Recently, Russian media released a 'new' video featuring Viktor Sokolov, the Commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, presenting awards to the football team FC Chornomorets Sevastopol.
The video's release came after Ukrainian Special Operation Forces announced Sokolov's death. The video raises eyebrows for several reasons, not least because it was filmed in a building that had reportedly been destroyed.
The timing issue
The video lacks time markers, and Sokolov himself does not mention any events that could help pinpoint when the video was filmed. This absence of context has led to speculation about the video's authenticity, especially since the events Sokolov refers to in the video took place well before the Ukrainian forces' attack on the Russian Black Sea Fleet headquarters.
Further adding to the skepticism is the fact that the awards ceremony for the football team and the Order of Ushakov's presentation to the 810th Brigade happened long before the Ukrainian attack. Mikhail Razvozhayev, the so-called governor of Sevastopol, confirmed that the Order was presented a month ago.
Moreover, the football championship took place several days before the attack, and photos from the event show players with medals similar to those Sokolov is seen awarding in the video.
The video's questionable context and timing make it a subject of intense scrutiny. As both sides of the conflict use media to their advantage, the truth becomes ever more elusive.
What do you think: Did Russia release this video to convince the world that Sokolov is still alive, or is it just a case of unfortunate timing? Share your thoughts in the comments.
