{"id":2026201,"date":"2026-07-03T08:34:38","date_gmt":"2026-07-03T05:34:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2026201"},"modified":"2026-07-03T08:34:38","modified_gmt":"2026-07-03T05:34:38","slug":"ai-images-falsely-claim-kyiv-monastery-strike-was-staged","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2026201","title":{"rendered":"AI images falsely claim Kyiv monastery strike was staged"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/27\/54\/1200x675_cmsv2_b7ca1eaf-c86b-5ed6-909f-50880a3deae0-9822754.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2907154-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2907154\" data-cid=\"9824944\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907154-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/49\/44\/189x106_cmsv2_9ddfa230-70b6-5fa6-ab50-2c0fd66f9b79-9824944.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Labour Party&apos;s Andy Burnham delivers a speech at the People&apos;s History Museum in Manchester, 29 June, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Prospective UK PM Burnham rules out early general election\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907148-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2907148\" data-cid=\"9824925\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907148-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/49\/25\/189x106_cmsv2_221589f4-2249-5409-982c-ad9e5ab45917-9824925.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"President-elect Keiko Fujimori waves to reporters as she leaves her home in Lima, 3 July, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Peru<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Keiko Fujimori wins Peru&#8217;s presidential election after June runoff\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907135-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2907135\" data-cid=\"9824864\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907135-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/48\/64\/189x106_cmsv2_5bbb4dac-8af4-5152-81e2-721394edd376-9824864.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Portugal&apos;s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring a goal during the World Cup round-of-32 match against Croatia in Toronto, 2 July 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    World News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Did he say Bismillah? Ronaldo\u2019s penalty whisper ignites global debate\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907144-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2907144\" data-cid=\"9824885\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907144-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/48\/85\/189x106_cmsv2_d0811d60-5a39-52f8-bdef-380b24a1b0bd-9824885.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Presenter with Iran International television Pouria Zeraati in the studio\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Romanian men jailed over London stabbing of Iranian TV presenter\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907154-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2907154\" data-cid=\"9824944\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907154-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/49\/44\/189x106_cmsv2_9ddfa230-70b6-5fa6-ab50-2c0fd66f9b79-9824944.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Labour Party&apos;s Andy Burnham delivers a speech at the People&apos;s History Museum in Manchester, 29 June, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Prospective UK PM Burnham rules out early general election\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907148-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2907148\" data-cid=\"9824925\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907148-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/49\/25\/189x106_cmsv2_221589f4-2249-5409-982c-ad9e5ab45917-9824925.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"President-elect Keiko Fujimori waves to reporters as she leaves her home in Lima, 3 July, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Peru<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Keiko Fujimori wins Peru&#8217;s presidential election after June runoff\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907135-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2907135\" data-cid=\"9824864\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907135-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/48\/64\/189x106_cmsv2_5bbb4dac-8af4-5152-81e2-721394edd376-9824864.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Portugal&apos;s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring a goal during the World Cup round-of-32 match against Croatia in Toronto, 2 July 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    World News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Did he say Bismillah? Ronaldo\u2019s penalty whisper ignites global debate\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907144-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2907144\" data-cid=\"9824885\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907144-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/48\/85\/189x106_cmsv2_d0811d60-5a39-52f8-bdef-380b24a1b0bd-9824885.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Presenter with Iran International television Pouria Zeraati in the studio\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Romanian men jailed over London stabbing of Iranian TV presenter\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Europe<\/p>\n<p>                          Europe Decoded<\/p>\n<p>                          The Cube<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            AI images falsely claim Kyiv monastery strike was staged <\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/27\/54\/1536x864_cmsv2_b7ca1eaf-c86b-5ed6-909f-50880a3deae0-9822754.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"Rescue workers try to put out a fire at the Dormition Cathedral of thousand-year-old Monastery of Caves, also known as Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, following a Russian strike on Kyiv,\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              Rescue workers try to put out a fire at the Dormition Cathedral of thousand-year-old Monastery of Caves, also known as Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, following a Russian strike on Kyiv,<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">AP Photo<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0AP Photo\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspTamsin Paternoster&amp;nbsp&amp;&amp;nbspJames Thomas\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1783067678\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-07-03 10:34:38 +02:00\">03\/07\/2026 &#8211; 10:34 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay js-c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div id=\"js-c-article-share-comment-popup\" class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup js-c-article-share-comment-popup\">\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__header u-display-flex\"><span>Share<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/icon-close.