No, Ukraine isn't using cats to spot Russian sniper lasers

Summary

In the 'Is This Legit' YouTube series, Ian debunks the viral claim that Ukraine uses cats to detect sniper laser dots in the war against Russia. The tweet featuring a cat named 'Mikael the Panther of Kharkiv' is unverified and lacks sources. A Google Reverse Image search and fact-checks from USA Today and AFP reveal the story as fabricated, with the photo dating back to 2018 and no evidence of such military use of cats. The video emphasizes the importance of skepticism towards unverified images and the necessity of fact-checking, especially during crises.

Takeaways

• 😸 The script discusses the prevalence of cute cat content online and the importance of fact-checking even seemingly innocent claims.
• 🐾 A specific tweet claiming that Ukraine uses cats to spot sniper laser dots in the war against Russia is examined.
• 🔍 The tweet's credibility is questioned due to its origin from an unverified account and lack of provided sources.
• 🔎 A Google Reverse Image search is recommended as a method to fact-check the authenticity of viral images.
• 📰 Fact-checks from USA Today reveal the claim about cat usage in warfare to be entirely fabricated.
• 👀 The photo in question has been circulating since 2018, predating the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
• 👁️‍🗨️ An expert from the Modern War Institute at West Point dismisses the claim, calling it 'complete garbage'.
• 🔬 The script emphasizes the rarity of lasers in sniper warfare, further debunking the tweet's claim.
• 📸 It's highlighted that old photos can be repurposed to spread false stories, underscoring the need for skepticism.
• ⚠️ The necessity of fact-checking information related to ongoing crises, such as the situation in Ukraine, is stressed.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video script?

The main topic of the video script is the fact-checking of a viral claim that Ukraine is using cats to spot and direct the location of Russian sniper laser dots during the war.

What is the purpose of the 'Is This Legit' YouTube series?

The purpose of the 'Is This Legit' YouTube series is to debunk viral misinformation and show viewers how to fact-check claims themselves.

Why is it important to verify the source of a claim during a crisis like the one in Ukraine?

It is important to verify the source of a claim during a crisis to ensure that news and updates are from trusted and reputable sources, rather than random people online, to avoid the spread of misinformation.

What method did the presenter use to fact-check the photo in the tweet?

The presenter used a Google Reverse Image search to fact-check the photo in the tweet.

What did USA Today's fact-check reveal about the claim?

USA Today's fact-check revealed that the claim was entirely fabricated, with no evidence supporting the use of cats by the Ukrainian army to identify sniper lasers.

Why are lasers not a common element of sniper warfare according to the USA Today article?

Lasers are not a common element of sniper warfare because they would give away the sniper's position, which is counterproductive to the stealthy nature of sniping.

How did the AFP fact-check corroborate the findings of USA Today?

The AFP fact-check corroborated USA Today's findings by interviewing an expert who called the story 'Complete garbage' and highlighting the implausibility of the claim.

What was the expert's opinion on the claim about cats being used in warfare?

The expert, Liam Collins, a former director of the Modern War Institute at West Point and defense advisor to Ukraine, called the claim 'Complete garbage' and questioned its practicality.

What are the two main takeaways from the video regarding the verification of information?

The two main takeaways are to always be skeptical of photos without sources and to fact-check anything related to ongoing crises like the situation in Ukraine, even if it's a story one wants to believe.

How can viewers get help with their own research according to the video?

Viewers can get help with their own research by using the hashtag #IsThisLegit, which could lead to their query being featured in an upcoming episode of the series.