Verification within Meta’s Third-Party Fact-Checking Program
Information is being spread online claiming that Ukraine spent $11 million on wine, chocolate, and studying penguins in Antarctica. Additionally, it is said that dart sets, 70 kg of chocolate bars, 140 kg of salmon steaks, and 42 kg of pistachios were purchased for the expedition’s needs. This allegedly demonstrates corruption schemes that are not even being hidden. The posts also suggest that this money should be spent on drones for the Defense Forces.
This is manipulation. Funds allocated for research cannot be redirected to Ukraine’s defense sector. Purchases for the station’s operations are made once a year in Chile for 14 people.
The first post appeared on May 23 at 0:21 on the Telegram channel of pro-Russian blogger Denis Yeliseyevich, who positions himself as a supposedly “neutral source”. Within a few hours, these claims were spread by pro-Russian propagandist Anatolii Sharii, who is under sanctions and wanted. Later, this information appeared on Ukrainian resources.
This tender does exist on Prozorro. However, it was published back on March 4, 2024. As clarified by the National Antarctic Scientific Center, this research program is funded from the part of the state budget allocated to humanitarian expenditures. In 2022, Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko specified that the condition for financial assistance from partners is that it not be used for military needs. This approach continues: Ukraine’s own revenues go to defense, while partner assistance goes to everything else, including the operation of the “Akademik Vernadsky” station. Some funds for the Center’s humanitarian expenditures come from international donors, projects, and collaborations. These funds also cannot be spent on the Defense Forces.
Formally, funds (557.6 million UAH in the 2024 state budget) can only be reallocated to other expenses within the humanitarian sphere. For this, Ukraine would have to permanently cease participating in Antarctic research, contrary to international obligations. Also, interrupting the research now would nullify all previous achievements.
The Center conducts geophysical, meteorological, and biological research. These are not only about penguins; the state program includes 93 scientific activities to achieve 20 global scientific objectives across seven scientific areas.
Ukraine is one of a few dozen countries with year-round stations in Antarctica. Researchers use this international platform to inform about Russian aggression and counter Russian activities.
Polar explorers also refuted the claim about “tons of delicacies” allegedly purchased for them. All food is bought once a year in Chile for 14 people at once. Regarding alcohol, “each polar explorer gets 300 grams of dry wine (two glasses) and 200 grams of chocolate and candies per week”. Thus, there is no “excessive consumption”; this purchase is necessary to supply food for the year.
Attention
The authors do not work for, consult to, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have no relevant affiliations
