Posts misrepresent a photo of a Ukrainian soldier balancing on his prosthetic limbs
CLAIM: A photo shows a Ukrainian soldier from the Azov Regiment who lost both legs and his left arm in the Russia-Ukraine war giving the Nazi salute.
AP’S ASSESSMENT: False. The soldier, Roman Tsymbalyuk, was attempting to steady himself while waving and giving a traditional military salute on his new prosthetic legs, according to those present when the photo was taken. Tsymbalyuk posted the image on social media without realizing it could appear he was giving the Nazi salute, but removed it when he noticed the resemblance. He and others familiar with his military background say he has no connection to the Azov Regiment.
THE FACTS: Social media users are sharing the photo of Tsymbalyuk with erroneous information, furthering false claims about Nazism’s influence in Ukraine that have spread widely since Russia invaded the country more than two years ago.