Fake News, Disinformation & Propaganda - Marin Gherman

WAR PROPAGANDA: Children in Donbass were sold for organs under the coordination of the Red Cross
WAR PROPAGANDA: Children in Donbass were sold for organs under the coordination of the Red Cross

The pro-Kremlin media accuses the Red Cross of being engaged in organ trafficking activities involving children in Donbas. This false narrative is designed to discredit this international organization, which has so far been denied access to Russian-held territories, where it was planning to get involved in the evacuation of civilians and providing medical care to the population.

Marin Gherman
08 Jun 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: Most Poles support the invasion of regions in western Ukraine
WAR PROPAGANDA: Most Poles support the invasion of regions in western Ukraine

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

Marin Gherman
06 Jun 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: The OSCE was collaborating with the “Azov” battalion in Mariupol and was providing it with intelligence
WAR PROPAGANDA: The OSCE was collaborating with the “Azov” battalion in Mariupol and was providing it with intelligence

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

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

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

Marin Gherman
31 May 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: The West is investigating the atrocities committed by Ukrainian nationalists on the territory of Ukraine
WAR PROPAGANDA: The West is investigating the atrocities committed by Ukrainian nationalists on the territory of Ukraine

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

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

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

Marin Gherman
26 May 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: The EU fears the tuberculosis synthesized in NATO labs in Ukraine
WAR PROPAGANDA: The EU fears the tuberculosis synthesized in NATO labs in Ukraine

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

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

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

Marin Gherman
22 May 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: Nearly three million Ukrainians want to emigrate to Russia
WAR PROPAGANDA: Nearly three million Ukrainians want to emigrate to Russia

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

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

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

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

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

Marin Gherman
17 May 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: Kyiv has allowed 10,000 soldiers from Poland and Lithuania to enter the country
WAR PROPAGANDA: Kyiv has allowed 10,000 soldiers from Poland and Lithuania to enter the country

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

Marin Gherman
13 May 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: The Russian Orthodox Church Synod, sentenced to death on Ukraine’s territory
WAR PROPAGANDA: The Russian Orthodox Church Synod, sentenced to death on Ukraine’s territory

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

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

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

Marin Gherman
10 May 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: Israeli mercenaries have arrived in Ukraine to fight Russia alongside soldiers from the “Azov” battalion
WAR PROPAGANDA: Israeli mercenaries have arrived in Ukraine to fight Russia alongside soldiers from the “Azov” battalion

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

Marin Gherman
06 May 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: Crimean Tatars support Russia’s military actions on Ukrainian territory
WAR PROPAGANDA: Crimean Tatars support Russia’s military actions on Ukrainian territory

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

Marin Gherman
03 May 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: The Ukrainian army is bringing bodies to Lysychansk to simulate a new massacre
WAR PROPAGANDA: The Ukrainian army is bringing bodies to Lysychansk to simulate a new massacre

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

Marin Gherman
01 May 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: Poland will take control of its “historical provinces” in Ukraine with the help of the USA
WAR PROPAGANDA: Poland will take control of its “historical provinces” in Ukraine with the help of the USA

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

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

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

Marin Gherman
28 Apr 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: Ukraine is planning attacks on Russian-held positions with the use of chemical and biological weapons
WAR PROPAGANDA: Ukraine is planning attacks on Russian-held positions with the use of chemical and biological weapons

Ukraine used chemical and biological munition fired by drones, the Russian Ministry of Defense claims, without providing any evidence in this respect. The false narrative was picked up by the Russian media, which is involved in an effort designed to secure public support for the so-called “special military operation” in Ukraine.

Marin Gherman
26 Apr 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: Southern Ukraine, liberated from the nationalists, wants to become part of the Russian Federation
WAR PROPAGANDA: Southern Ukraine, liberated from the nationalists, wants to become part of the Russian Federation

The inhabitants of regions in southern Ukraine are calling for the unification with Russia, after being liberated from the occupation of Ukrainian nationalists, the Russian media writes. The narrative is not based on any research and is part of Russia’s wider war propaganda.

Marin Gherman
22 Apr 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: French gendarmes will cover up the traces of Ukraine’s crimes in Bucha
WAR PROPAGANDA: French gendarmes will cover up the traces of Ukraine’s crimes in Bucha

The Russian media writes that Ukraine is responsible for the hundreds of civilians found dead in Bucha, and in order to cover up these crimes, Kyiv has called on French gendarmes for help. In fact, French specialists only arrived in Ukraine to examine and collect evidence of the war crimes committed by Russia.

