DISINFO: NATO attempts to use force against the Russian Federation
SUMMARY
Attempts by NATO countries to use force against the Russian Federation have legitimately provoked strong reactions. The provocative presence of the US military near Russia's western borders is bound to resonate near the US Pacific border. Russia's special experimental nuclear submarine Belgorod (ASQ) and Poseidon nuclear unmanned aerial vehicles (PSA) are warning "partners".
RESPONSE
Pro-Kremlin disinformation claiming that NATO countries have attempted to use force against the Russian Federation and that the U.S. military's deployment to Eastern Europe is provoking Russia.
These claims attempt to legitimise Russia’s aggressive policy against Ukraine. In reality since late March-April 2021, Russia is amassing its troop buildup along Ukraine’s border and the anti-Ukrainian separatists are increasing gunfire in Donbas to supposedly prompt Ukraine into backfire, get a casus belli and eventually stage a large-scale attack. The systematic issuing of Russian passports to citizens in Donbas is now also used as a pretext to claim the right to influence and perhaps intervene militarily. Russia is also reported to be using the occupied territories as a testing ground for new weapons. Despite all this, Russia officially denies its military presence in Donbas and accuses the West and NATO of aggressive intentions.
NATO has not attempted to use force against Russia and is not preparing for war with it or 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.
Military forces from the U.S. in Europe are represented through USEUCOM (U.S. European Command). Since 1952, USEUCOM has participated in, or provided support to, more than 200 named operations varying from humanitarian and natural disaster relief efforts to peacekeeping and anti-terrorism/force protection operations across Europe. The U.S. military forces do not invade any countries in Europe. The U.S. military forces work with the European countries’ security forces to provide training and equipment in different areas. This cooperation builds capacity in the security sector, supports countries’ ability to secure its borders and so on.
See more disinformation regarding NATO and the U.S. military forces such as Russia wants peace in Donbas and slams Ukraine and Nato for escalation, the US has militarily occupied Europe to encircle Russia and the US and NATO try to demonise Russia and display the usual Russophobia.