Claim: European nations have sent 1 million troops to aid Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Rating: FALSE
Why we fact-checked this: As of writing, the video posted on March 4 has garnered 34,369 views, 841 likes, and 71 comments. The channel responsible for the video currently has 790,000 subscribers.
The video’s title reads, “Bakbakan na to! Europe Nagpadala ng 1 Milyung Sundalo para Tugisin sa Putin!” (It has begun! Europe deploys 1 million soldiers to take down Putin!).
The video’s thumbnail meanwhile repeats what the title says, alongside a picture of Russian President Vladimir Putin and an AI-generated image of military troops.
Clik here to view.
The facts: There are no reports from the European Union (EU) or from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) regarding the deployment of 1 million troops to aid Ukraine in its war with Russia. The video merely discusses the financial and logistical support extended by the European nations in support of Ukraine.
Currently, the EU has provided Ukraine with €48.7 billion for military support. In a statement on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said, “NATO has stood with Ukraine throughout Russia’s brutal war of aggression, to keep the flame of freedom burning. We have kept Ukraine strong by providing arms, equipment and training.”
The NATO deputy secretary general meanwhile affirmed NATO’s partnership and support for Ukraine.
Ukraine: Ukraine received a deluge of support from European leaders following the disastrous meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on February 28.
In a summit of European leaders in London on March 2, European leaders affirmed their security commitments to Ukraine by agreeing to increase defense spending and ease debt limit rules to help finance the war effort.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that European countries would form a “coalition of the willing,” to draw up a peace plan to send to the US President. “We are at a crossroads in history today…This is not a moment for more talk. It’s time to act. Time to step up and lead and to unite around a new plan for a just and enduring peace,” Starmer said.
Plans of sending troops to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping mission are also being drawn. Between 25,000 to 30,000 troops are being considered to be deployed should a ceasefire agreement be negotiated by Ukraine and Russia.
Trump: Ties between the US and Ukraine reached new lows as Trump accused the Ukrainian leader of disrespecting the US and refusing to consider a peace deal. “I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved.” Trump continued, “He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”
Zelenskyy countered that Putin could not be trusted given ceasefires between Russia and Ukraine that have been violated. He later urged Trump to “make no compromises with a killer,” as Washington warms up to Moscow.
European allies of Washington are now left scrambling as the US under Trump puts its security commitments away from the European continent. – Ramon Franco Verano/Rappler.com
Ramon Franco Verano is a graduate of Rappler’s volunteer program. He is a fourth year History student at the University of Santo Tomas. This fact check was reviewed by a member of Rappler’s research team and a senior editor. Learn more about Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program here.
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