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"Close Button\" class=\"u-cursor-pointer js-c-article-share-comment-close\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content u-display-flex\">\n<div id=\"share-comment-popup-content-container\" class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__container u-display-flex\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"facebook\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Facebook<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"facebook\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"twitter\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Twitter<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"twitter\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-flipboard.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"flipboard\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Flipboard<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-flipboard.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"flipboard\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-send.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"send\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Send<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-send.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"send\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-reddit.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"reddit\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Reddit<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-reddit.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"reddit\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-linkedin.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"linkedin\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Linkedin<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-linkedin.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"linkedin\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-messenger.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"messenger\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Messenger<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-messenger.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"messenger\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"telegram\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Telegram<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"telegram\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"vk\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>VK<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"vk\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"bluesky\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Bluesky<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"bluesky\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__embed_container u-display-none\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__embed__tooltip\"><br \/>\n                            Copy\/paste the article video embed link below:<br \/>\n                        <\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__embed u-display-flex\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/icon-copy-to-clipboard.svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"Copy to clipboard\" class=\"u-cursor-pointer js-c-article-share-comment-copy\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__embed--success-copied u-display-none js-c-article-share-comment-video-embed-success-link-copied\"><br \/>\n                                Copied<br \/>\n                            <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        Posts circulating in several languages falsely claim that photographers were waiting on rooftops to capture the moment a strike hit Kyiv\u2019s UNESCO-listed Perchersk Lavra monastery.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>Pro-Russian social media users have shared fake images they claim show evidence that photographers were preparing in advance to capture a strike on one of Ukraine&#8217;s most important religious sites. <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The posts allege that the presence of the camera crews on nearby rooftops shows that the attack on the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra was staged by Ukraine.<\/p>\n<p>The monastic complex was hit between 14 and 15 June, when Russia fired a barrage of drones and missiles at Ukraine&#8217;s capital, Kyiv.<\/p>\n<p>Authorities said that five people were killed and residential areas were hit when missiles struck and damaged both the UNESCO-listed monastery complex and the Oleksandr Dovzhenko Film Studios. <\/p>\n<p>Founded in the 11th century, the sprawling complex of monasteries and churches is one of Ukraine&#8217;s most significant Orthodox-Christian sites. <\/p>\n<p>A video from the aftermath of the strike posted by Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko showed the Dormition Cathedral in flames. <\/p>\n<p>In the strike&#8217;s aftermath, Russian authorities said the strike was Ukraine\u2019s fault, and that the cathedral was damaged by a US-made Patriot missile.<\/p>\n<p>Some social media users also claimed in several posts on X, Facebook and TikTok that the attack was staged by Ukrainians, attaching two photos. <\/p>\n<p>One shows two men setting up a tripod on a roof, aiming it towards the cathedral. The second claimed to show a man taking a photo of the strike&#8217;s aftermath, with the roof engulfed in flames. <\/p>\n<p>The Cube, Euronews&#8217; fact-checking team, found examples of these posts shared in German and Greek. These posts accumulated more than 11,0000 views across platforms, accusing the cameramen of being aware of the strike in advance. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Filming of bombardments in Ukraine is prohibited,&#8221; one post claimed. &#8220;However, it was precisely on this night that photographers with professional equipment ended up on the roofs of buildings neighbouring the Lavra in Kyiv.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The Cube analysed both images using OpenAI&#8217;s image verification tool, which detected a SynthID watermark embedded within each file. <\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/27\/54\/808x454_cmsv2_4f1a4309-19c6-59a0-98f7-a8047c33ee40-9822754.jpg\" alt=\"Photos claiming to show photographers waiting to take photos of a strike hitting the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra are AI-generated. \"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">Photos claiming to show photographers waiting to take photos of a strike hitting the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra are AI-generated. <\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">OpenAI<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>SynthID is an invisible digital watermark added to images generated by OpenAI&#8217;s image generation models, allowing them to be identified even after being shared online. <\/p>\n<p>The images also contain visual inaccuracies. They depict the cathedral&#8217;s roof as green, whereas verified images of the complex show it is brown (with some green roofs belonging to other buildings nearby). <\/p>\n<p>Ukraine&#8217;s Security Services (SBU) said that Russia was responsible for the attack, which it said was caused by a Geran-2 unmanned aerial vehicle. <\/p>\n<p>No evidence has emerged to support claims that the attack was staged or that Ukrainian photographers had prior knowledge of the attack. <\/p>\n<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the attack as &#8220;one of Russia\u2019s most serious crimes \u200bagainst Christian culture to date,&#8221; whilst Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also announced that Ukraine would initiate procedures within UNESCO and &#8220;other international mechanisms&#8221; to demand a response from &#8220;Russian terrorists&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>French President Emmanuel Macron also commented on X that, &#8220;just like the war of aggression that Russia has been waging against Ukraine for more than 4 years, nothing justifies this attack on our universal heritage.