DISINFO: Defender Europe 2021 is a training for offensive against Russia
SUMMARY
"He who desires peace, prepare for war." The 1600-year-old advice of Flavius Vegetius is unquestionably worth considering, but [...] "Defender Europe 2021" near Ukraine have nothing to do with Western Europe's self-protection based on peace. Viewed without transatlantic propaganda glasses, they are recognisable as the largest NATO attack exercise since the end of the Cold War 30 years ago. The US and its allies, Bundeswehr included, are training for the offensive against Russia.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about NATO, claiming that the alliance is preparing for war against Russia and wants to destabilise the regions around Russia, including Ukraine.
NATO does not prepare for the war against Russia (or against any other country). The military exercises “Defender Europe 2021” are “defensive in nature and focused on responding to crisis if necessary”.
NATO is a defensive alliance, whose purpose is to protect its member states. The alliance announces its military exercises well in advance and they are subject to international observation. NATO strongly supports efforts to build confidence and transparency in military activities and exercises.
Read similar cases alleging that “Defender Europe 2021” exercises are destroying European security or that the NATO Sea Shield 2021 creates conditions for a real destabilisation of the Black sea region and that NATO needs Georgia as a military platform for a conflict potential with Russia.