Fact Check: "This viral image shows Ukrainian soldiers surrendering to Russian troops in July 2025."

Fact-Check: "This viral image shows Ukrainian soldiers surrendering to Russian troops in July 2025."

What We Know

The claim that a viral image depicts Ukrainian soldiers surrendering to Russian troops in July 2025 is false. The image in question is actually an old photograph that has been misrepresented. According to the Associated Press, the photo was taken during the siege of Mariupol in April 2022, showing Ukrainian soldiers surrendering amid intense fighting. This photo was disseminated by Russian state media at the time and has resurfaced in social media posts that falsely suggest it represents a recent event.

Furthermore, there is no evidence to support the assertion that Ukrainian forces are on the verge of surrendering. Military experts, including Javed Ali from the University of Michigan and Michael O'Hanlon from the Brookings Institution, have stated that such claims lack a credible foundation and are likely part of a Russian propaganda effort aimed at undermining Ukrainian morale and political resolve (AP News).

Analysis

The reliability of the sources reporting on this claim is high. The Associated Press is a reputable news organization known for its fact-checking and journalistic integrity. The analysis provided by military experts adds further credibility, as these individuals have extensive backgrounds in defense and security policy. Their assessments indicate that the claims of mass surrender are unfounded and serve a strategic purpose in the ongoing information warfare surrounding the conflict.

In contrast, the social media posts promoting the idea of a Ukrainian surrender lack credible sourcing and rely on sensationalism. The absence of corroborating reports from reputable news outlets further undermines the validity of these claims. Additionally, experts have pointed out that the narrative of an impending Ukrainian surrender is not supported by the current military situation, where Ukrainian forces have recently achieved tactical victories (AP News).

Moreover, the historical context of the photo being used in these claims is critical. The image is tied to a specific event during the early stages of the conflict, which has been manipulated to fit a narrative that does not reflect the present reality. This tactic is commonly employed in disinformation campaigns, which aim to sway public perception and political support (AP News).

Conclusion

The claim that a viral image shows Ukrainian soldiers surrendering to Russian troops in July 2025 is False. The image is outdated, originating from April 2022 during the siege of Mariupol, and has been misrepresented in social media posts. Furthermore, the current military situation does not support the notion of a mass surrender by Ukrainian forces, as experts have indicated that such claims are part of a broader disinformation strategy. The evidence clearly demonstrates that the narrative surrounding this claim is misleading and lacks factual basis.

Sources

1. Old photo of surrendering Ukrainian troops misrepresented on social media
2. Makiivka surrender incident
3. Truth or Fake - No, this video does not show Ukrainian troops surrendering
4. No, this video does not show Ukrainian troops surrendering
5. FACT CHECK: Video Showing Ukrainian Troops Surrendering Is From 2022, Not 2025
6. 4 captive Ukrainian troops killed by Russian forces after surrender
7. No, this video doesn’t show Ukrainian soldiers ‘giving up’ en masse
8. Fact Check: Does Video Show 'Mass Surrender' of Ukrainian Soldiers?