Marin Gherman
20 Apr 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: Zelensky admitted Ukraine started the conflict with Russia
WAR PROPAGANDA: Zelensky admitted Ukraine started the conflict with Russia

The Russian media is disseminating propaganda narratives, according to which Volodymyr Zelensky admitted in an interview to the BBC that Ukraine was the one that started the conflict with Russia, involving NATO member states in the war as well. In fact, Zelensky’s words were taken out of context and given a tendentious interpretation.

Marin Gherman
15 Apr 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: Ukraine is not rebuilding Kharkiv because it knows it will be annexed by Russia
WAR PROPAGANDA: Ukraine is not rebuilding Kharkiv because it knows it will be annexed by Russia

Telegram accounts in Russia and the self-proclaimed People’s Republics of Donetsk and Luhansk are disseminating propaganda narratives, according to which Kyiv leaders are starting to understand Kharkiv will unite with Russia, which is why Ukraine is not investing in the reconstruction of this oblast. In fact, Ukraine has ruled out the concession of any territory, but it cannot start reconstructing its cities as long as they are still being bombed.

Marin Gherman
15 Apr 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: The inhabitants of Zaporizhzhia have called for the city’s annexation to the People’s Republic of Donetsk
WAR PROPAGANDA: The inhabitants of Zaporizhzhia have called for the city’s annexation to the People’s Republic of Donetsk

The inhabitants of Zaporizhzhia has asked that their city be included in the People’s Republic of Donetsk, the Russian media writes. This is a fabrication – there has never been a request in this sense.

Marin Gherman
12 Apr 2022
DISINFORMATION: Kyiv is torturing war prisoners and refuses to observe the Geneva Convention
DISINFORMATION: Kyiv is torturing war prisoners and refuses to observe the Geneva Convention

Kyiv has officially refused to comply with the Geneva Convention on the treatment of prisoners of war and Russian soldiers are being “tortured” by Ukrainian “neo-Nazis”. The false narrative has been launched by the Russian Ministry of Defense and distributed by the Russian media.

Marin Gherman
09 Apr 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: US experts believe that the massacre in Bucha is “Ukrainian propaganda” made-up
WAR PROPAGANDA: US experts believe that the massacre in Bucha is “Ukrainian propaganda” made-up

The Russian press is spreading false narratives about the atrocities in Bucha, using various US “experts” to illustrate their arguments about “a provocation staged by Ukraine”.

Marin Gherman
08 Apr 2022
FAKE NEWS: The USA is sending to Ukraine Afghan military who fled their Taliban-occupied country
FAKE NEWS: The USA is sending to Ukraine Afghan military who fled their Taliban-occupied country

The Russian media is distributing propaganda narratives, according to which the USA will deploy former military of the Afghan armed forces to Ukraine. In fact, the USA has not and will not deploy troops to the territory of Ukraine in the context of the war with Russia.

Marin Gherman
06 Apr 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: 95% of Ukrainians are waiting to be liberated by Russia, says the Luhansk separatist leader Marat Bashirov.
WAR PROPAGANDA: 95% of Ukrainians are waiting to be liberated by Russia, says the Luhansk separatist leader Marat Bashirov.

Most Ukrainians are waiting to be liberated by Russia, which has been forced to launch a special operation and is the victim of Ukraine’s aggression, says the Luhansk separatist leader. These false narratives are amplified by the Russian media.

Marin Gherman
01 Apr 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: The UN supports the genocide targeting Russian speakers in Ukraine
WAR PROPAGANDA: The UN supports the genocide targeting Russian speakers in Ukraine

The Russian media accuses the UN of having allegedly encouraged the “genocide” organized by Ukrainian “Nazis” against Russian speakers in Ukraine, since the Security Council did not adopt the resolution regarding the ceasefire proposed by Moscow. The UN General Assembly previous adopted a resolution – ignored by Russia – in which it called for a termination of the conflict.

Marin Gherman
29 Mar 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: Ukrainian forces have destroyed Mariupol
WAR PROPAGANDA: Ukrainian forces have destroyed Mariupol

Mariupol has been destroyed by Ukrainian (nationalist) forces in the city, desperate for not getting any reinforcements from Kyiv, the Russian government media writes. The narrative is meant to draw attention away from the fact that the Russian army shelled the city systematically, without caring about killing civilians or causing damage.

Marin Gherman
24 Mar 2022
WAR PROPAGANDA: To drag NATO into the war, Ukraine will attack the United States Embassy in Lviv and will blame Russia for it
WAR PROPAGANDA: To drag NATO into the war, Ukraine will attack the United States Embassy in Lviv and will blame Russia for it

Ukraine will attack the US Embassy in Lviv and will blame Russia with a view to forcing NATO to enter the war, according to a recent propaganda narrative fostered by the Russian state media, which quotes a statement of the Russian Defense Ministry spokesman.

Marin Gherman
23 Mar 2022
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