2014 Photo Shared as Russian Bombing of Odessa in Ukraine
The Claim
A photo depicts the Russian bombing of Odessa, Ukraine.
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Emerging story
Social media users have recently circulated a photo that its publishers claimed to show the Russian bombing of the Ukrainian city of Odessa, while others claimed it documented the city's current view. The claim coincided with the anniversary of the military operation (Dawn Odessa) in which Ukrainian pilots were part of the air force that attacked Libya at the time.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the claim and discovered it to be misleading. The photo is old and was previously published in May 2014. It depicts a fire at a pro-Russian protest camp near the trade union building in Odessa, Ukraine, during clashes at the time. The photo was taken by Yevgeny Volokin for Reuters.
Ukraine witnessed clashes and violence between security forces and pro-Russian separatists following pro-Russian separatist rebellions in May 2014. Ukraine accused Russia of arming separatist groups, prompting the European Union and the United States to impose economic sanctions on Russia.
The clashes were the most violent since the demonstrations in February 2014, which culminated in the overthrow of President Viktor Yanukovych and his expulsion to Russia.
Translated by Wesam Abo Marq
