainian State Bureau of Investigation to start a pre-trial investigation in connection with the possible treason of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, former Verkhovna Rada deputy Geo Leros said on May 30 in his Telegram channel.

“Let me remind you that the pocket SBI refused to investigate Zelenskyy’s high treason when he appointed FSB agents to key positions in the SBU, but we were obliged by the court to enter information into the Unified Register of Pre-Trial Investigations and begin a pre-trial investigation,” the former deputy said.

He cited a photograph of a copy of the ruling of the Pechersk District Court of Kyiv, by which the court obliges the State Bureau of Investigation to conduct a pre-trial investigation at the request of Leros. In his message on the Telegram channel, the deputy clarified that the court ordered to initiate a criminal case “against Zelensky and co” under Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (high treason).

According to Mr Leos, Zelenskyy himself, the head of the presidential office Andriy Yermak, his deputy Roman Mashovets, as well as the ex-chairman of the SBU Ivan Bakanov and the former deputy secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Ruslan Demchenko are the main defendants, thanks to whom FSB agents were allegedly appointed to the special services.

According to Mr Leros, these appointments have led to tens of thousands of dead Ukrainians. The MP demanded that the traitors be held accountable for serious crimes against the Ukrainian people.

Show less

Truth : Zelenskyy Pre-Trial Investigation Is Just Protocol

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS promoted by pro-Russia activists to diminish support for Ukraine’s fight against Russia, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Geo Leros Is Accusing Zelenskyy Of High Treason

The accusation that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy committed high treason was not brought by the state of Ukraine itself, but by one of the former members of his own party, Geo Leros.

Geo Leros is a Ukrainian Member of Parliament, who was elected to the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament) as a member of Zelenskyy’s Servant of the People party. However, he soon turned against his colleagues, and started accusing Zelenskyy of violating election promises, and Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, of corruption.

He was since expelled from the Servant of the People’s party, and has since been actively working to bring down the Zelenskyy administration. In March 2023, he accused the Ukrainian authorities of censoring TV broadcasts, and corruption – with over 20 million dollars transferred to TV oligarchs.

Now, Geo Leros is accusing President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of committing high treason against the state of Ukraine, by appointing Russian FSB agents to key positions in the SBU (Security Service of Ukraine).

Committed to open a criminal case of Article 111 (treason) against Zelensky and co!

I remind you that the pocket SBR refused to investigate Zelensky’s treason when he appointed FSB agents to key positions in the SBU, but we were obliged by the court to report to the Yardr and start a pre-trial investigation.

Zelensky, Ermak, Mashovets, Bakanov, Demchenko should be questioned as the main figures of the appointment of FSB agents in the Security Service of Ukraine.

These freaks must show who and how much paid them for these appointments, because these appointments have led to tens of thousands of dead Ukrainians.

I will not allow these traitors to escape responsibility for serious crimes against the Ukrainian people!

Fact #2 : The Letter Appears To Be Genuine

The letter that Geo Leros posted on Instagram, and shared excitedly by pro-Russian websites and social media accounts, appears to be genuine. Here is a machine translation of the letter:

PECHERSKY DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF KYIV

Document No. 757/21124/23-k

RESOLVED IN THE NAME OF UKRAINE

On May 30, 2023, the Investigating Judge of the Pechersk District Court of Kyiv – T.V. Ostapchuk, under the secretary – K.S. Lymar,
with:
complainant – Leros H.B.
representative of the complainant – lawyer Sayenko V.V.
Having considered in an open court session in the courtroom in Kyiv the proceedings on the complaint of Leros Geo Bagratovych about the inactivity of the investigator, regarding the failure to submit information to the EDPR according to the application No. 23d9/7-2023/88804 dated 04/26/2023, –

Guided by Part 2 of Art. 376 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine, investigating judge, –

УХВАЛИВ:

Complaint of Leros Geo Bagratovych against the inaction of the investigator, regarding the failure to provide information
To the ERDR according to the request dated 04/26/2023 No. 23,9/7-2023/88804 – to satisfy.

Oblige authorized persons of the State Bureau of Investigation to enter information into the Unified Register of Pretrial Investigations based on the application of Leros Geo Bagratovych dated 04/26/2023 No. 239/7-2023/88804 on the commission of a criminal offense and to start a pre-trial investigation, about which to inform the applicant.

Praise is not subject to appeal.

The full text of the resolution will be announced on June 2, 2023 at 1:50 p.m.

Fact #3 : The Court Order Did Not Order Criminal Investigation

While the letter is being framed as evidence that Geo Leros succeeded in opening a criminal investigation of High Treason against President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other members of his administration, it is merely protocol.

In November 2012, a new Code of Criminal Procedure was introduced in Ukraine, in which Article 214 states that all reports of criminal offences must be registered for Pre-trial Investigations within 24 hours.

This is a standard procedure for all accusations or reports of criminal offences, regardless of whether they are genuine or not.

The investigator, interrogating officer, prosecutor immediately, but no later than 24 hours after filing an application, reporting a criminal offense or after independently identifying from any source circumstances that may indicate the commission of a criminal offense, is obliged to enter the relevant information into the Unified Register of Pre-trial Investigations to start investigation and, 24 hours after entering such information, provide the applicant with an extract from the Unified Register of Pre-trial Investigations.

