Fact check: Old image of Ukraine viral with misleading claim amidst Russia- Ukraine Conflict
In our investigation we found that this picture had nothing to do with the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. This is an old photo that has gone viral in connection with recent events.
- By: Umam Noor
- Published: Feb 25, 2022 at 07:28 PM
- Updated: Feb 25, 2022 at 07:30 PM
New Delhi (Vishvas News). Social media is deluged with misinformation around the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In the same context, a picture is going viral in which many people can be seen standing in snow. Users are sharing the photo connecting it with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Some users claim that people seen in the post are praying to end the conflict and for peace. When Vishvas News investigated the photo, we found that it has nothing to do with the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Viral photo is old and is going viral as recent.
Claim
Facebook user uploaded the viral photo and wrote, “Ukrainians are kneeling on the ice and praying, so that the world can avoid a new war in which the blood of innocents will be shed.” For the sake of peace, the heads of the churches of Ukraine have dedicated tomorrow, Sunday, to prayer, fasting, and repentance. Let’s add our voice to theirs, and make it a human and spiritual force against the language of weapons, destruction, and bloodshed. “
See the archived version of the post here.
Investigation
We started our investigation by searching the viral image via Google Reverse Image. In the search, we found this photo in a news published in October 2019 on a website named ‘believersportal.com.’ According to the report, “Since 2014, people have been gathering at this place called Kharkov City Square in Ukraine and praying for the people in the war zone and for peace.” The full story can be read here.
To get the confirmation regarding the photo, we contacted Ukrainian journalist Chris York and shared the viral post with him. He told us that the picture was old, and it has nothing to do with the ongoing war.
In the social scanning of the Facebook user who shared the misleading post, we found that the user is from Lebanon.
Conclusion: In our investigation we found that this picture had nothing to do with the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. This is an old photo that has gone viral in connection with recent events.
- Claim Review : Ukrainians kneel down on snow and pray under the sky of the Merciful God, in order to avoid the world a new war in which streams of innocent blood. The leaders of the Ukrainian churches have dedicated the day of tomorrow Sunday to pray, fasting and repentance for peace. Let's join our voices to theirs, and form a human and spiritual strength in the face of weapons, destruction and bloodshed.
- Claimed By : Pierre Imad
- Fact Check : Misleading
Know the truth! If you have any doubts about any information or a rumor, do let us know!
Knowing the truth is your right. If you feel any information is doubtful and it can impact the society or nation, send it to us by any of the sources mentioned below.
