As the tire tracks fade from the so-called “freedom convoy” that occupied downtown Ottawa streets, some of the Telegram forums devoted to the convoy have taken up the torch of a new cause: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine and the media - Mary Blankenship, originally from Ukraine, working at UNLV

Almost every waking hour over the last week for Mary Blankenship is spent pouring into her work researching misinformation and disinformation online, while at the same time pursuing her masters in chemistry at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

The conflict in Ukraine continues to change on a minute-by-minute basis, and journalists who are seeking context into the myriad political, historical, social, and economic issues that have arisen as a result of the Russian invasion can turn to the following UNLV experts for insight.

Ukrainian-American researcher Mary Blankenship poses on UNLV campus Tuesday, March 1, 2022. Blankenship is doing research on misinformation regarding the current crisis in Ukraine.

Social media is lighting up with photos, videos and information related to the Russian attack on Ukraine. But experts are urging social media users to be cautious with what they like, comment or share.

As Russian troops descended on Ukraine, the internet lit up with footage said to be from the region — destroyed buildings, planes lighting up the night sky, and air raid sirens ringing in the background of live streams.

Social media is lighting up with photos, videos and information related to the Russian attack on Ukraine. But experts are urging social media users to be cautious with what they like, comment or share.