Last updated on September 17th, 2025
Editor’s note: In March 2025, we published verification information on social media regarding a set of images and short videos that fabricated world leaders “removing jackets” in solidarity with Ukraine; we traced the material to edited sources and AI splicing.
A widely circulated image on Bluesky and X on March 15 and 16 appears to show European leaders removing their jackets during a group photo as a sign of support for Ukraine.
Political leaders did gather at Lancaster House in the UK on March 2 to discuss Europe’s defense and security.
But the event’s news footage does not show them taking off their jackets.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3hKnzFoX4M&t=118s
Signs of digital manipulation suggest the image has been altered.
A watermark from the InShot video editing app can be seen in the lower-right corner.
Hands placement is irregular.
Collar pins are missing.
Altered image:
Actual image (Source: European Council on Foreign Relations):
Similar videos shared on TikTok also show world leaders removing their jackets.
All these videos show clear signs of AI manipulation.
Verdict:
These images are digitally altered and do not depict real events.
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