Rumors, falsehoods, and distortions in the media are nothing new. The cartoon above depicts reporters rushing to bring their 'fake news' stories to a newspaper mogul is from 1894 by Frederick Burr Opper. Following the news of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is difficult, especially if you’re not already knowledgeable about the situation. Opinions outweigh people reporting from the ground which makes finding objective news difficult to find. Unfortunately there is no magic bullet solution to this dilemma. But by taking time to analyze and think critically about what you are reading, watching or sharing will lessen the amount of bad information that circulates.
And of course, this applies not only to stories about Ukraine, but any issue where emotions and opinions ride high.
Snopes is the premier source for both validating and debunking urban legends and similar stories in American popular culture since 1994. It covers a multitude of topics, not just Ukraine rumors.
Reuters is live streaming Maiden Square in Kyiv. Here is an article about it from The Atlantic.