FACT CHECK: Did The Daily Mirror Publish This Article About Russian Army ‘Rapist Kits’?
An image shared on Facebook allegedly shows an article from the Daily Mirror alleging the Russian army issued “rapist kits” to soldiers.
Verdict: False
This screenshot is digitally fabricated. While there are reports Russian soldiers are using Viagra to sexually assault women in Ukraine, there is no evidence such “rapist kits” exist.
Fact Check:
Russian leaders in Ukraine recently announced the formation of “territorial defense units” amid Ukraine’s push to recapture Russian-occupied territory in Kherson before the upcoming winter months, the Wall Street Journal reported. Russia is reportedly rushing to increase weapons production for troops in the war, AlJazeera reported.
The Facebook image appears to show a screengrab of a Daily Mirror article with the headline “The Russian army issues <<rapist kits>> to soldiers.” The claim also gained traction on Twitter with over 180 retweets.
I can’t, I just can’t anymore pic.twitter.com/9AmsA2SkGc
— Ghost (@mdfzeh) October 19, 2022
“According to correspondents from the front line, the Russian army issues special ‘rapist kits’ for its soldiers with the aim of using them against Ukrainian soldiers and civilians,” the alleged subheading reads. “This kit includes a dildo, sex stimulants and various torture devices.”
The article is digitally fabricated. The alleged article could not be found on the outlet’s website or verified social media accounts. Check Your Fact found no credible news reports about the Russian army issuing such kits to soldiers. (RELATED: Did The Daily Mirror Report That Sex Toys Are Linked To Heart Attacks In Women?)
A United Nations official claimed that the Russian army is providing its soldiers with Viagra to sexually assault Ukrainian women and “dehumanize” them, also reporting more than 100 rapes in the country had been verified since February, according to Business Insider. In spite of this, the article does not mention any so-called “rapist kits.”
Check Your Fact has reached out to the Daily Mirror for comment and will update this piece accordingly if one is received.
