Whether they are political agents or agenda-focused journalists, these so-called “bad actors” do well polluting our media ecosystem with misleading or false information during breaking news events because people are emotional (scared, confused, angry, excited, etc.) and want instant explanations.
In short, people are eager to spread links that justify their feelings or existing beliefs about the chaos — oftentimes without taking a pause to make sure what they say, or show, is true.
Snopes does not want that to be you.
Below is a list of rumors or falsehoods that circulated widely after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. We are continuously adding to the list.
Did CNN Show Edmonton, Canada, Fire Video as if It Were Lviv Explosion?
The footage in question showed CNN anchors John Berman and Don Lemon and was broadcast...
Did Russia ‘Only Sanction Democrats’ and Not Republicans?
In the spring of 2022, Russia barred hundreds of Canadians and Americans from entering the...
Does Video Show Zelenskyy Singing John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’?
The Ukrainian president became something of a cult figure during Russia's invasion of his country...
Did Ukraine Give Up Its Nuclear Power Through the Budapest Memorandum?
In 1994, the country agreed to take certain actions in exchange for security assurances.
Did Biden Say to US Troops About Ukraine: ‘You’re Gonna See When You’re There’?
The Kyiv Independent referred to U.S. President Joe Biden's choice of words in front of...
No, Volodymyr Zelenskyy Did Not Wear a Nazi Symbol
Conspiracy theorists and Russian apologists reached new lows in attacking the Ukrainian president in March...
Did Ukraine Reject ‘We’re Not Gonna Take It’ as a Battle Cry?
According to an online report, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also said, "Fu*k Dee Snider."
Video Doesn’t Show Ukraine Soldiers Killing Civilians in Chechnya
The 2014 French drama film “The Search” is about Russia's invasion of Chechnya in 1999.
Were Strollers Left at Poland Train Station for Ukraine Refugees?
Ukrainian refugees have been met with food, supplies, and additional transport upon arriving in Poland.
Did Crisis Actors Make a Propaganda Video in Ukraine?
This claim definitely involves propaganda, but not in the direction a propagandist would have you...
No, Putin Was Not Compared to Hitler on the Cover of Time Magazine
The artist told Snopes that he would “never willingly contribute to misinformation.”
Does Ukrainian Road Sign Read ‘Go F*ck Yourself Back to Russia’?
It's true that Ukrainians altered road signs to confuse Russian troops, but it all started...
Viral Video Shows Palestinian Girl, Not Ukrainian, Confronting Soldier
A 2012 video of young Palestinian activist Ahed Tamimi was repurposed during Russia's invasion of...
Video Doesn’t Show Russian and Ukrainian Soldiers Dancing Together
This miscaptioned video was circulated by those attempting to downplay Russia's attack on Ukraine.
Is This Tractor Towing a Russian Jet Captured in Ukraine?
Ukrainian farmers have been filmed towing all sorts of abandoned military gear with their tractors.
Did Zelenskyy ‘Troll’ Putin Over a Supposedly Fake Video?
Social media users pored over videos that appeared to show the Ukrainian president touching a...
No, the UN Did Not Say, ‘The State of Ukraine Does Not Exist’
Conspiracy theorists and Russian apologists stretched credulity with one viral post in early 2022.
Does Ukraine Stamp Design Commemorate ‘Russian Warship, Go F*ck Yourself’ Moment?
A Ukrainian soldier's response to a Russian warship has become a powerful slogan for the...
Bounty on Putin? Russian Businessman Puts Up $1M for Putin’s Arrest
While the initial posting of this bounty featured a "Dead or Alive" poster, it has...
Was ‘Anastasia’ Removed from Disney+ To Protest Invasion of Ukraine?
The movie "Anastasia" is no longer available on Disney+, but its removal was unrelated to...
Africans, Other Foreigners Face Discrimination While Escaping Ukraine
Eyewitnesses told Snopes about tense scenes at train stations and the Ukrainian-Polish border crossing.
Yes, Elon Musk Sent Starlink Terminals to Ukraine, But at What Safety Cost?
One expert who weighed in noted that satellite communications may pose more danger than safety.
Other Sanctions on Putin: No More Black Belt, World Cup, Or Eurovision
International governments aren't the only ones attempting to punish Russia for its unprovoked invasion of...
Did Biden Say, ‘Putin Decides He’s Gonna Invade Russia’?
Viral video clips purportedly showed U.S. President Joe Biden's mistaking Russia and Ukraine when speaking...
No, This Isn’t a Video of a Russian Paratrooper TikToking the Invasion of Ukraine
A video went viral across social media platforms with misleading information.
UKRAINE: Viral Hoax Falsely Claims ‘American Journalists’ Killed on 1st Day of Russian Invasion
Widely shared social media posts were not sincere tributes but rather part of a distasteful...
Yes, Ukraine’s UN Ambassador Said This About War Criminals
The comment that such criminals go "straight to hell" was directed at his Russian counterpart.
Ukraine, US Biolabs, and an Ongoing Russian Disinformation Campaign
In an attempt to justify Russia's invasion of Ukraine, propagandists claimed the attack was focused...