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Teen Volunteer Misrepresented in Pro-Russian Propaganda Attack

2/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The teenager in Ukraine is falsely accused by pro-Russian social media users of burying eight fathers to sway media sympathy.
The claims rely on a photo montage of the boy carrying portraits at funerals taken out of context.
The teenager is actually a volunteer at funerals for slain soldiers in his village and views the role as his duty.
The episode illustrates ongoing propaganda and misinformation surrounding the Ukraine war.

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Story summary

The teenager in Ukraine is falsely accused by pro-Russian social media users of burying eight fathers to sway media sympathy.
The claims rely on a photo montage of the boy carrying portraits at funerals taken out of context.
The teenager is actually a volunteer at funerals for slain soldiers in his village and views the role as his duty.
The episode illustrates ongoing propaganda and misinformation surrounding the Ukraine war.