Ukraine

Ukraine is the largest country in Eastern Europe, bordered by Russia, Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova, with the Black Sea to the south. Its capital, Kyiv, is not only the political center but also a key cultural hub that reflects the nation’s deep-rooted history and aspirations. Ukraine has a rich and diverse landscape, encompassing the Carpathian Mountains, fertile agricultural lands, and the Crimean Peninsula. The country has a complex and tumultuous history, shaped by centuries of imperial control, cultural resilience, and geopolitical importance, being strategically located between Europe and Russia.

Ukraine declared independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, marking a major turning point in its modern history. Since then, it has worked to establish a sovereign national identity while navigating political and economic transitions. Ukraine's drive towards closer ties with the European Union (EU) and NATO has been a central theme in its foreign policy, often leading to tensions with Russia, which perceives Ukraine as part of its sphere of influence. This east-west geopolitical divide was evident during the Euromaidan protests of 2013-2014, which ultimately led to the ousting of then-President Viktor Yanukovych and set Ukraine on a pro-European path.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has been one of the most significant geopolitical crises in recent years, beginning with Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and escalating into full-scale warfare in February 2022, when Russia launched a military invasion of Ukraine. The conflict has led to severe humanitarian crises, economic disruption, and a massive refugee influx, with global repercussions affecting energy supplies, food security, and international diplomacy.

In March 2022, BOOM fact-checked a viral video claiming to show Ukrainians faking injuries for propaganda purposes.

BOOM found that the video was actually behind-the-scenes footage from a TV series called The Contamin, filmed in December, debunking the false narrative that it depicted real events during the conflict.