When Ukraine undertakes offensive operations, Russia attempts to manipulate/influence the information environment.
For nearly three years, we have been monitoring the war in Ukraine, and another notable trend has emerged:
whenever Ukraine initiates an offensive operation, social media becomes inundated with claims of significant Ukrainian losses. However, we have observed that these claims often consist of disinformation: they may reference outdated losses, incidents from different regions, or even Russian losses reported as Ukrainian losses... (I kid you not).
This misinformation is often compiled in a way that suggests Ukraine's offensive efforts are failing, thereby attempting to sway public perception.
Recently, as Ukraine commenced an offensive operation (January 4th, 2025), again bold claims were made about Ukrainian losses.
We took a few days to investigate two specific assertions: one from a relatively small account named @NewRulesGeo and another from 'North Wind,' a Russian channel associated with the military.
The thread by NewRulesGeo garnered over 4 million views, while the post by North Wind attracted nearly 100,000 views on Telegram.
As anticipated, the reality is not as it appears.
For an account calling itself NewRulesGeo, it is striking that the individual does not grasp that geolocation is accurate. A significant portion of their thread is unrelated to the newly launched Kursk operation; it includes either older footage, irrelevant content, or different videos of the same vehicle being attacked while implying they depict different vehicles, and they guess the outcome of strikes without any proof.
Some of the footage was indeed from the recent Ukrainian offensive operations in Kursk Oblast, and by mixing it with unrelated material, they attempt to enhance their credibility. This is a well-known technique in spreading disinformation: combining accurate information with falsehoods. People tend to recognize the accurate claims and, as a result, may assign greater credibility to the entire narrative, including the disinformation.
Regarding the North Wind post, the considerable number of vehicles shown at the end of their video are actually Russian vehicles destroyed in mid-December. They misrepresent their own losses as Ukrainian losses.
We prefer not to invest too much time in debunking disinformation, as a lie can be made in just a few minutes, but the debunking can cost you days.
For example, this fact-check took us several days and the effort of a few dedicated volunteers.
I want to thank volunteers @giK1893, @99Dominik_, @moklasen and @GeoRaccoon for their geolocation work, making this thread possible.
We hope our fact-checking thread receives more than 4 million views, because mis-/ and disinformation is a plague on X and Facts DO Matter.
1/20
We will start by the North Wind claim.
"In the area of the settlement of Berdin in the Kursk region, several columns of armored vehicles of the Armed Forces of Ukraine attempted to attack the positions of the Severyans. For most of the armored vehicles and tanks, as well as their crews, the counteroffensive ended as soon as it began. FPV crews, operators of the Lancet loitering munitions, artillery and mortar crews of the Guards "North" actively struck enemy targets. We see the results in the footage.
Such a quantity of "smoking trash of the Armed Forces of Ukraine" clearly shows the attitude of the Ukrainian command to its servicemen. This was another ruthless "meat" assault in the style of Syrsky, and the units of the Guards "North" successfully repelled it."
Ironically, the large number of losses depicted starting at 0:29 are Russian losses incurred during their offensive in mid-December while attacking Ukrainian-occupied territory in Kursk from the west.
Picture two:
Green circle: Russian losses mid-December
Blue arrows: Ukrainian offensive operations which started January 4th, 2025.
Video: Russian losses filmed by the Ukrainian 36th Marine Brigade, published 17 December 2024
Conclusion: North Wind has presented Russian losses from mid-December, misrepresenting them as Ukrainian losses from the recent offensive. Geolocation analysis has confirmed that this footage does not even originate from the area of the recent offensive.
3/20
The NewRulesGeopolitics claim.
Almost 4 million views.
We have analyzed every tweet in our fact-checking thread. We use screenshots to ensure that no source footage has been altered.
There are 15 tweets, some of which contain multiple videos.
Tweet 1.
Important for tweet 1 is that you need to notice that his thread is about the new offensive in Kursk region, claiming it's a disaster and destroying Ukrainian armor like a fish in a barrel.