What the Pecherskyi district court ordered in the letter is merely to order that the Ukrainian State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) comply with Article 214 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and file Geo Leros’ report of high treason for Pre-trial Investigation.

According to Article 2019 of the same code, the SBI has 18 months to conduct a Pre-trial Investigation of “grave and especially grave crimes”. After that, the SBI is obliged to either close the proceedings if it finds no evidence of a crime, or send an indictment to the court.

Fact #4 : This Is Just Fake News About Ukraine

This is just another example of fake news created to reduce support for Ukraine during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Here are other examples you may have seen on social media:

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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How Did Ukrainian Windows Remain Intact After Explosion?!

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People are wondering how the windows of this Ukrainian building remained intact after a powerful explosion overturned cars!

Take a look at the viral video, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Ukrainian Windows Remained Intact Because It’s A Fake Picture!

A photo showing a Ukrainian building with intact windows has gone viral, because the overturned cars nearby suggested that a powerful explosion took place.

People are sharing it as an example of Ukrainian propaganda, proof that they faked the picture to make the Russian invasion look more violent than it really is.

The viral photo is often accompanied by this sarcastic message :

I want to buy Ukrainian windows

I would like to place an order for these high quality super tough windows from the Ukraine, that remained intact and unmarked after the explosion of a Russian bomb that turned over all of these cars. Please throw in also some of that same render as on the house, that remained undamaged and clean after the explosion.

Truth : Ukrainian Windows Remained Intact Because There Was No Explosion!

The truth is – this is FAKE NEWS, and yet another example of pro-Russia propaganda, trying to cast the Ukrainians as liars.

Here are the facts behind the viral photo, and the reasons why the Ukrainian windows remained intact…

Fact #1 : Photo Was Taken In Bucha, Ukraine

First, the picture was not produced by the Ukrainians.

This is a genuine and unedited photo taken by Rodrigo Abd, an Associated Press photographer, in Bucha on April 4, 2022, at about 7:26 AM.

Here is the official description of the photo that he filed on April 12, 2022 :

A Ukrainian soldier walks with children passing destroyed cars due to the war against Russia, in Bucha, on the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, April 4, 2022. Local authorities told The Associated Press that at least 16 children were among the hundreds of people killed in Bucha. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd, File)

So the claim that it was photoshopped or “rendered” is utter nonsense. This photo was taken by a veteran AP staff photographer, who happens to be Argentinian, not Ukrainian.

Fact #2 : No Sign Of Any Explosion

Despite the viral message claiming that there was a powerful explosion, there is NOTHING in the photo that suggests an explosion actually occurred anywhere nearby.

If you look closely, you will note that there is a distinct lack of scorch marks on the upturned vehicles, as well as the road and buildings.

If a Russian bomb actually detonated nearby, you should not only see shrapnel holes in the vehicles and walls of the buildings nearby, you should expect to see a crater of some sort, or some cratering of the road near the cars.

If the explosion happened off frame, then it’s unlikely to be strong enough to overturn cars like that.

In short, the photo shows a complete lack of evidence that any explosion of any kind overturned those cars.

Fact #3 : Vehicles Were Overturned By Tanks / Trucks

Eyewitnesses at Bucha told reporters that the Russians used tanks and trucks to overturn vehicles throughout Bucha.

A photojournalist, Emanuele Satoli, confirmed this to the Greek fact-checking website, Ellinika Hoaxes :

At the place where I took my photo, in the town of Bucha, I met several citizens and everyone told me that the cars had been overturned by Russians with tanks, but they did not know why the Russians did this.

The vehicles were most likely overturned by the Russians to create makeshift barricades to shield from Ukrainian counterattacks, or to prevent Ukrainian citizens from leaving the town.

When Ukrainian forces gained control of Bucha, they found the streets choked with destroyed tanks and vehicles.

Fact #4 : Russians Caught Lying About Bucha Massacre

This is not the first time fake news was created / propagated by the Russians and pro-Russian activists about the Bucha massacre.

After the Ukrainians evicted Russian forces from the town of Bucha, they found bodies of civilians who appeared to have been executed in cold blood and left on the road.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and the Russian Ministry of Defense immediately claimed that the footage of the bodies were “staged” by Ukrainians who placed them there after Russian forces left Bucha.

Unfortunately for the Russians, satellite photos taken weeks before their withdrawal showed that the Russians executed those civilians while they were in full control of the town.

A satellite image from Maxar showed that the bodies were already there as early as 11 March, with this clearer picture taken on 19 March. The Russians only left Bucha on 30 March.

Russian forces was also caught on satellite creating massive graves at Bucha, which were later found to contain bodies of hundreds of Ukrainian civilians.

So it is likely that they left these bodies on the streets of Bucha as a warning to the town residents, much like how Nazis in World War 2 would sometimes hang bodies in the streets of the towns they conquered.

This fake news appears to be part of the disinformation campaign conducted by Russia or pro-Russian activists to cover up the massacre of civilians in Bucha, Ukraine.

Please help us fight such malicious fake news – SHARE this fact check far and wide!

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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