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Moscow strike on Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra &#8216;one of Russia\u2019s most serious crimes against Christian culture&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Orthodox monks expelled from Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery refuse to leave<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Viral fake AI-image shows Macron kneeling before Thai king <\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Russia&#8217;s invasion of Ukraine<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Ukraine<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  TheCube<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2907091-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907091\" data-cid=\"9824588\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907091-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/45\/88\/320x180_cmsv2_fea58083-cdee-5c74-8a68-0dfe86206da0-9824588.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and US President Donald Trump.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    NATO to reaffirm iron-clad commitment to Article 5 at Ankara summit<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2907135-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907135\" data-cid=\"9824864\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907135-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/48\/64\/320x180_cmsv2_5bbb4dac-8af4-5152-81e2-721394edd376-9824864.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Portugal&apos;s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring a goal during the World Cup round-of-32 match against Croatia in Toronto, 2 July 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Did he say Bismillah? Ronaldo\u2019s penalty whisper ignites global debate<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2907121-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907121\" data-cid=\"9824776\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907121-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/47\/76\/320x180_cmsv2_aad53f8a-59c7-53c6-b7e8-a4992f22f0a9-9824776.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A ring designed for US President Donald Trump and crafted by Antwerp diamond designer David Gotlib, 30 June, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Belgian diamond group that won tariff relief gifts Trump ring<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2907039-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907039\" data-cid=\"9824310\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907039-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/43\/10\/320x180_cmsv2_19e9c3a2-c147-57be-a98c-cad0430dd5d1-9824310.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A screenshot of the Interpol Red Notices webpage, 3 July, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    European police hunt for Ukrainian woman over Monaco bomb attack<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2907154-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907154\" data-cid=\"9824944\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907154-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/49\/44\/320x180_cmsv2_9ddfa230-70b6-5fa6-ab50-2c0fd66f9b79-9824944.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Labour Party&apos;s Andy Burnham delivers a speech at the People&apos;s History Museum in Manchester, 29 June, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Prospective UK PM Burnham rules out early general election<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-2\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most read<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__list\">\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2906338-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2906338\" data-cid=\"9820430\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Nine of the top 10 strongest passports globally are European<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">2<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2906885-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2906885\" data-cid=\"9823468\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump says &#8216;ridiculous&#8217; for US to maintain current support for NATO<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">3<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2906619-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2906619\" data-cid=\"9822187\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Germany&#8217;s Merz announces sweeping reforms in key breakthrough<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2906947-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2906947\" data-cid=\"9823728\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Spanish goalkeeper Unai Sim\u00f3n sets new Guinness World Record<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">5<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2906634-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2906634\" data-cid=\"9821982\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    OmnesViae: the Roman Empire\u2019s Google Maps you can use today<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-3\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907091-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907091\" data-cid=\"9824588\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907091-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/45\/88\/320x180_cmsv2_fea58083-cdee-5c74-8a68-0dfe86206da0-9824588.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and US President Donald Trump.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    NATO to reaffirm iron-clad commitment to Article 5 at Ankara summit<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907135-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907135\" data-cid=\"9824864\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907135-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/48\/64\/320x180_cmsv2_5bbb4dac-8af4-5152-81e2-721394edd376-9824864.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Portugal&apos;s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring a goal during the World Cup round-of-32 match against Croatia in Toronto, 2 July 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Did he say Bismillah? Ronaldo\u2019s penalty whisper ignites global debate<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907121-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907121\" data-cid=\"9824776\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907121-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/47\/76\/320x180_cmsv2_aad53f8a-59c7-53c6-b7e8-a4992f22f0a9-9824776.