According to recent reports, there is an unprecedented escalation in the Russia-Ukraine war, as Kyiv has stepped up long-range attacks in recent days using drones and missiles, targeting military and industrial sites deep inside Russian territory. In response, Russian authorities in Crimea declared a state of emergency following an increase in Ukrainian aerial attacks. Russia has also continued to carry out air and missile strikes across Ukraine and reported intercepting a significant number of Ukrainian drones in recent days.
In the above context, a video showing a Russian military convoy has gone viral on social media, with users claiming it documents Russia placing its armed forces on the highest level of alert amid escalating tensions with Ukraine. The footage, which shows mobile missile launchers on the move, has been shared widely with captions suggesting an imminent military escalation.
Social media users are circulating the video claiming it shows Russia declaring the highest military alert level for its armed forces.
A social media user shared the video with a caption that reads, “BREAKING The Russian Armed Forces are reportedly maintaining a high level of readiness. According to reports, all major units are on high alert, with the situation being closely monitored at all levels. Further actions will be determined based on ongoing military developments.”
SouthCheck found that the claim is false. The viral video is from a 2024 Victory Day parade rehearsal in Russia.
On a Google reverse image search, we found that the same video was shared by the YouTube channel of the Russian Ministry of Defence on February 26, 2022. The video was shared with a caption that reads, “In preparation for the military parade on Red Square, a mechanised column of the parade crew of the Yars mobile missile system's autonomous launchers marched from their permanent deployment point in Teikovo, Ivanovo Oblast, to Alabino, Moscow Region. The 400-kilometre route ran along the main roads of three regions: Ivanovo, Vladimir, and Moscow, including the M7 federal highway and the Moscow Ring Road. Along the way, the drivers of the three autonomous launchers made stops for scheduled and routine inspections of the large vehicles.”
We further found that the video was also shared by ABC.net on March 28, 2022.
The article associated with the video examines how Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to place Russia’s nuclear forces on high alert during the early days of the Ukraine invasion marked a significant escalation in nuclear rhetoric. Experts argued that his repeated threats broke long-standing Cold War norms, increased the risk of miscalculation, and underscored the need for continued communication between Russia and the West to prevent a wider conflict.
Moreover, scrolling through the X account of Russia’s Ministry of Defence and doing a Google keyword search, no statement from the Russian Ministry of Defence or the Kremlin declaring a maximum state of military alert for the armed forces. No credible international media outlets reported such an announcement.
Therefore, we conclude that the claim is false.