Internet misinformation: The affair of the yachts allegedly purchased by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky
In the world of information and social networks, it is unfortunately common to encounter erroneous information or fake news. Recently, a story broke online claiming that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky misused Western aid to buy two luxury yachts. But what is this story really about? Decryption.
The claim mainly revolves around two yachts, named “Lucky Me” and “My Legacy”, allegedly acquired by Volodymyr Zelensky. Sales agreement documents were presented as proof of this transaction. However, further investigation reveals that these documents are false and that the companies responsible for the sale of the yachts formally deny this affair.
Indeed, the Behnemar company, responsible for the sale of the yacht “Lucky Me”, has confirmed that the boat is still available for sale and that no sales agreement has been registered on October 18, the supposed date of the ‘acquisition. Likewise, Burgess, responsible for the sale of the yacht “My Legacy”, said that the boat is also still for sale and that no sales agreement has been registered as of October 25. The two yachts are also visible on the websites of the companies concerned.
Furthermore, the company supposedly responsible for the sales agreement, the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association (Myba), claimed that the documents presented are old and have certainly been modified. This is actually a pre-2012 version of their sales contracts. A comparison with the current Myba logo shows significant differences.
It’s also worth noting that these so-called “memorandums of understanding” are available for free online, suggesting that the accounts behind this misinformation simply filled these documents with false information.
This case raises a broader question about false information circulating on the internet. It is important to check sources and not take at face value everything that is published online. In our hyperconnected world, where information circulates at dizzying speed, it is crucial to develop critical thinking and exercise discernment. The credibility of sources and verification of facts are essential elements in disentangling fact from fiction.
In conclusion, the affair of the yachts allegedly purchased by Volodymyr Zelensky turns out to be a hoax. The documents presented as evidence have been changed and the companies responsible for the sale of the yachts formally deny this story. Let’s keep in mind the importance of fact-checking and critical thinking in our online news consumption.