OSCE reponse to fake news by Ukraine Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) press service
First victim of war is truth. That has been proven many times. While there has been a lot of criticism on Russian media and authororities for publishing incorrect information, Ukraine authorities had their fair share of reporting fake news as well.
Lets look at this example reported by Ukraine media UNIAN at Friday June 30.
OSCE evacuates office in Popasna due to militant shelling
As a result of shelling by illegal armed formations of the ORLO [separate areas in Luhansk region], the OSCE SMM staff were forced to evacuate their field office in Popasna,” the ATO headquarters wrote on Facebook.
Hours later OSCE reported with a message on their .
FACT CHECK
In response to incorrect information issued by the press centre of the anti-terrorist operation:
The OSCE SMM’s forward patrol base in Popasna in Luhansk region was not shelled; no damage has been sustained and all staff are safe.
The OSCE SMM did register considerable shelling – both incoming and outgoing – in the area on the night of 29 June and the early morning of 30 June. OSCE SMM staff remained safe throughout this time at the forward patrol base.
Staff were subsequently re-deployed to Sievierodonetsk on 30 June for a full de-briefing. They are expected to return to Popasna later today.
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In that same post () the press centre of the anti-terrorist operation wrote:
“Detailed information on this attack will be published shortly on the official OSCE SMM website in Ukraine.”
So obviously, unlike most of Russian fake news, this one was written not for propaganda purpose, but based on an incorrect information the press centre had actually received likely from some members of OSCE SMM.