2008 Video Shared as Vessel Fighting Oil Rig Fire During the Ukraine War
The Claim
A video shows the aftermath of an attack on an oil well that was carried out by Ukrainian forces off the coast of Crimea.
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Emerging story
Users on social media shared a video purporting to show the aftermath of a Ukrainian-led attack on an oil well off the coast of Crimea.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar found the circulating misleading. The video predates the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The footage was not shot on the Crimean or the Black Sea coasts.
Oil Rig in the Red Sea
A reverse image search revealed that the exact same video, with the title "Oil rig in Red Sea extinguishing," had been posted on YouTube in 2008. According to the video's description, it was shot in the Red Sea, which separates the African continent from the Arabian peninsula.
Ukraine Attacks Oil Drilling Platforms in Crimea
The claim arose after Ukrainian forces attacked drilling platforms in the Black Sea owned by a Crimean oil and gas company, according to the pro-Russian leader of the annexed peninsula on Monday, without specifying what weapons were used.
Three people were injured, and seven employees of the Chernomorneftegaz energy company were missing, according to Sergei Askyonov, the Russian-installed leader of Crimea, in a Telegram post.
