Why are online users claiming Ukrainian soldiers are staging combat?

Misinformation and Misinterpretation: The Story Behind a Ukrainian Music Video

In recent weeks, a series of clips from a music video produced by Ukrainian soldiers has been circulating on social media, sparking controversy and misinformation. The clips were taken out of context, leading many to believe that Ukrainian soldiers were "faking combat" and using makeup to appear "war-torn" in order to secure funding from the United States. However, the real story behind these clips is far more complex and deeply rooted in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The video in question is part of a music project titled Brothers, created to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and its message is one of pain, loss, and solidarity among soldiers and their families.

The video gained attention after a social media account named "Liberal Tear Creator" shared three clips, alleging that Ukrainian soldiers were pretending to be at war for financial gain. These claims quickly went viral, with many online users expressing outrage and skepticism. However, further investigation revealed that the clips were not manipulated or fabricated but were instead taken out of context from the behind-the-scenes footage of the music video. The full video, posted on YouTube by a Ukrainian combat medic and content creator named Vitsyk, tells a very different story—one of resilience, brotherhood, and the emotional toll of war.

The Origin of the Music Video: A Tribute to Fallen Soldiers

The music video Brothers was produced by Vitsyk, a Ukrainian combat medic who has gained a significant following on social media platforms, including TikTok and YouTube. With nearly 300,000 followers on TikTok and almost 15,000 subscribers on YouTube, Vitsyk uses his platform to share stories from the frontlines of the war in Ukraine. The video was released in February 2025 to coincide with the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, which began in February 2022. The song and video are a tribute to the soldiers who have lost their lives in the conflict and a testament to the bonds formed between comrades during times of war.

In the video, Vitsyk and other Ukrainian soldiers are seen preparing for a performance, which includes applying makeup and styling to portray their experiences. One of the participants in the video is Mariana Chechelyuk, a Ukrainian soldier who was captured by Russian forces in April 2022 while defending the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol. Chechelyuk spent 25 months in Russian captivity before being released in May 2024. Her participation in the music video was not about deception but about sharing her story and honoring the memory of those who did not survive.

The Victims of Misinformation: The Soldiers’ Stories

Mariana Chechelyuk and the other soldiers featured in the video are not actors or individuals seeking to deceive the public. They are real survivors of one of the most brutal chapters of the war in Ukraine—the siege of Mariupol and the battle for Azovstal. The steel plant became a symbol of Ukrainian resistance, as hundreds of soldiers and civilians were trapped for weeks under relentless Russian bombardment. Many lost their lives, and those who were captured, like Chechelyuk, were subjected to months of imprisonment and mistreatment.

When the clips from the music video were taken out of context, it not only disrespected the soldiers’ experiences but also undermined the sacrifices they have made. Chechelyuk herself addressed the misinformation in a post on Instagram, expressing disbelief at how the video could be so misinterpreted. She explained that the purpose of the video was to show the pain of Ukrainian soldiers who lose loved ones every day and to honor the bonds of brotherhood that form during war. For these soldiers, the music video was a way to process their trauma and share their stories with the world.

The Creators’ Response: Setting the Record Straight

Vitsyk, the creator of the music video, has also spoken out against the misinformation. In an interview with Euronews, he emphasized that the video was never intended to deceive but to highlight the realities of war and its impact on Ukrainian soldiers. He described himself as a "creative soldier," using music and art as a way to cope with the loss of his friends and the horrors of war. "Every word in our creative reality is written in blood," he said, explaining that the costumes, bulletproof vests, and helmets used in the video are not props but real items that have seen the harsh realities of combat.

Vitsyk also addressed those who doubt the authenticity of the war in Ukraine, inviting them to visit the country and see the situation for themselves. His message was a call to action, urging people to seek the truth and not rely on misleading social media posts. The video, he stressed, was a way to honor the fallen and bring attention to the ongoing conflict, not to manipulate or deceive. By sharing their stories, Vitsyk and the soldiers involved in the project hope to humanize the war and remind the world of its ongoing impact on Ukraine and its people.

Addressing Skepticism and the Broader Impact

The spread of misinformation about the music video highlights a broader issue in the digital age: the ease with which context can be twisted or omitted, leading to widespread misunderstanding. The clips from Brothers were not fake, but they were presented in a way that stripped them of their intended meaning. This not only harmed the reputation of the soldiers involved but also distracted from the real issues at hand—the ongoing war in Ukraine and the suffering of its people.

For many Ukrainians, the war is not just a distant conflict but a daily reality that has uprooted lives, destroyed families, and left deep scars. The music video Brothers is a testament to this reality, a raw and emotional expression of the pain and resilience of those who have been directly affected by the war. By taking the time to understand the context and the stories behind such projects, we can avoid falling into the trap of misinformation and instead support those who are trying to share their experiences with the world.

Conclusion: The Power of Storytelling in Times of War

The story of the music video Brothers and the subsequent misinformation surrounding it is a reminder of the power of storytelling—and the dangers of misinterpretation—in times of war. For Ukrainian soldiers like Vitsyk and Mariana Chechelyuk, the video was a way to process their experiences, honor their fallen comrades, and share their stories with the world. It was never intended to deceive but to humanize the conflict and bring attention to the ongoing suffering of Ukraine.

As the war in Ukraine continues, it is more important than ever to approach information with critical thinking and empathy. By seeking out the full context and understanding the stories behind the headlines, we can avoid spreading misinformation and instead support those who are using their voices to share their truths. The music video Brothers is not just a piece of art; it is a testament to the resilience of the Ukrainian people and a reminder of the human cost of war.