Tweet 1 - Analysis.
The text is to draw attention with bold claims and a picture that is made by Grok. That's how he tries to draw attention to his thread, and it worked...
After called out for the fake imagery he placed a tweet explaining himself: x.com/NewRulesGeo/st…
Conclusion Tweet 2:
6km and 12 km from the contact lines related to the Ukrainian offensive operations.
Not certain if its even hit/damaged/destroyed, based on this footage.
5/20
Tweet 3:
Another Russian drone hit against a British Challenger tank in Kursk. Ukrainian crew seen fleeing the scene. They’re going to be in big trouble for abandoning such an expensive piece of NATO equipment.
Analysis Tweet 3:
This is the same tank as the one above. This tank is attacked at least three times with drones. The tank is hit, but the final result is unclear.
Conclusion Tweet 3:
Two tweets to show that one (1) Ukrainian tank, is attacked at least 3 times with Russian FPV drones, and the tank was 6 and 13 km from both Ukrainian offensive axis. Unclear if tank was destroyed.
6/20
Tweet 4:
Russian Ka-52 helicopter BARBECUES Ukrainian armoured column on the move in Kursk
It is impossible to conduct a proper geolocation or accurately assess what is depicted here. The source is North Wind, and given the quality of their assessments (sarcasm intended), as noted at the beginning of our thread, this footage could be from any location. It may be true, or it may not be.
Conclusion Tweet 4:
Showing grainy footage with very bold claim that is impossible to prove based on the footage. The source has been proven untrustworthy.
7/20
Tweet 5:
Russian Spetsnaz drone operators BLOW UP a Ukrainian minesweeper, and them immediately HUNT DOWN a Ukrainian armoured column in Kursk.
This footage consists of 3 different frames:
Frame 1:
0:00-0:27 - Ukrainian WiSENT 1 (mine clearing vehicle) hit by a Russian FPV drone with fiber-optic cable, result unclear.
51.303784, 35.407007
8C34+GR6 Berdin, Kursk Oblast, Russia
0:28-0:35 - The same WiSENT 1 as above, hit by a Russian FPV drone with fiber-optic cable, result unclear.
51.307664, 35.406637
8C54+3M6 Berdin, Kursk Oblast, Russia
0:35-End - Ukrainian tank hit by a Russian FPV drone with fiber-optic cable, result unclear.
51.28944, 35.39949
79QX+QQH Kruglik, Kursk Oblast, Russia
3 different frames, based on geolocation, showing the offensive maneuver in the direction of Berdin, Kursk Oblast. In this footage we see the same WiSENT 1 being hit by two Russian fiber-optic drones and a tank being hit by one Russian fiber-optic drone. In both cases the result is unclear. "BLOW UP?'' is another unproven claim.
8/20
Tweet 6:
Russian drone surveils DESTROYED Ukrainian armoured vehicles in Kursk
Ukrainian armoured vehicle burning and one vehicle attacked by an FPV Suicide drone, during the Ukrainian offensive operation in the direction of Berdin, Kursk Oblast.
Burning vehicle - 51.297164, 35.407061
7CW4+VR7 Berdin, Kursk Oblast, Russia
Rough location of the attacked vehicle - 51.29707, 35.40608
7CW4+RCG Berdin, Kursk Oblast, Russia
Based on geolocation, showing the offensive maneuver in the direction of Berdin, Kursk Oblast.
In this footage we see a destroyed, burning, vehicle and another vehicle being hit by a fiber-optic drone.
Contrary to the claim, only one vehicle is visibly destroyed.
9/20
Tweet 7.
Ukrainian soldiers films aftermath of Russian drone strike against Ukrainian column in Kursk. Absolutely brutal 🤙
We were not able to geolocate this yet. The original footage is shared by @Harri_Est ( x.com/Harri_Est/stat…) on X in the early morning of January 4th. Also two ambulances are visible, meaning this is highly likely in the rear. Based on the timing and the two ambulances, it's likely not related to the Ukrainian offensive operation, but it still could be. Impossible to prove without geolocation.
