Fact-checking and verifying information at UkrMedia News
We understand that during wars, due to breaking news and rapidly developing events, information may change within a matter of minutes. Our aim is therefore not only to report promptly, but also to draw a clear distinction between confirmed facts, statements by the parties involved, preliminary data and editorial conclusions.
How we verify information
When preparing its content, the editorial team at UkrMedia News endeavours to identify the original source of the information and, where possible, to verify key facts against several independent sources.
Priority is given to:
- official documents and government registers;
- laws, regulations and draft legislation;
- notifications from government bodies and international organisations;
- official statements from organisations and companies;
- information from law enforcement agencies and emergency services;
- the original sources of statements made by politicians and public officials;
- reputable Ukrainian and international news agencies;
- documents, reports, studies and open-access databases.
Posts on social media or Telegram channels may be used as a source of information only if their origin is taken into account and they can be independently verified.
If a claim cannot be independently verified, we state this explicitly in the article.
An official statement does not always constitute an established fact
We distinguish between facts and the source’s assertions.
For example, if the Ministry of Defence of a particular country claims that a military facility has been destroyed, but there is no independent confirmation, this is presented in the report as statement by the relevant party, rather than as an indisputable fact.
Similarly, we use the following wording:
«According to…»,
«According to…»,
«states…»,
«reports…»,
«There is currently no independent confirmation».
This is particularly important when reporting on wars, international conflicts, military operations and other events where independent verification of information may be limited.
How we deal with incomplete information
If some of the information is unknown at the time of publication, the editorial team does not fill in the gaps with assumptions.
We inform the reader directly if:
- the number of casualties is being confirmed;
- the extent of the damage is unknown;
- there is no official information regarding the causes of the incident;
- the timing or details of the decision have not been made public;
- there is no independent confirmation of the claim;
- The final version of the document has not yet been published.
If important information becomes available at a later date, the article may be updated.
Working with figures and statistics
Statistical data is verified against the original source or an official database, where available.
The editorial team endeavours to specify:
- the period to which the data relates;
- the organisation that published them;
- units of measurement;
- context for comparison;
- limitations of the statistics, where known.
We avoid comparing figures from different periods or calculated using different methods without providing an appropriate explanation.
Review of laws and government decisions
When reporting on legislative changes, we distinguish between the various stages a bill goes through.
For example:
a bill that has been tabled is not an enacted law;
first reading does not imply final approval;
vote in the Verkhovna Rada does not always mean that the law comes into force immediately;
Once adopted, the document may require the President’s signature and official publication.
The editorial team therefore checks the current status of the document and, where relevant to the reader, explains what has already changed in legal terms and what is yet to come into effect.
Checking photos and videos
When working with photos and videos, the editorial team endeavours to establish:
- the original source of the material;
- the date or approximate time of creation;
- the scene of the incident;
- whether the material has been published previously in a different context.
Archive photographs must not be presented as images of a specific current event without the appropriate caption.
If the origin of a photograph or video cannot be reliably established, this is taken into account when deciding whether to use it.
Using artificial intelligence
UkrMedia News may use artificial intelligence tools to assist with information processing, in particular for:
- organising large amounts of text;
- identifying potential contradictions;
- analysis of documents;
- translation;
- searching for additional sources;
- the preparation of drafts and the technical processing of materials.
Artificial intelligence is not regarded as an independent source of the fact.
Factual statements must be based on verifiable sources. If an AI system provides information that is not found in available sources, such information must not be presented as an established fact without further verification.
Editorial analysis and conclusions
In some articles UkrMedia News may contain an editorial analysis or a conclusion drawn from the facts presented.
In such cases, we try to draw a clear distinction between it and factual information.
Phrases such as «this may indicate», «probably», «it may be assumed» or «This is an editorial opinion» are used in contexts where the focus is on interpretation rather than on a directly confirmed fact.
Our fact-checking principles
In its reporting, UkrMedia News adheres to several key principles:
Accuracy. We aim to verify the key facts before publication.
Transparency. Readers need to understand where the information comes from.
Distinguishing facts from assertions. A statement by an official or a party to the conflict is presented precisely as a statement if it cannot be independently verified.
No fictional details. If there is no information, we do not fill in the gaps with assumptions.
Context. An individual fact should not be presented in such a way as to create a false impression of the event.
Correcting errors. If, after publication, we identify a significant factual error, the article will be corrected or updated.
These principles are in line with general international approaches to source transparency and impartial fact-checking, as promoted by the International Fact-Checking Network.
How we select statements to test
Statements may be subject to a separate fact-check if they:
- are actively shared on social media or in the media;
- relate to a topic of public importance;
- may mislead a significant number of people;
- relate to war, security, health, the economy or public policy;
- contain specific, verifiable facts;
- appear to be manipulative or to be taken out of context.
We do not verify personal beliefs, subjective assessments or predictions that cannot be confirmed or refuted by facts.
Which verdicts can we use?
For individual fact-checking articles, UkrMedia News may use a clear rating system:
The truth — the key claim is supported by reliable sources.
Mostly true — The main point is correct, but there are inaccuracies or important context is missing.
Manipulation — real facts are used, but they are presented in such a way as to create a misleading impression.
Out of context — the information may be factually correct, but without the relevant context, it alters the perception of the event.
Unconfirmed — there is insufficient evidence available to draw a reliable conclusion.
Fake — the key claim contradicts the established facts or evidence.
Corrections Policy
For us, accuracy is more important than preserving the original version of the material.
If a reader or the editorial team spots a factual error, we will check the information and, if necessary:
- we correct the inaccuracy;
- we are updating the article with new, verified information;
- we are clarifying the wording;
- We would like to inform you that the content has been substantially updated.
Significant changes that affect the content or conclusion of a publication must be made clear to the reader.
Report a possible error
Readers may notify the editorial team at UkrMedia News of any factual errors or suggest claims for verification.
For a quick check, it is advisable to specify:
- link to the article on UkrMedia News;
- the section which, in your opinion, contains an error;
- accurate information;
- the source or document that supports it.
Any well-reasoned submission may be reviewed again by the editorial team.