Disinfo: Europe silent about Ukraine’s violation of Minsk deals

Summary

Europe understands that Ukraine is violating the Minsk agreements but does not say it for political reasons.

Disproof

This is a recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets, claiming that Ukraine's position is the only obstacle on the way to the peace process in Donbas.

In reality, the main impediment to a peace settlement in Donbas is Russia’s and its proxies’ deliberate unwillingness to implement the Minsk agreements. These documents, signed by representatives of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Ukraine, Russia and leaders of the illegal separatist entities (DNR and LNR), provide, among other things, for a comprehensive ceasefire and withdrawal of foreign troops from Ukraine. Kyiv announced a truce in July 2020, but the Moscow-backed separatists have been violating it virtually every day.

Separatists often use the civilian population as a human shield by shelling Ukrainian positions from residential areas to accuse Ukrainian troops of possible civilian victims when they strike back. The Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) of the OSCE issues daily reports about hostilities. It is impossible to proceed with the peace process in Donbas as long as fighting is continuing and foreign troops are stationed in the region.

Apart from regular proposals for ceasefire, France and Germany, who are members of the Normandy format, also put forward other initiatives to solve the Donbas-conflict; however, Russia seems to ignore them.

See here about EU restrictive measures in response to the crisis in Ukraine.

Read more disinformation reports alleging that Ukraine is blocking the peace process.

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Pervyy kanal - YouTube [from 00:27:06 to 00:27:10] [from 00:27:06 to 00:27:10] (Archived)
  • Reported in: Issue 263
  • DATE OF PUBLICATION: 12/10/2021
  • Article language(s) Russian
  • Countries and/or Regions discussed in the disinformation: Ukraine, Russia, Europe
  • Keywords: Donbas, War in Ukraine, Minsk agreements
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Disinfo: Ukraine is under direct foreign control

The current government in Ukraine is under direct foreign control and there is no reason for Russia to try and find a common ground for better relations between the two countries. Ukrainian leaders are totally dependent on Washington and their country relies on cash infusions from the United States and the European Union.

Oct 11, 2021
Disproof

A recurring pro-Kremlin narrative about Ukraine being under alleged "external control".

Ukraine is an internationally recognised sovereign state with its own constitution, democratically elected parliament and president. Pro-Kremlin outlets often cast doubt on Ukrainian statehood and claim that Ukraine either does not exist as a state or is going to tumble down very soon.

Disinfo: Polish politicians use the imaginary Russian threat to appeal for national unity

The discussions of the Polish politicians are filled with phobias and warnings against imaginary dangers. Most of them are connected to such unrealistic issues as allegedly aggressive plans of the neighbours against Poland (primarily, the largest neighbour in the east). The sense of danger is supposed to justify appeals for national unity and to shut the mouths of all those who pay attention to real problems. The “war is going on”, so it is needed to have a cross-party unity.

Oct 11, 2021
Disproof

This message is a part of the Kremlin’s widespread narrative about Russophobic and anti-Russian Poland. The Kremlin-controlled outlets regularly accuse the Polish authorities of Russophobia and inspiration of the anti-Russian sentiments in order to reach particular domestic goals.

The Polish authorities perceive Russia as a security threat because of the aggressive Russian actions in particular on Crimea, Donbas and Eastern Europe.

Disinfo: US wants to turn Ukraine into ‘anti-Russia’

The US does not need anything from Ukraine but one thing – opposing and restraining Russia and creating an anti-Russia country.

Oct 11, 2021
Disproof

This is a recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets, claiming that the West is using Ukraine as a springboard for aggression against Russia.

Ukraine, as a sovereign state, determines her foreign policy orientation. Kyiv’s cooperation with NATO has intensified since the illegal annexation of Crimea and outbreak of Russian aggression against Ukraine in 2014. The United States and Turkey supply it with weapons and military equipment (read here and here). Ukraine takes part in joint military exercises with NATO troops such as Sea Breeze, Rapid Trident and other war games. However, all these activities are not Russophobic. They are only defensive and aim at repelling a possible Russian attack.