Our team is looking further into this.
Conclusion Tweet 7:
Unknown geolocation, likely not related to the Ukrainian offensive operation, unless proven otherwise by -for example- geolocation.
10/20
Tweet 8.
Russian drone operators CHEER as they watch a Ukrainian T-72 tank in Kursk go KABOOM.
Unrelated to the Ukrainian offensive operation: Footage was published before the start of that operation and the location is in Makhnovka, Kursk Oblast, Russia, far away from the Ukrainian offensive and during the Russian offensive on this area.
11/20
Tweet 9.
Russia’s 155th Marine Brigade is SLAPPING DOWN Ukrainian invaders in Kursk right and left.
Video 1:
Not part of the Ukrainian offensive operations.
Not certain if its even damaged/destroyed, based on this footage.
Video 2: Same tank as tweet 2&3
Video 3: Not part of the Ukrainian offensive operations, result unclear.
Thus, the initial claim about "slapping down" is once again heavily exaggerated.
12/20
Tweet 10.
Russian drone operator hands out a one-way ticket to the afterlife to two Ukrainian soldiers in Kursk
Damaged/destroyed and captured Ukrainian M577 command post carrier at the gas station in Korenevo. This is de M557 that was destroyed at 2 Nov 2024 near 51.362000, 35.085111 (Location by lost-warinua)
51.426967, 34.885596
CVGP+Q6Q Korenevo, Kursk Oblast, Russia
Post by North Wind showing Russian losses from mid December, claiming they are Ukrainian.
---
Thread by @NewRulesGeo:
Tweet 1: Fake picture.
Tweet 2, 3 and 9 (video 2): same tank, NOT related to the Ukrainian Offensive, based on location.
Tweet 4: Could be related to the Ukrainian Offensive. Showing grainy footage with very bold claim that is impossible to prove based on the footage. The source has been proven untrustworthy.
Tweet 5: Related to the Ukrainian Offensive, showing two drone strikes on the same vehicle and an attack on another.
Tweet 6: Related to the Ukrainian Offensive, showing one burning vehicle and a drone strike on another.
Tweet 7: Doubtfully related to the Ukrainian Offensive, based on the publication timing and two visible ambulances.
Tweet 8: NOT related to the Ukrainian Offensive, based on location.
Tweet 9: NOT related to the Ukrainian Offensive: besides showing the same tank attacked for the third time (Video 3), neither of the three videos are related to the Ukrainian Offensive, based on location.
Tweet 10: Related to the Ukrainian Offensive, showing an FPV strike on two Ukrainians and what is assessed as a Russian POW.
Tweet 11: NOT related to the Ukrainian Offensive
Tweet 12: Could be related to the Ukrainian Offensive. Showing grainy footage with bold claim that is impossible to prove based on the footage.
Tweet 13: NOT related to the Ukrainian Offensive
Tweet 14: Related to the Ukrainian Offensive, second axis.
Tweet 15: NOT related to the Ukrainian Offensive
---
Recap:
"Ukraine has launched a new OFFENSIVE in Russia’s Kursk region. So far, it’s been an unmitigated DISASTER. Russian troops are DESTROYING Ukrainian armour like shooting fish in a barrel."
Out of the 15 tweets...
FOUR (4) are related, TWO (2) could be related, ONE (1) is doubtfull. Meaning 8 are NOT RELATED.
Those 7 show: 1 burning vehicle, 3 vehicles being attacked by drones (some vehicles multiple times), some soldiers being attacked by drones. And then some unproven claims. And one doubtfully (if related to the offensive) video showing killed Ukrainian soldiers.
A significant portion of the thread is unrelated to the newly launched Kursk operation; it includes either older footage, irrelevant content, or different videos of the same vehicle being attacked while implying they depict different vehicles, and they guess the outcome of strikes without any proof.
