Disinfo: Global powers prepare ground for war in Europe

Summary

The proclamation of Catalonia independence and the conflict in the east of Ukraine are part of the global powers’ plan to prepare a ground for a war in Europe. These powers are interested in destabilizing the situation in Europe.

Disproof

Conspiracy theory, no evidence given.

publication/media

  • Reported in: Issue 86
  • DATE OF PUBLICATION: 27/10/2017
  • Outlet language(s) Russian
  • Countries and/or Regions discussed in the disinformation: Spain, Ukraine
  • Keywords: Catalonia, War preparation, Secret elites / global elites, War in Ukraine
see more

Disinfo: Ukraine is becoming a totalitarian state

The last actions of Ukrainian authorities [the new law on education] show that Ukraine is becoming a totalitarian and police state and it doesn’t respect the Constitution.

Disproof

Recurring disinformation about Ukraine. Totalitarianism is a form of government that theoretically permits no individual freedom and that seeks to subordinate all aspects of individual life to the authority of the state. A police state is a totalitarian state controlled by a political police force that secretly supervises the citizens' activities. No evidence given that the newly adopted Ukrainian education law would transform Ukraine into a totalitarian country or a police state. Ukrainian authorities have submitted the text to the Venice Commission for an opinion which shall be delivered by the end of 2017. See the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly resolution on the law. More on background of the law and the controversies it has raised http://carnegieeurope.eu/strategiceurope/73272.

Disinfo: The Netherlands decided to hide the reason for the MH-17 tragedy

The Council of State in the Netherlands violated the law allowing to keep in secret the information concerning the MH-17 tragedy. The Netherlands military interests may be the reason for this. The Dutch investigators got the Buk missile from Georgia. And now they are busy not so much with the investigation of the tragedy, but trying to find out how this BUK can be used to shoot down “other aircrafts”.

Disproof

Reccuring MH17-related disinformation. According to the Council of State, it is necessary that the information remains confidential, as it is likely that disclosure thereof could jeopardize the proper functioning of the committee. The Council found this more important than the interest of disclosure. "The interest of disclosure does not outweigh the interest protected by the refusal, such as the relations of the Netherlands with other states and international organizations, respect for the privacy of the parties involved and the protection of personal policy views", the Council ruled. The information that the Dutch militants are looking into how to use a BUK-missile to hit other military aircraft is a pure conspiracy. Joint Investigative Team (JIT) has concluded that flight MH17 was shot down on 17 July 2014 by a missile of the 9M38 series, launched by a BUK-TELAR, from farmland in the vicinity of Pervomaiskiy (or: Pervomaiskyi). At that time, the area was controlled by pro-Russian fighters. The BUK-TELAR was brought in from the territory of the Russian Federation and subsequently, after having shot down flight MH-17, was taken back to the Russian Federation. More on background of the MH17-related disinformation here.

Disinfo: NATO is preparing for hybrid and conventional war with Russia

The last steps taken by NATO show that it is preparing a war with Russia. Jens Stoltenberg represents US interests, supporting its aggressive wars and unacceptable hostility toward Russia – things likely heading for an eventual showdown, the unthinkable possibility of nuclear war, an armageddon scenario if launched. It is the US that is the aggressor, Russia is just defending itself.

Disproof

NATO is a defensive alliance, whose purpose is to protect its member states. The exercises and military deployments are not directed against Russia – or any other country. NATO announces its military exercises well in advance and they are subject to international observation. NATO notifies Russia throughout the year about its exercises. In 2016, for example, Russian military experts visited 13 Allied exercises. This demonstrates the transparency of NATO military activities. In direct response to Russia's use of military force against its neighbours, NATO has deployed four multinational battlegroups to the Baltic States and Poland. These forces are rotational, defensive and proportionate. They cannot compare to the three divisions Russia has established in its Western Military and Southern Military Districts. Before Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea, there were no plans to deploy Allied troops to the eastern part of the Alliance. NATOäs aim is to prevent conflict, protect our Allies, and preserve the peace. NATO remains open to meaningful dialogue with Russia. NATO has held five meetings of the NATO-Russia Council since April 2016. Talking to Russia allows NATO to communicate clearly our positions. The crisis in and around Ukraine remains the first topic on NATO's agenda. NATO will continue the dialogue, including with representatives of Russian civil society. See more on NATO-Russia-relations here. After a meeting of the NATO-Russia Council in July 2017, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated that "Dialogue can be difficult, but it is also essential and in times of raised tensions, such as now, it is particularly important to keep channels of communication open. - - - Our discussion was frank and constructive. Allies and Russia may hold different views but we are committed to continuing our dialogue as part of our commitment to preserving peace and security."