Oleksandr Kovalenko, a military expert, debunks the Russian fake claim.
The Russians have been actively creating this misleading content, coinciding with the recent terrorist attack in southern Israel. They persist in producing various video narratives in which Hamas showcases Western weapons, all while expressing gratitude to Ukraine for the alleged supplies.
The most recent video presented by the production company "Woodpecker Pictures" displayed anti-tank weaponry like AT4 and NLAW meticulously arranged on the ground. In the backdrop, someone recited surahs in Arabic and extended thanks to Ukraine for the purported arms shipments.
Regrettably, these subpar and unskilled productions from "Woodpecker Pictures" are poised for future dissemination in the West, primarily through channels associated with Trump supporters and others who have affiliations with Russia, including corrupt politicians, parties, journalists, and media outlets.
For this reason, it remains imperative to subject this video to a thorough analysis, the expert states.
The first conspicuous detail is that the video prominently features firearms, with the NLAW being especially evident. Additionally, similar patterns emerge in the case of other showcased weapons, as signs of use are readily apparent, from the tape wrapped around the casings to the expended ammunition. “It's intriguing to consider whether Hamas is even aware of the purpose behind the tape on the AT4,” the expert muses.
The second point.
“This video comes across as rather modest. To be candid, if it were created by Hamas, it would likely feature stirring songs about an unyielding commitment to fight to the last drop of blood. Logos of the Hamas movement and their supporters would be prominently displayed in every corner of the screen,” the expert states.
In contrast, Hamas typically shares videos captured on mobile phones, ensuring they pass through their editorial process and provide comprehensive identification of the producer. For Hamas, this display of bravado is often more significant than the content itself.
The third point.
Moving forward, it's essential to monitor how quickly this disinformation spreads from Russia to the West and through what channels it emerges.
This incident serves as a reminder that Russia has a history of resorting to misinformation to discredit Ukraine, especially in matters related to armaments. One prominent example was in 2019 when a false narrative circulated about Ukraine allegedly selling Varta-novator armored vehicles to Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad.
In response, the Russians went so far as to fabricate a crude replica of the "Varta-novator" in Syria, using scrap metal and sticks, in an attempt to portray it as Ukrainian supplies to a brutal dictator. Their aim was to undermine Kyiv's reputation in the eyes of international partners, potentially affecting aid to Ukraine.
Given this history, it's no surprise that the restless Russians might resort to supplying misleading information to Hamas by sharing samples of captured trophy weapons from Ukraine to bolster their deceptive narratives, the expert concludes.