FACT CHECK: Video Claims To Show Ukrainian Reservist Faking Reactions For Cameras
A video shared on Facebook allegedly shows a Ukrainian reservist faking a moment in distress being captured by a nearby camera crew.
Verdict: Misleading
The video shows an actor being filmed for a music video. The footage is not linked to any actual conflict.
Fact Check:
Ukraine and Russia swapped prisoners recently, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy advising his soldiers to take more Russian prisoners, according to Reuters. The two countries also had a major prisoner exchange last month, with several Azosvtal commanders and fighters being freed, the outlet reported.
The Facebook video appears to show a cameraman filming a supposed Ukrainian reservist as he seems to be in distress. The post’s caption reads,” Ukrainian reservist doing some sort of acting for the camera? Worked out you are being played?”
The caption is misleading. Through a reverse image search, Check Your Fact found that the video shows a Ukrainian actor dressed up as a soldier. The actor shared a longer video of his scenes on YouTube with the title, “As filmed in the music video of the singer Anna Khanina.” Anna Khanina is a Ukrainian singer whose Facebook page can be seen here.
“Backstage – a look inside the filming process,” reads the video’s description. Khanina told Reuters that the clips are for a music video for her new song. She can also be seen in the longer YouTube video. (RELATED: Video Falsely Claims ‘John Kennedy Exposed Hunter Biden In Congress?’)
“I was present at the shooting when these shots were being taken for my new song ‘Lullaby’,” Khanina said.
Misinformation around the conflict has circulated on social media since February. Check Your Fact recently debunked a claim showing Russian Patriarch Kirill advising citizens “not to fear death” amid mobilization.
