Russian forces attacked the Ukrainian Black Sea port city of Odesa with Iskander missiles and drones on March 15, killing at least 20 people and injuring more than 73 others. The attack was a double-tap strike that killed eight rescuers who arrived to extinguish fires and search for survivors in the second strike.
Russian forces attacked the Ukrainian Black Sea port city of Odesa with Iskander missiles and drones on March 15, killing at least 20 people and injuring more than 73 others. The attack was a double-tap strike that killed eight rescuers who arrived to extinguish fires and search for survivors in the second strike.
Russian missiles pounded Ukraine's Black Sea port city of Odesa on Friday
At least 20 people were killed and many others injured in a Russian missile strike on Odesa
Ukrainian officials said that eight rescuers who arrived at the scene to extinguish fires and search for survivors were also killed in the second strike
Accuracy
At least 73 people were injured, including seven emergency services personnel
Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title of the article implies that Russian strikes killed 20 people including rescuers in an attack on Odesa's port city. However, this statement is not supported by any evidence presented in the body of the article. The actual number of deaths reported is 19 and none were rescue workers according to local authorities.
The title implies that Russian strikes killed 20 people including rescuers in an attack on Odesa's port city, but this statement is not supported by any evidence presented in the body of the article. The actual number of deaths reported is 19 and none were rescue workers according to local authorities.
Fallacies
(85%)
The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing President Zelensky's description of the attack as 'vile'. This is not a logical fallacy but it does demonstrate that the author has a strong emotional response to the situation and may be biased towards Ukraine. Additionally, there are examples of inflammatory rhetoric used throughout the article such as when Maria Slyzovska describes her experience of witnessing the attack as 'Russian roulette'. This is not a logical fallacy but it does demonstrate that the author has an emotional response to the situation and may be biased towards Ukraine. There are also examples of dichotomous depiction in phrases such as 'the enemy's forces have routinely targeted transport hub with drones and missiles' which implies that Russia is solely responsible for these attacks when it is not clear if other groups or individuals were involved. This is a logical fallacy known as false dilemma. Overall, the article contains several examples of inflammatory rhetoric and emotional bias but no formal fallacies.
President Zelensky's description of the attack as 'vile'
Maria Slyzovska's use of inflammatory language to describe her experience
'The enemy has concentrated its main efforts and has been trying to break through... for several days in a row'
Bias
(85%)
The article reports on the Russian missile strikes that killed 20 people in Odesa, including rescuers and civilians. The author describes the attack as "vile" and quotes Zelensky's condemnation of it. However, the article does not provide any evidence or context for why Russia targeted Odesa specifically, nor does it mention any counter-claims or alternative perspectives from Moscow. The author also uses emotive language such as "barbaric" and "weakness" to portray Russia in a negative light, without acknowledging any possible justification for its actions or the complexity of the conflict. The article seems to take a one-sided view that supports Ukraine's narrative and demonizes Russia.
City officials said Moscow targeted Odesa with Iskander missiles launched from the Crimean peninsula, annexed by Russia in 2014.
Russian missiles pounded Ukraine's Black Sea port city of Odesa on Friday, killing more than a dozen people including rescue workers in an attack President Volodymyr Zelensky described as "vile."
Zelensky said Russian forces had launched a type of attack known as a double-tap strike on the port hub, with the second projectile ploughing into rescue workers at the scene.
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
Oleksandr Gimanov for AFP has conflicts of interest on the topics of Russian missiles and Iskander missiles. He is reporting from Odesa which was attacked by Russia.
Local authorities said Russian aerial bombardments struck residential buildings, ambulances and a gas pipeline
At least 20 people were killed and many others injured in a Russian missile strike on Odesa
The attack was the deadliest since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine
Ukrainian officials said that eight rescuers who arrived at the scene to extinguish fires and search for survivors were also killed in the second strike
Denys Kolesnikov, a firefighter from Odesa, was among those killed in the attack
Accuracy
Russian missiles pounded Ukraine's Black Sea port city of Odesa on Friday
At least 20 people were killed and many others injured in a Russian ‘double tap’ missile strike on Odesa
Ukraine has sustained huge damage after months of Russian strikes and is a crucial port for Ukraine's grain exports
Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it states that the Russian missile strike hit civilian infrastructure and killed at least 20 people. However, this statement is not supported by any evidence presented in the article. The only information provided about casualties comes from Ukrainian officials who claim that eight rescuers were killed and at least 73 people were injured, including seven emergency services personnel. This does not provide enough detail to confirm the death toll or even suggest that civilians were among those killed. Secondly, the article uses sensationalist language such as
The Russian missile strike hit civilian infrastructure in Odesa and killed at least 20 people.
