This image of a soldier has been making rounds on different Whatsapp groups. It shows what it terms a “Ukrainian soldier” in tears. More results show the same image shared both on Twitter and Facebook.
Background
Over time, Piga Firimbi has looked into similar images and videos circulating from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine invasion. It is not clear how many Russian soldiers have been killed in Ukraine, however, reports say, between 5,000 and 6,000 Russian troops have been killed in this conflict. Thousands of Ukrainians are equally feared dead from the numerous airstrikes by Russia.
Verification
What reverse image searches reveal is, this photo of Fin Doherty was taken during a graduation ceremony as he joined the parachute regiment in 2019. A graduate of Catterick Garrison, England, Fin Doherty donned his brother’s beret. According to the Sun, a British tabloid, Doherty was overcome with emotions for losing his brother in Afghanistan when he was six years old. Speaking to the Sun he admitted how delighted he was for taking after his late brother.
Verdict
This photo does NOT show a Ukrainian soldier overcome with emotions as alleged.
This story was produced by Africa Uncensored in partnership with Code for Africa with support from Deutsche Welle Akademie.
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