Last fakes of the week
22 October 2026
Unfarmed land, unsold grain? Two of Mamikins’ claims about Latvia contradicted by statistics
Former Member of the European Parliament Andrejs Mamikins of Latvia claimed that Latvian farmers have been unable to properly cultivate their land for three decades and have virtually lost their export markets. However, Spain was the largest buyer of Latvian wheat and meslin exports in 2025. Shipments were also sent to France and Germany, and the area of agricultural land in use reached nearly two million hectares.
misrepresentation, Belarus, Russia, Germany, Spain, France, Latvia, The First News Channel news.by, Andrey Mamykin, economy, sanctions, agriculture.
21 October 2026
“We are preparing for war.” Lukashenko’s statements contradict those of a Radio-Minsk host
Radio host Alena Rodovskaya stated that, unlike the West, Belarus is not preparing for war. However, Aleksandr Lukashenko has repeatedly said the opposite, including in April of 2026. Beyond his statements, the country regularly conducts military readiness drills, which Lukashenko insists must be organized “as if in combat.”
misrepresentation, Belarus, Poland, Radio Minsk, Evening political channel, Alena Rodovskaya, war, army.
20 October 2026
Macron seeks third term, France runs out of money because of Ukraine: Two false claims by Sych
Host Andrei Sych claimed that French President Emmanuel Macron plans to run for a third consecutive term despite the constitutional ban. He explained the country’s financial problems by saying that “everything goes to Ukraine.” However, Macron has publicly ruled out running in the next presidential election. As for aid to Ukraine, it represents only a small fraction of the French government’s total spending, even when France’s estimated share of the EU’s support for Ukraine is...
fabrication, Ukraine, France, The First News Channel news.by, Andrey Sych, politics, elections.
19 October 2026
A guest on Belarus 4 Gomel TV claimed that sanctions against Russia destroyed three sectors in Finland. WTF verified the claim
Ihar Kazaroz, deputy director of the Belarusian State University of Transport branch, stated that the service sector, machinery manufacturing, and forest industry in Finland effectively disappeared after sanctions against Russia were imposed. However, the total value of Finland’s exports of services and machinery increased compared to 2021. Although timber use declined after Russian supplies ceased, the forest industry continued to operate.
misrepresentation, Russia, Finland, Belarus-4, Ihar Kazaroz, economy, sanctions, industry.
18 October 2026
Is the EU requiring Latvia to slaughter a quarter of its dairy cows? WTF fact-checked the News.by report
According to the First News Channel*, Latvia must cull a quarter of its dairy cows or forfeit €47 million in European subsidies. However, a report from the Latvian Ministry of Agriculture states that the funds are intended to improve animal feed and housing conditions, as well as develop organic dairy farms. The targets of these programs do not specify how many cows must remain in the country.
misrepresentation, Latvia, European Union, The First News Channel news.by, economy, agriculture, state support.
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