Internet/social media
Sunday 20 May 2018
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Maria Zakharova
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson
“People in camouflage were running around the U.N.; they shouted, photographed Russian diplomats and threatened. It was about direct threats.”
Read more...One Russian diplomat was questioned by a female Ukrainian filmmaker, who recorded the encounter and posted it on her Facebook page. -
Alexander Shulgin
Russia’s representative to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)
“In the United States, nerve agents of “Novichok” type have not only been produced, but have even been patented as chemical weapons. Moreover, a search on the electronic source google.patents.com using the keyword “Novichok” finds more than 140 patents granted in the United States related to the use of, and protection from, the impact of the ‘Novichok’ chemical warfare agent.”
Read more...Shulgin’s statement is false on several levels: the “google.patents.com” he referred to is not the correct address of the database; there are 59, not “more than 140” patents related to Novichok and all of them are for anti-poisoning measures; a search of the “patents.google.com database” finds that no patents have been issued in the U.S. for the production and use of Novichok. -
Vladimir Putin
President of Russia
“I am counting here on new ideas and approaches, on the boldness of our young people, on their ability to become real leaders of change; that young people will be faithful to the values of truth and justice…”
Read more...While youth loyal to Putin are boosted socially and politically, young people critical of the system are persecuted. -
Sputnik
State-owned news agency, Russia
“No Racism in Russia, FIFA 2018 Set to Be Great Tournament – Shanghai SIPG Player.”
Read more...The Russian Football Union is currently under investigation over racism charges from world and European football authorities. In the past, Russian football authorities had paid financial fees for racist behavior and Russian clubs have played in empty stadiums around Europe as punishment for racism. -
Current Policy (@Current_policy)
Social media account
“American newspapers presented the use of napalm in Vietnam as forest fires. Since then nothing has changed.”
Read more...There is no indication @Current_Policy is a creation of the Russian government, but the Twitter account Tweets a stream of pro-Kremlin messages – including a false interpretation of an ad promoting press freedom. -
Sputnik News
Russian state news agency
A Dutch lawyer working at the Cooperative Cyber Defense Center of Excellence (CCDCOE) in Estonia has noted that the April 14 airstrikes against Syria by the US, UK and France are in violation of international law.
Read more...While Western leaders say air strikes were "justified, legitimate and proportionate," and necessary to alleviate overwhelming human suffering, several experts contend this is not considered a justification under international law for military action against another country. -
RIA Novosti
Russian state news agency
“The House of Representatives has adopted a law banning the U.S. from aiding Syria”
Read more...H.R. 4681, a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives also known as the No Assistance for Assad Act, limits assistance for areas of Syria controlled by the government of Bashar al-Assad Syria or associated forces. The legislation does not apply to “assistance for projects to be administered by local organizations that reflect the aims, needs, and priorities of local communities in Syria; and assistance for projects to meet humanitarian needs, including demining and needs for food, medicine, medical supplies and equipment, education, and clothing.” -
Leonid Slutsky
Chairman of the Russian State Duma’s Foreign Affairs Committee
“I have no doubt that in terms of cooperation with Moscow, as well as within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union, full continuity will be maintained. Russia for many years has been Armenia’s strategic ally, and there are no factors for any changes.”
Read more...Thousands of Armenians protested against ex-President Sargsyan’s appointment as the Prime Minister. Hundreds were arrested in rallies over 11 days. 63-year old Sargsyan, yielding to the pressure, resigned on Monday. Chairman of Russia’s Foreign Affairs Committee Leonid Slutksy commented, “Russia for many years has been Armenia’s strategic ally, and there will be no changes.” Armenia depends on Russia militarily, politically and economically; thus, current political turmoil in Yerevan will not affect cooperation with Moscow -
Ekaterinburg Investigative Committee, Russia
“There are no grounds for initiating a criminal case. Several versions are under consideration, including an accident; there are no signs that a crime was committed."
Read more...Before allegedly falling from his fifth floor balcony or window to his death, the 32-year-old journalist had been physically attacked several times and, according to friends and colleagues, he suspected he was under surveillance. The Committee to Protect Journalists and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe have called for an independent investigation. -
Sergey Lavrov
Foreign Minister, Russia
“Because during the Cold War there were channels of communication. And there was no obsession with Russophobia, which resembles genocide through sanctions."
Read more...The United Nations defines genocide as the deliberate destruction of a specific group, and lists five types of actions toward a specific group that qualify as genocidal. None of these apply to the financial and travel restrictions the United States imposed on Russian government officials and tycoons. -
Colonel-General Sergei Rudskoy
Chief of staff of Russian defense ministry
“Syria's air defense system, based on the Soviet-manufactured air defense systems, has successfully repulsed the strikes from aviation and naval means of destruction. 71 cruise missiles have been intercepted, using Syrian air defense systems S-125, S-200, Buk, Kvadrat and Osa.”
Read more...Gen.Sergei Rudskoy's full statement contains multiple claims aimed at minimizing the impact of air strikes on Syrian chemical weapon facilities. The fact check reveals they are either inaccurate of false. -
RT
Russian state-funded news channel
"If you’re a Russian immigrant in the United States — or anywhere else — don’t bother tweeting your opinions unless your English is flawless. Otherwise you’ll be branded a Kremlin-paid troll by influential American think tanks."
Read more...Grammar mistakes common to Russian-speakers are only a small part of Nimmo’s article, which gives readers a list of several factors to look at when trying to determine whether an account is fake. RT’s writer either did not read the full article or deliberately misrepresented its content.