Clip shows video game, not Ukrainian victory in Sievierodonetsk

In late June, Sievierodonetsk, a city in eastern Ukraine, fell to Russia after weeks of intense battle. Some of the last Ukrainians to defend the city told Reuters that they left the city by boat at night for safety, and The New York Times reported that the exiled mayor of Sievierodonetsk "painted a bleak picture of life for those who remain." Government officials estimate 90% of buildings there have been destroyed.

But a video being shared on social media a few weeks later perhaps buoyed Ukraine’s supporters. The description in the July 17 post said "Sievierodonetsk's air defenses shot down 55 Ka 52 helicopters." 

Dozens of comments cheered on Ukraine, with Ukrainian flags and GIFs congratulating the country. 

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Featured Fact-check

Threads posts

stated on November 10, 2024 in a Threads post

“NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte says that ‘if Trump surrenders Ukraine to Putin, he will personally expel the United States from the alliance.’”

That’s because anyone who watches the video can clearly see that the footage isn’t authentic. It’s a video game. 

We rate claims of this footage’s veracity False.