A viral photo of a woman in a military uniform is spreading with the claim that she “blew up 52 invading Russian tanks”. But that’s not true. Let’s take a look at the facts.
NewsLit takeaway
Falsehoods touting alleged Ukrainian heroism have circulated online since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24. While it’s impossible to know for sure where this particular falsehood originated, it’s important to be aware that people who use misinformation to “chase clout” and build influence online often target topics that invoke strong public opinions. Amid broad-based global support for Ukraine during this war, these types of hopeful, positive claims are optimized for quick likes and shares. However, they do not help or support Ukraine and may even bolster Russia’s attempts to cast a fog of doubt over all information about the war.
- “Fact Check-No evidence photo shows a Ukrainian soldier who ‘blew up 52 Russian tanks’” (Reuters Fact Check).
- “Posts spread fictional tale of ‘Ukrainian beauty’ who blew up 52 tanks” (Ali Swenson, The Associated Press).
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