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A ring designed for US President Donald Trump and crafted by Antwerp diamond designer David Gotlib, 30 June, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Belgian diamond group that won tariff relief gifts Trump ring<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907039-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907039\" data-cid=\"9824310\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907039-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/43\/10\/320x180_cmsv2_19e9c3a2-c147-57be-a98c-cad0430dd5d1-9824310.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A screenshot of the Interpol Red Notices webpage, 3 July, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    European police hunt for Ukrainian woman over Monaco bomb attack<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907154-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907154\" data-cid=\"9824944\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907154-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/49\/44\/320x180_cmsv2_9ddfa230-70b6-5fa6-ab50-2c0fd66f9b79-9824944.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Labour Party&apos;s Andy Burnham delivers a speech at the People&apos;s History Museum in Manchester, 29 June, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Prospective UK PM Burnham rules out early general election<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2906338-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2906338\" data-cid=\"9820430\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Nine of the top 10 strongest passports globally are European<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2906885-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2906885\" data-cid=\"9823468\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump says &#8216;ridiculous&#8217; for US to maintain current support for NATO<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2906619-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2906619\" data-cid=\"9822187\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Germany&#8217;s Merz announces sweeping reforms in key breakthrough<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2906947-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2906947\" data-cid=\"9823728\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Spanish goalkeeper Unai Sim\u00f3n sets new Guinness World Record<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2906634-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2906634\" data-cid=\"9821982\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    OmnesViae: the Roman Empire\u2019s Google Maps you can use today<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">Pro-Russian social media users have shared fake images they claim show evidence that photographers were preparing in advance to capture a strike on one of Ukraine&#8217;s most important religious sites.\u00a0The posts allege that the presence of the camera crews on nearby rooftops shows that the attack on the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra was staged by Ukraine.The monastic complex was hit between 14 and 15 June, when Russia fired a barrage of drones and missiles at Ukraine&#8217;s capital, Kyiv.Authorities said that five people were killed and residential areas were hit when missiles struck and damaged both the UNESCO-listed monastery complex and the Oleksandr Dovzhenko Film Studios.\u00a0Founded in the 11th century, the sprawling complex of monasteries and churches is one of Ukraine&#8217;s most significant Orthodox-Christian sites.\u00a0A video from the aftermath of the strike posted by Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko showed the Dormition Cathedral in flames.\u00a0In the strike&#8217;s aftermath, Russian authorities said the strike was Ukraine\u2019s fault, and that the cathedral was damaged by a US-made Patriot missile.Some social media users also claimed in several posts on X, Facebook and TikTok that the attack was staged by Ukrainians, attaching two photos.\u00a0One shows two men setting up a tripod on a roof, aiming it towards the cathedral. The second claimed to show a man taking a photo of the strike&#8217;s aftermath, with the roof engulfed in flames.The Cube, Euronews&#8217; fact-checking team, found examples of these posts shared in German and Greek. These posts accumulated more than 11,0000 views across platforms, accusing the cameramen of being aware of the strike in advance.\u00a0&#8220;Filming of bombardments in Ukraine is prohibited,&#8221; one post claimed. &#8220;However, it was precisely on this night that photographers with professional equipment ended up on the roofs of buildings neighbouring the Lavra in Kyiv.&#8221;The Cube analysed both images using OpenAI&#8217;s image verification tool, which detected a SynthID watermark embedded within each file.SynthID is an invisible digital watermark added to images generated by OpenAI&#8217;s image generation models, allowing them to be identified even after being shared online.\u00a0The images also contain visual inaccuracies. They depict the cathedral&#8217;s roof as green, whereas verified images of the complex show it is brown (with some green roofs belonging to other buildings nearby).\u00a0Ukraine&#8217;s Security Services (SBU) said that Russia was responsible for the attack, which it said was caused by a Geran-2 unmanned aerial vehicle.\u00a0No evidence has emerged to support claims that the attack was staged or that Ukrainian photographers had prior knowledge of the attack.\u00a0Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the attack as &#8220;one of Russia\u2019s most serious crimes against Christian culture to date,&#8221; whilst Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also announced that Ukraine would initiate procedures within UNESCO and &#8220;other international mechanisms&#8221; to demand a response from &#8220;Russian terrorists&#8221;.French President Emmanuel Macron also commented on X that, &#8220;just like the war of aggression that Russia has been waging against Ukraine for more than 4 years, nothing justifies this attack on our universal heritage.&#8221;<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/2026\/07\/03\/ai-images-falsely-claim-kyiv-monastery-strike-was-staged&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/27\/54\/1200x675_cmsv2_b7ca1eaf-c86b-5ed6-909f-50880a3deae0-9822754.jpg&#8221;] Europe News Prospective UK PM Burnham rules out early general election Peru Keiko Fujimori wins Peru&#8217;s presidential election after June runoff World News Did he say Bismillah? Ronaldo\u2019s penalty whisper ignites global debate Europe News Romanian men jailed over London stabbing of Iranian TV presenter Europe News Prospective UK PM Burnham rules [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-2026201","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2026201","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2026201"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2026201\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2026201"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2026201"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2026201"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}