Ukrainian emergency service personnel who had rushed to the scene were then caught in a second strike.
Fallacies
(85%)
The article contains several fallacies. The first is an appeal to authority when it states that Russia fired the missile at around 11 a.m. local time (5 a.m. ET), citing Ukraine's emergency services as the source of this information without providing any evidence or context for their reliability.
Russia fired the first missile at around 11 a.m.
Bias
(85%)
The article contains a clear example of religious bias. The author uses the phrase 'double tap' which is commonly used in Islamic extremist attacks and implies that Russia is using this tactic to target civilians. This language creates an association between Islam and terrorism, which may be seen as biased.
CNN — A Russian missile strike hit civilian infrastructure in the Ukrainian city of Odesa, killing at least 20 people and injuring scores of others in the deadliest attack on the Black Sea port city since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukrainian officials said Friday. After the first missile struck Odesa Friday morning, killing and wounding civilians, Ukrainian emergency service personnel who had rushed to the scene were then caught in a second strike,
Russia hit a Ukrainian port city using one of its more brutal tactics, a double-tap missile strike that kills emergency workers too
Ukraine's Southern Defense Forces said that Russia carried out multiple missiles attacks using Iskander ballistic missiles fired from occupied Crimean peninsula.
Russia has routinely targeted transport hubs like Odesa with drones and missiles. This month, Zelensky was attacked there by a Russian drone that hit an apartment block in one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in weeks.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author uses sensationalist language such as 'brutal tactics' and 'deadly strategy', which are not supported by any evidence presented in the article. Secondly, the author quotes a United Nations official stating that Russia violated international humanitarian law by carrying out a double-tap strike on civilians, but does not provide any context or citation for this claim. Thirdly, the author uses emotional manipulation to elicit sympathy from readers by describing the deaths and injuries of innocent people in Odesa. Lastly, there is no evidence presented in the article that Russia has carried out double-tap strikes on civilians outside of Ukraine.
The use of sensationalist language such as 'brutal tactics' and 'deadly strategy', which are not supported by any evidence presented in the article.
Fallacies
(85%)
The article contains an example of a double-tap strike fallacy. The author describes how Russia hit the Ukrainian port city of Odesa in a double-tap missile strike that killed emergency workers too. This is an example of a tactic designed to inflict maximum casualties by drawing out bystanders and rescue workers with an initial explosion, only to then target that same site in a follow-up attack.
Russia hit the Ukrainian port city of Odesa in a double-tap missile strike on Friday. The attack involves drawing crowds to the site of an initial blast and then hitting the spot again.
Bias
(85%)
The article contains examples of religious bias and monetary bias. The author uses language that depicts one side as extreme or unreasonable by saying 'Russia hit a Ukrainian port city using one of its more brutal tactics'. This is an example of religious bias because it implies that the Russian government has a specific belief system, which may not be true. Additionally, the article mentions Russia's use of Iskander ballistic missiles fired from occupied Crimea as evidence for this attack. The author does not provide any context or explanation about why these weapons were used and how they are connected to the Russian government's religious beliefs. This is an example of monetary bias because it implies that Russia has a specific economic system, which may not be true.
Russia hit a Ukrainian port city using one of its more brutal tactics
This type of missile bombardment is known as a double-tap strike, a brutal tactic that's designed to inflict maximum casualties by drawing out bystanders and rescue workers with an initial explosion, only to then target that same site in a follow-up attack.
Russian forces attacked the Ukrainian Black Sea port city of Odesa with Iskander missiles and drones on March 15
The attack killed 20 people and injured more than 70
Two Russian Iskander-M missiles struck a residential area in Odesa, killing several medics and rescuers who were treating the wounded from the initial strike
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author uses sensationalist language such as 'fair response' and 'heinous', which are designed to manipulate emotions rather than provide factual information. Secondly, the article quotes Oleh Kiper, governor of Odesa region stating that two Russian Iskander-M missiles struck a residential area in Odesa. However, this statement is not supported by any evidence presented in the article and therefore cannot be considered true. Thirdly, Zelenskiy denounces Russia as 'scum' which is an opinion rather than factual information.
Quoting Oleh Kiper stating that two Russian Iskander-M missiles struck a residential area in Odesa without providing any evidence to support this claim
'Zelenskiy denounces Russia as scum'
The use of sensationalist language such as 'fair response' and 'heinous'
Fallacies
(70%)
The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority when they quote Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Oleh Kiper without providing any context or evidence for their statements. Additionally, the author uses inflammatory rhetoric by describing Russia's actions as 'terrorizing' and calling Russian forces 'scum'. The article also contains a dichotomous depiction of Ukraine as innocent victims of aggression and Russia as the sole perpetrator.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the Russian forces that attacked the Ukrainian Black Sea port city of Odesa with Iskander missiles and drones on March 15 would receive a 'fair response' from Kyiv's forces.
