X Under Scrutiny for Disinformation Posts as EU Official Accuses Russia of Waging War of Misinformation

X, formerly known as Twitter, has come under scrutiny for having the “largest ratio of mis/disinformation posts” and its failure to participate in programs designed to combat the spread of disinformation, according to European Union official Věra Jourová. She accused Russia, currently embroiled in a 20-month war with Ukraine, of waging a disinformation campaign that poses a threat to upcoming elections. Moscow is investing heavily in this “weapon of mass manipulation,” targeting not only Russians but also the global population.

Jourová, Vice President for Values and Transparency of the European Commission, disclosed that 44 companies, including Facebook, Google, YouTube, and TikTok, have joined efforts to combat disinformation. However, X is no longer part of this program. The EU has issued a report outlining posts that will be deemed illegal in EU member states under the Digital Services Act.

“The Russian state has engaged in the war of ideas to pollute our information space with half-truths and lies, creating a false image that democracy is no better than autocracy,” Jourová stated.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also expressed concerns about Russia’s disinformation campaign.

Elon Musk, who owns X, commented on the platform, saying, “Don’t want to blow their minds, but there is a slight possibility that not everything is Russian disinformation.”

In other developments:

Anthony Rota, Speaker of Canada’s House of Commons, resigned under pressure after inadvertently inviting a man with ties to a Nazi military unit during World War II to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s parliamentary address. Prime Minister Trudeau called the episode “deeply embarrassing.”

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that Turkey is likely to approve Sweden’s NATO bid if the U.S. proceeds with plans to sell F-16s to Ankara.

Russian drones targeted the city of Izmail in southwestern Ukraine along the Danube River, causing injuries and damaging a warehouse and numerous trucks. Ukraine’s air force claimed to have downed 26 of the 38 Russian drones.

Dutch Minister of Defense Kajsa Ollongren expressed hope that the American people would recognize the importance of supplying weapons to Ukraine to counter Russian aggression, emphasizing that Ukrainians are fighting on behalf of others.

UEFA, the European soccer governing body, is reintroducing Russian under-17 teams into its competitions this season, despite the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, citing that children should not be penalized for adults’ actions.

Video Appears to Show Russian Admiral Alive

The Russian Defense Ministry released a video showing Admiral Viktor Sokolov, the commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, participating in a meeting via video link with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and other officials. This follows Ukraine’s claim that Sokolov had been killed during an attack on a Russian naval base in Crimea. Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces stated they are working to clarify the information surrounding Sokolov’s status.

Errant Missile Incident in Poland

Polish experts have determined that an errant missile that resulted in two deaths at a grain facility in southeastern Poland last November was fired by Ukrainian defenses. The investigation concluded that Ukrainian forces unintentionally launched the missile while attempting to repel a Russian attack. The missile, identified as an S 300 5-W-55 air-defense missile, landed near the border with Ukraine.

Russia Reacts to Arrival of Abrams Tanks in Ukraine

While John Kirby, National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications, expressed that the arrival of U.S.-built Abrams tanks in Ukraine would provide significant mobility, speed, and firepower, a retired Russian colonel, Viktor Litovkin, dismissed their impact. Litovkin claimed that the tanks are too heavy and would become easy targets in Ukrainian mud, making no significant difference in the ongoing conflict.