Manipulating the facts: how European food security measures are being interpreted as preparation for war

Factcheck

On November 28, 2024, a report on the CTVBY channel gained over 1.5 million views:

While CSTO allies are making every effort to maintain peace, extinguish hotspots on the map, and prevent new conflicts, European countries are preparing their citizens for war. According to American media, the EU is creating strategic grain reserves and food supply schemes for so-called unforeseen circumstances. And here, every country is improvising. For instance, Polish authorities are considering how to stockpile water. Meanwhile, Lithuanian supermarkets received a list of essential goods that must be kept in large quantities in their warehouses. Interestingly, in the event of communication problems, the stores are expected to operate 24/7.

Our verdict based on the conducted analyses:

Verdict: Lack of Context


Reasons:

  • Important information and details necessary to understand the facts were omitted.
  • The facts or figures are correct but are generalized or presented out of context, leading to misunderstandings and false conclusions.


Rating Scale

Full video:

We will analyze disinformation narratives and conduct semantic analysis.

Narrative Analysis
Risk Level: High
Threat of War

The text claims that European countries are preparing their citizens for war by stockpiling food and water supplies.

apocalyptic narrative

use of authoritative sources

generalization

Confidence: 75%
Contrast with CSTO

A contrast is drawn between the actions of CSTO countries striving for peace and those of the EU, perceived as preparing for conflict.

dichotomy

creating an enemy image

Confidence: 70%
Overall Assessment

The text contains manipulative elements, creating fear and distrust towards the actions of European countries, potentially contributing to misinformation and panic among the audience.

Semantic Analysis
Main Topics

war preparations

strategic reserves

European policy

Key Message

European countries are preparing for potential conflicts by creating reserves and plans for emergency situations.

Target Audience

people interested in politics and international relations, residents of Europe and CSTO countries

Stylistic Markers:

informative

warning

provocative

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