“Russia's moral code doesn't allow wiping Ukraine off map”: foreign disinfo for August 28

The Center published two manipulations that appeared globally on August 28. 

Manipulation: Australian pro-Russian blogger Semen Boykov aka Aussie Cossack wrote on his X page: “Russian launched 200 missiles and drones at Ukraine yesterday with only 5 civilians killed. This is more clear evidence that Russia is not fighting a war intended to destroy Ukraine or kill Ukrainian civilians. Russia is displaying chivalry. Russia's religious, moral, and social code does not allow it to wipe Ukraine off the map.”

Refutation: Boykov is attempting to justify Russian aggression by deliberately omitting the numerous attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine, which have resulted in thousands of civilian casualties. The massive air strikes on August 26-27 are yet another example of Russia's terrorist attacks against civilians, constituting a war crime.

Manipulation: Canadian “journalist” Aaron Maté wrote on his Х page: “The Biden admin has repeatedly crossed its own 'red lines' in Ukraine: ATACMs, F-16s, cluster bombs, striking inside Russia with U.S. weapons. It has also repeatedly rewarded Zelenskyy for shunning diplomacy. So if we're going by trends so far, Ukraine has to like its chances of Biden approving its target wish list.”

Refutation: Maté distorts the facts. Russia is the one constantly violating international law and continuing its aggression, so Ukraine has every right to defend itself. Ukraine has always supported diplomacy, but not at the cost of surrender. His statement also seeks to undermine American support, which is crucial for Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression.

• Recently, Irish “journalist” Chay Bowes wrote on his X page: "The Dictator Zelenskyy and his NATO masters are killing Ukraine with a death of a thousand cuts."