On July 23, 2024, the Belarusian television channel ONT aired a segment that garnered 4 million views (sic!) on YouTube, with the following content:
The United States has deployed nuclear weapons near the Ukrainian border. Two strategic bombers have arrived at an airbase in Romania. This is the first instance of U.S. aircraft capable of carrying nuclear warheads operating on Romanian territory, which has already created tension in the region. Previously, Russia had scrambled fighter jets in response to the approach of a group of U.S. bombers to its state border.
Our verdict based on the conducted analyses is:
Verdict: Incorrect
The claim that the U.S. has deployed nuclear weapons near the Ukrainian border is false, as the capability of B-52 strategic bombers to carry nuclear weapons does not imply their actual presence. The stationing of bombers at an airbase in Romania does not confirm the presence of nuclear warheads on board, and their flights were conducted as part of training operations.
Reasons:
- The thesis or statement is completely false: information from multiple sources or opinions from several experts in a specific field contradict it.
- Causal relationships and connections clearly do not exist, as claimed.
- When quoting, significant parts are omitted, rearranged, altered, or incorrectly translated from a foreign language, resulting in a fundamental change in the meaning of what was said.
- The event occurred in significant aspects differently than stated.
“Full video:”Let’s conduct an analysis of disinformation narratives and a semantic analysis.
The statement about the deployment of U.S. nuclear bombers in Romania creates an image of a threat to the region, particularly for Ukraine and Russia.
the creation of an enemy image
“Appeal to fear”
The emphasis on the first deployment of U.S. nuclear aviation in Romania could be used to create panic and discontent.
exaggeration of the significance of an event
The video creates tension and fear by using manipulative techniques, which can contribute to misinformation and the escalation of conflict.
The statement about the deployment of U.S. nuclear bombers in Romania creates an image of a threat to the region, particularly for Ukraine and Russia.
the creation of an enemy image
“Appeal to fear”
The emphasis on the first deployment of U.S. nuclear aviation in Romania could be used to create panic and discontent.
exaggeration of the significance of an event
The video creates tension and fear by using manipulative techniques, which can contribute to misinformation and the escalation of conflict.
