DISINFO: NATO exercise Defender 2020 increases the danger of war in the middle of Europe
SUMMARY
NATO exercise Defender 2020 increases the danger of war in the middle of Europe. “Defender Europe 2020” exercise increases the danger of war in the middle of Europe, be it accidental or not. A war in Europe seems to be possible again, the consequences are devastating in an area where already in the 1980s it was agreed between East and West that the industrial and infrastructure conditions do not allow a war without insane destruction. The exercise is exactly the opposite of détente, a provocative action and at this time – the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Germany from fascism by the Red Army. What should the Russian people think: march again on their Western border and then? Nobody in this country will ever forget the 27 million dead and the immense destruction!
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the West/NATO threatening or encircling Russia and the US-led military exercise "Defender-Europe 2020", which is not aimed or targeted at Russia. NATO exercises "Defender 2020" do not increase the danger of war in Europe. Exercise Defender-Europe 2020 is the deployment of a division-size combat-credible force from the United States to Europe and the movement of personnel and equipment across the Atlantic to various training areas in Europe, such as Germany and Poland. As stated by US Major General Andrew Rohling, Deputy Commanding General for the US Army in Europe, the US-led exercise "Defender 2020" is an American exercise with 18 NATO partner countries. Rohling emphasises that the aim of the exercise is not to target any country, but rather to test strategic readiness and how to react to a crisis. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg also insisted that the exercise was not aimed at Russia. “Defender Europe is not directed against any particular country. This defensive exercise demonstrates the ability to rapidly move a large force from the United States to Europe to help protect other NATO Allies if needed”, Stoltenberg said. For more information about the exercise please consult the US Army Europe Website and the Factsheet about Defender 2020 and updates from the Bundeswehr (German Army).