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 However, we have observed that these claims often consist of disinformation: they may reference outdated losses, incidents from different regions, or even Russian losses reported as Ukrainian losses...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
If you like our work you can buy us a coffee.
This helps:
Improving our maps and user interface.
Improving data management.
Buying Sat Img for confirmations and investigations.
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
---
If any new geolocated footage related to this topic becomes available in the future, it will be added at the end of this thread.
---
If you like our work you can buy us a coffee (buymeacoffee.com/geoconfirmed)
By doing so, you are enabling us to enhance our website and servers, and allowing us to buy satellite imagery for our investigations.
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.
---
If any new geolocated footage related to this topic becomes available in the future, it will be added at the end of this thread.
---
If you like our work you can buy us a coffee (buymeacoffee.com/geoconfirmed) By doing so, you are enabling us to enhance our website and servers, and allowing us to buy satellite imagery for our investigations.
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.
---
If any new geolocated footage related to this topic becomes available in the future, it will be added at the end of this thread.
---
If you like our work you can buy us a coffee (buymeacoffee.com/geoconfirmed)
By doing so, you are enabling us to enhance our website and servers, and allowing us to buy satellite imagery for our investigations.
A Belgian journalist and his fixer were abducted in Beirut, Lebanon, while his cameraman was shot in the leg and left behind. The journalist and the fixer were released a few hours later, albeit with injuries.
Yesterday @WarMonitors made some unusual assertions regarding "a Zionist spy that many Lebanese have seen many times"
These claims were accompanied by two videos, which were initially difficult to geolocate.
Both tweets had over 13k likes and over a million views.
---
In the morning, Belgian news agencies began reporting on the well-known war journalist @ramaekers_robin, who, along with his fixer, was kidnapped while covering the bombing of a specific apartment building in Bachoura Beirut, reportedly the office of Hezbullah's MP Amine Cherri.
(x.com/GeoConfirmed/s…)
When Robin was speaking with eyewitnesses of the attack, things went wrong. A group of approximately twenty men assaulted the journalists. The men accused Robin and Stijn of spying for Israel and began shooting at Stijn, who was hit by two bullets in the leg. Robin and the fixer were beaten and dragged away. They were then locked in a basement, where they were beaten several more times and interrogated for hours.
After their release, both journalists were hospitalized for their injuries. Ramaekers suffered facial fractures, while De Smet was treated for a leg wound caused by gunshots.
❌"Cemetery of Ukrainian tanks in the Kursk region." ❌
These are Russian tanks that have been marked with Ukrainian symbols following their capture during the Ukrainian Kharkiv offensive in autumn 2022, near the village of Myrne. ✅
Factchecked by @BuschModelar and community noted.
Despite this, the post remains pinned to the profile and is going viral, currently boasting 1.1 million views.
In the comments, the author (@Ug_chelsea) is engaging in discussions with users who point out the flaws in his/her post, remaining entirely convinced of his/her perspective.
Now @EjShahid has geolocated this location, proving again that this is disinformation:
Thread of 'Kursk' related geolocations.
New ones will be added at the end.
It seems they aimed to demonstrate that, even a year after Russian separatists conducted an incursion from Ukraine into Russia, Russia still struggles to adequately protect its borders.
A Russian drone targets Ukrainian armored vehicles (Humvees), with a new tactical sign, and infantry, with at least three dropped explosives, in Basivka, Sumy region.