DISINFO: NATO builds up military forces on the border with Belarus
SUMMARY
NATO countries bordering Belarus are building up their military capabilities and intensifying intelligence. Recently, Belarus’ neighbours have been strengthening both their military potential and the ability to receive and deploy foreign troops. At the same time, intelligence activities against Belarus have been seriously intensified.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative aboutBelarus. The NATO leadership has repeatedly denied statements about the build-up of the alliance's forces near the western border of Belarus. "There is no NATO buildup in the region. NATO’s multinational presence in the eastern part of the Alliance is not a threat to any country. It’s strictly defensive, proportionate & designed to prevent conflict & preserve peace" said NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu on 16 August. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg reiterated this thesis on 27 August and stressed that NATO respects the sovereignty and borders of Belarus. He also called on the Belarusian authorities to respect the fundamental freedoms of citizens, including the right to peaceful protest. "All NATO Allies support a sovereign and independent Belarus. The regime in Minsk must demonstrate full respect for fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest. NATO has no military build-up in the region. So any attempt to use that as an excuse to crack down on peaceful protesters is absolutely unjustified" - emphasised Stoltenberg. Read similar cases claims that "Lublin Triangle" - the organiser of the coup in Belarus and that Poland is openly leading a coup in Belarus.