---
Final Conclusion:
When Ukraine undertakes offensive operations, Russia attempts to manipulate/influence the information environment, this is again proven by this thread.
For nearly three years, we have been monitoring the war in Ukraine, and another notable trend has emerged:
whenever Ukraine initiates an offensive operation, social media becomes inundated with claims of significant Ukrainian losses.
However, we have observed that these claims often consist of disinformation: they may reference outdated losses, incidents from different regions, or even Russian losses reported as Ukrainian losses...
By mixing proven information with unrelated material, they attempt to enhance their credibility.
This is a well-known technique in spreading disinformation: combining accurate information with falsehoods. People tend to recognize the accurate claims and, as a result, may assign greater credibility to the entire narrative, including the disinformation.
This information is often compiled in a way that suggests Ukraine's offensive efforts are failing, thereby attempting to sway public perception.
Always stay vigilant for manipulation, mis- and disinformation, especially about war related topics.
FACTS do MATTER.
19/20
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Another devistating missile attack by Russia in the middle of Sumy, the capital city of Sumy Oblast.
The attack, reportedly involving two missiles, occurred during Palm Sunday, a significant religious holiday in Ukraine, when many people typically visit churches and/or spend time with their families.
The horrific attack has already resulted in 21 fatalities and 34 injuries, including 5 children, according to initial reports.
0:06 - Damaged Congress Centre -
50.905909, 34.794115
WQ4V+9J9 Sumy, Sumy Oblast, Ukraine
0:25 - Location of the civilian casualties - 50.905071, 34.794703
WQ4V+2VG Sumy, Sumy Oblast, Ukraine
IDF soldiers ambushed multiple ambulances, a fire truck and their personnel (15+), killing them on-site, burying the bodies along with the vehicles (according to NYT based on sattelite imagery)(!) and lied about the circumstances (!). It took 5 more days before IDF allowed safe passage to search for the missing first responders. (!)
A spokesperson for the IDF, Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani (@LTC_Shoshani), issued a statement on March 31, now demonstrated to be FALSE by emerging evidence, asserting
"Uncoordinated vehicles were identified advancing suspiciously toward IDF troops without headlights or emergency signals."
The footage provides conclusive proof that:
The ambulances and fire truck were unmistakably operating as emergency vehicles, with their lights activated, and the personnel were wearing their reflective gear.
This incident has been described as one of the most severe potential war crimes attributed to the IDF.
Reportedly it represented the single deadliest attack on Red Cross and Red Crescent Society workers anywhere in the world since 2017.
Eventually, rescue teams uncovered the ambulances and the remains of 14 paramedics and 1 UN employee who had been reported missing. 1 is reportedly still missing.
GeoConfirmed UKR - Misinformation by President Trump.
While we typically refrain from political commentary, President Donald Trump's recent statement regarding the war in Ukraine is so egregious that we feel compelled to respond.
Several claims made by President Trump have already been debunked. We've included responses from Grok AI for each claim, demonstrating that even Grok refutes the misinformation spread by the president.
In this thread, we will provide geolocated footage as a reminder to everyone that Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, marking the beginning of this war.
1)
The United States has not spent $350 billion on this war, nor has it outspent Europe by $200 billion. In fact, European contributions have surpassed those of the US. Moreover, a significant portion of the American military aid (around 90% !) is spend in the US, reinvesting in the US economy.
President Zelensky did not claim that half the American money sent to Ukraine is "missing". He stated that half of the promised funds had not been received, which is a crucial distinction.
Ukrainian constitution prohibits elections during wartime, a measure designed to protect the democratic process from foreign interference, particularly given Russia's known capabilities in this area...
President Zelensky is not a dictator, as evidenced by Ukraine's constitutional framework and his commitment to holding elections once hostilities cease. In contrast, it's worth noting that President Putin consistently wins elections in Russia with implausibly high percentages of votes, with opposition that 'falls out of windows", is poisened or jailed, raising questions about the true nature of Russia's electoral process.
