Tom Watling
Tom Watling is a General Reporter for The Independent focusing on the war in Ukraine, as well as other global news. He has previously worked as a world news reporter for the Daily Express and Mail.
80%
The Daily's Verdict
This author has a mixed reputation for journalistic standards. It is advisable to fact-check, scrutinize for bias, and check for conflicts of interest before relying on the author's reporting.
Bias
82%
Examples:
- The author has a tendency to present information with a slight lean towards the subjects they are reporting on.
- There is an instance of the author presenting news from a more nuanced perspective (South Africa's stance on Russia's invasion).
Conflicts of Interest
90%
Examples:
- However, it should be noted that the author has previously worked for the Daily Express and Mail, which may raise questions about potential conflicts of interest.
- There is no direct evidence of a conflict of interest in the articles provided.
Contradictions
85%
Examples:
- In one article, it was mentioned that Russian drones struck a 14-story residential apartment block in the Shevchenkivskyi district on March 27, 2024. However, in another article from April 2023, it is stated that Iranian-made shahed drones struck the same location.
- The author reports that Russian forces are suffering massive losses in their attempts to capture further territory in the northeast Kharkiv region of Ukraine, but also states that they have launched 15 drones across the entire region.
Deceptions
65%
Examples:
- In one instance, the author uses sensational language to describe a Russian missile attack: 'Five civilians have been killed after a Russian missile attack struck an educational institution in the Ukrainian Black Sea port of Odesa.'
- There is also an example of the author presenting information that may be misleading to readers about the extent of damage caused by Russian strikes.
Recent Articles
Ukrainian Forces Launch Coordinated Drone Attacks on Russian Industrial Facilities: Novolipetsk Metallurgical Plant and Morozovsk Oil Refinery Affected
Broke On: Tuesday, 18 June 2024Ukrainian forces launched coordinated drone attacks against Russian industrial facilities in Lipetsk, Belgorod, and Voronezh oblasts, causing damage to the Novolipetsk Metallurgical Plant and Morozovsk oil refinery. At least six UAVs were reportedly destroyed. The attacks are part of an ongoing campaign by Ukraine to disrupt Russian energy production and weaken its war economy. 
Israeli Military Issues Evacuation Orders in Rafah as Gaza Conflict Escalates, Thousands Flee Amid Heavy Clashes and International Concerns
Broke On: Saturday, 11 May 2024Israeli military issues evacuation orders for Rafah areas amid heavy clashes with Hamas, leaving crucial aid crossings inaccessible. International concerns over Israel's conduct in protecting civilians during military operations continue to mount, while at least 19 people have been killed overnight. 
Ten Killed, Former Lawmaker Injured in Separate Russian Missile Attacks on Odesa's 'Harry Potter Castle'
Broke On: Tuesday, 30 April 2024At least ten people, including former lawmaker Serhiy Kivalov, were killed and over 60 injured in Russian missile attacks on Odesa's iconic 'Harry Potter castle' on April 30, 2024. The building houses the Odesa Law Academy and sustained extensive damage along with nearby structures. Ukrainian authorities believe Russia used an Iskander ballistic missile with cluster munitions, a violation of international treaties. The attacks came amid heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine over territorial disputes. 
Russian Drones Strike Kharkiv, Killing Four and Injuring 12 in Wave of Attacks
Broke On: Wednesday, 03 April 2024On April 4th, Russian drones struck the city of Kharkiv in Ukraine. The attacks killed four people and injured 12 others, including three rescue workers who were on the scene for a previous attack. A woman aged 69 was also killed by a drone that hit another residential building. Armistice Day in London Marked by Pro-Palestine March Amid Controversy
Broke On: Wednesday, 08 November 2023Richard Hughes, the organiser of the Armistice Day event at the Cenotaph in London, expressed support for a pro-Palestine march scheduled to take place on the same day. The pro-Palestinian march drew hundreds of thousands of participants, calling for a cease-fire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Home Secretary Suella Braverman and Chancellor Rishi Sunak criticized the march, with Braverman characterizing pro-Palestinian demonstrations as 'hate marches'. Scotland's leader Humza Yousaf criticized Braverman's language, calling for her resignation. The Metropolitan Police arrested 82 to 92 counter-protesters to prevent a breach of peace, with nine officers reported injured. Pro-Palestinian March in London to Proceed Despite Government Concerns
Broke On: Thursday, 09 November 2023Tens of thousands of people are expected to protest against Israel's war on Gaza, where over 10,550 Palestinians have been killed. The protest is scheduled to begin more than an hour after the traditional two-minute silence on Armistice Day. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has vowed to hold the Metropolitan Police Commissioner accountable for his decision to greenlight the march. Richard Hughes, from the Western Front Association, stated that they believe the marches should go ahead.
