Disinfo: There was a coup in Ukraine in 2014

Summary

After the 2014 coup in Kyiv, the people of the peninsula voted in a referendum to re-join Russia, a decision that most NATO members have not recognised.

Disproof

Recurrent pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the Euromaidan in Ukraine in 2014. There was no coup, nor a western orchestrated protest in Ukraine.

The demonstrations which began in Kyiv in November 2013 – called "Maidan", or "Euromaidan" – were a result of the Ukrainian people's frustration with former President Yanukovych. The protesters' demands included constitutional reform, a stronger role for parliament, the formation of a government of national unity, an end to corruption, early presidential elections and an end to violence.

Ukraine's government changed its relations toward Russia after the latter illegally annexed Crimea, which is part of Ukraine, through a non-recognised referendum, announced on 27 February 2014, and held on gunpoint on 16 March 2014. The UN described it as not valid and stated that it could not serve as a basis for any change in the status of the peninsula. In its turn, the EU continues to strongly condemn this violation of international law and has responded by imposing restrictive measures against the Russian Federation.

See similar disinformation cases claiming that Euromaidan protests were organised by foreign governments: the US and the EU conspired to overthrow Viktor Yanukovych, Obama staged a coup in Ukraine.

publication/media

  • Reported in: Issue 272
  • DATE OF PUBLICATION: 08/02/2022
  • Article language(s) Hungarian
  • Countries and/or Regions discussed in the disinformation: Ukraine, Russia
  • Keywords: NATO, Euromaidan, Coup, Protest
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Disinfo: Poland played an active role in destabilising the situation in Belarus

It is known that Poland played an active role in destabilising the situation in Belarus after the presidential elections in 2020, as well as in the attempted coup in the spring of 2021.

Disproof

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about Western attempts to organise a colour revolution in Belarus presenting Poland as a country with hostile and aggressive plans towards Belarus.

According to pro-Kremlin media, protests, disorders and civil uprisings are never manifestations of genuine popular discontent and political desires manifested by the population but are foreign engineered colour revolutions directed and funded by Western intelligence services or other Western actors, in this case, Poland, to destabilise targeted foreign states and bring about regime change.

Disinfo: Only Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact provided Poland with lasting peace

Whether you like it or not, only the alliance with the Soviet Union within the Warsaw Pact provided Poland with 40 years of lasting peace and development. After the collapse of the Polish People’s Republic, the rhetoric that Poland used to be between two enemies returned.

Disproof

This message is an example of Russian historical revisionism, portraying the USSR as the peacemaker and liberator of Poland.

The claim that the Soviet occupation of Poland (1945-1989) was the period of “lasting peace and development” is a cynical attempt to whitewash the endless crimes of the Soviet regime against the Polish nation. It is impossible to compare the current Polish membership in NATO with the Warsaw Pact and the period of the Soviet occupation of Poland.

Disinfo: Washington seeks a war between Russia and Ukraine; Moscow tries to avoid it

A war with Ukraine, of course, is not a favorable scenario for Russia. On the contrary, this is what Washington seeks, and what Moscow is trying to avoid.

Disproof

The claim that the US is dragging Ukraine into a war with Russia is a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative not backed up with evidence. It also tries to deflect attention away from Russia's involvement in the Donbas war by speaking about the alleged involvement of the US or the West, and a possible military escalation at its insistence.

There is irrefutable evidence of direct Russian military involvement in Eastern Ukraine. Russia is supporting its proxies with weapons, its active-duty soldiers serve there and its top military commanders visit the war zone to coordinate joint efforts with the separatists. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stated that Moscow will continue to support these territories.