There was no NATO expansion to the East, as NATO itself cannot expand. Instead, democratic countries independently decide whether they want to become members of the alliance. The process of joining NATO is voluntary and involves multiple steps, including meeting specific requirements and completing a formal application process.
The fact that many of Russia's former neighbors have chosen to seek NATO membership speaks volumes about their perception of Russia and their desire for collective security.
The decision of these nations to pursue NATO membership reflects their sovereign right to determine their own foreign policy and security arrangements. It also indicates a preference for the stability and security guarantees that NATO membership offers, rather than remaining under Russian influence.
Regarding the famous 'promise':
Article 103 of the UN Charter establishes a clear hierarchy in international law. It states that obligations under the UN Charter prevail over obligations under any other international agreement in case of conflict. This supremacy extends beyond just treaties, as it is generally understood to also apply to customary international law.
The hierarchy can be summarized as follows:
1) UN Charter obligations 2) Other treaties and customary international law 3) Non-treaty international texts 4) Political promises or commitments 5) Historical claims
Russia's invasion of Ukraine clearly violates fundamental principles of the UN Charter, including the prohibition on the use of force against the territorial integrity of another state. Any attempts to justify this action based on lower-ranking considerations like political promises or historical claims are legally irrelevant.
Who initiated this nearly three-year-long war? RUSSIA.
As a platform that has analyzed over 50,000 frames/videos related to the conflict, we will remind the president ,with geolocated footage, who started this war: RUSSIA.
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, despite repeatedly denying any plans for invasion in the preceding days.
GeoConfirmed Investigation - Thread 3 - October 7th 2023.
Thread 3 - 'Nahal Oz' area.
This thread contains footage of the Nahal Oz area.
At least four different factions participated in the assault on the military base near Nahal Oz and the kibbutz itself:
a) Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, military wing of Hamas.
b) Al-Quds Brigades, military wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
c) Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades.
d) Palestinian Freedom Movement, Al-Ansar Brigades
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If any new geolocated footage related to this topic becomes available in the future, it will be added at the end of this thread.
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1/X
GeoConfirmed 7OCT23.
At sunrise, a large convoy of Palestinian militants, over 30, drive towards Israel in jeeps and with motorcycles. They drive in the direction of Nahal Oz, whilst outgoing rocket fire can be heard and seen.
GeoConfirmed Investigation - Thread 2 - October 7th 2023.
Thread 2 - Zikim area.
This thread contains footage of the Zikim area, highlighting three events:
1) Destruction of Remote-Controlled Weapon Systems
Israeli guard towers along the fence were equipped with remotely controlled weapon systems. These systems were neutralized at the onset of the attack using grenades dropped from drones.
This tactic mirrors the widespread use of drone-dropped munitions observed in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
2) Coastal Infiltration
Militants also employed boats to infiltrate the area via the coastline.
3) Civilian Casualties
The attack resulted in civilian casualties, including teenagers, who were killed at close range.
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If any new geolocated footage related to this topic becomes available in the future, it will be added at the end of this thread.
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1/X
October 7th 2023.
Smoke emanating from two locations near the Shikma Reservoir, Israel filmed by a Hamas drone.
Point of View - 31.58415, 34.501819
Smoke 1: around 31.595433, 34.493592
Smoke 2: around 31.594119, 34.497942
GeoConfirmed Investigation - Thread 1 - October 7th 2023.
Thread 1 - Massive Rocket barrage.
The attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, began with an unprecedented rocket barrage at approximately 6:30 a.m. local time.
Thousands of rockets were fired from Gaza into Israel, targeting various areas. This massive rocket attack forced many Israelis to seek shelter in bunkers and safe rooms.
The timing of the attack was strategically chosen to coincide with the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah, when security forces were operating at minimum levels. This reduced security presence, combined with the early morning timing and the chaos caused by the rocket barrage, allowed Hamas militants to breach the Gaza-Israel barrier more easily.
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If any new geolocated footage related to this topic becomes available in the future, it will be added at the end of this thread.
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