DISINFO: NATO is implementing permanent provocations near Crimea
SUMMARY
NATO is implementing permanent provocations near the southern borders of Russia in the Black Sea, near the coast of Crimea. Russia is very concerned about the activities of NATO, the US and some other countries of the region. During the exercises, NATO is simulating attacks to targets of the “potential enemy” (it means, Russia).
RESPONSE
Recurring disinformation about NATO and its activities in the Black Sea.
NATO is not planning provocations against Russia. It is a defensive alliance, whose purpose is to protect its member states. The primary aim of the alliance is to maintain peace and safeguard the independence, security and territorial integrity of its members. NATO follows strict procedures and emphasises transparency during military training exercises, which are announced months in advance and are subject to international scrutiny.
Military exercises of NATO in the Black Sea do not aim at the confrontation with any country. Such kinds of exercises, like Sea Breeze or Defender Europe 2021, are purely defensive in nature and are organised for NATO Allies and partners to strengthen and fortify the level of interoperability.
Regarding Crimea: the peninsula was invaded and illegally annexed by Russia in 2014, but remains part of Ukraine. No international body recognises Russia's illegal act. Crimea is a frequent topics in Russian disinformation.
See other examples of disinformation claiming that NATO wants to transform the Black sea into a military conflict zone, or provoke the conflict in the Black sea, or wants to escalate tensions with Russia.