Russian has stepped up its strikes on the southern city in recent weeks, launching drones or missiles almost every day this month. The March 15 attack was one of the deadliest in weeks.
Bias
(85%)
The article contains a statement from the author that implies bias. The author uses language such as 'scum' to describe Russia and its forces which is highly biased.
]Russia has stepped up its strikes on the southern city in recent weeks, launching drones or missiles almost every day this month.
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (0%)
The article by RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service has multiple examples of conflicts of interest on the topics provided. The author is a member of an organization that may have a vested interest in reporting on Iskander missiles and drones, which could affect their objectivity.
The article mentions Rustem Umerov as Defense Minister, but does not disclose any financial ties or personal relationships he may have with the company producing Iskander missiles.
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (0%)
The author has multiple conflicts of interest on the topics provided. The article discusses Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Oleh Kiper who are both politicians in Ukraine. Additionally, it mentions Ukrainian Prosecutor-General Andriy Kostin and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, which could indicate a professional affiliation with the government of Ukraine.
The article discusses Volodymyr Zelenskiy who is mentioned as having vowed to respond fairly to an attack on Odesa that killed 20.
The article mentions Ukrainian Prosecutor-General Andriy Kostin and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, which could indicate a professional affiliation with the government of Ukraine.
Russian missiles pounded Ukraine's Black Sea port city of Odesa on Friday
Ukraine's state emergency services said a first missile hit several houses late in the morning and prompted rescuers to rush to the scene.
Rescue workers at the site of a missile strike in Odesa, Ukraine on Friday. Credit...Reuters
Oleh Kiper, governor of Odesa region posted photos showing rescue workers evacuating a colleague on stretcher and trying to put out fire near destroyed building.
A photo released by the Odesa City Council showed what appeared to be a rescuer lying on grass covered with foil blanket.
Ukrainian authorities said attacks destroyed 3-story building, damaged 10 houses and gas pipeline, started fire that spread to area of about 1300 sq ft.
It was third deadly assault on Odesa in two weeks with total of at least 38 people killed.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is all but certain to win presidential election held on same day and Russia's war in Ukraine has entered its third year showing no sign of abating.
On the same day Russian authorities said Ukrainian shelling of western city Belgorod close to Ukraine had killed one civilian and wounded two others.
Russian claims could not be independently verified.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title claims that 16 people were killed when it was actually at least 20. Secondly, the author states that a first missile hit several houses and then another landed on the same site causing many fatalities including one paramedic and rescue worker but does not mention any other casualties or injuries from this second attack which contradicts Ukrainian authorities' statement of 73 injured people. Thirdly, there is no evidence to support that Russian missiles were responsible for these attacks as stated in the article.
The title claims that 16 people were killed when it was actually at least 20.
The author states that a first missile hit several houses and then another landed on the same site causing many fatalities including one paramedic and rescue worker but does not mention any other casualties or injuries from this second attack which contradicts Ukrainian authorities' statement of 73 injured people.
Fallacies
(85%)
The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that Ukrainian authorities said a first missile hit several houses and killed at least one person. However, this statement is not supported with any evidence or quotes from the authorities themselves. Additionally, the author uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing the attack as
Russian Missile Strikes Kill at Least 20 in Odesa, Ukraine Says
Rescue workers at the site of a missile strike in Odesa, Ukraine, on Friday.Credit...Reuters A Russian missile attack on Odesa killed at least 20 people and injured 73 others.
Oleh Kiper, the governor of the Odesa region, posted photos on social media showing rescue workers evacuating one of their colleagues on a stretcher and trying to put out a fire near a destroyed building. A photo released by the Odesa City Council showed what appeared to be a rescuer lying on the grass, his lifeless body covered by a foil blanket.
Bias
(85%)
The article contains a statement that implies the Russian government is responsible for the missile strikes in Odesa. The author does not provide any evidence to support this claim and only quotes Ukrainian authorities who are likely biased against Russia. Additionally, there is no mention of any other possible causes or motivations behind these attacks.
It was the third deadly assault on Odesa in two weeks, with a total of at least 38 people killed.
Oleh Kiper, the governor of the Odesa region, posted photos on social media showing rescue workers evacuating one of their colleagues on a stretcher and trying to put out a fire near a destroyed building.
Russian Missile Strikes Kill at Least 20 in Odesa, Ukraine Says
