DISINFO: NATO is interested in further military escalation
SUMMARY
NATO summit decision to continue supporting the Kyiv regime confirms the alliance's interest in further military escalation.
RESPONSE
This article promotes a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative accusing NATO of hostility towards Russia, an attempt to justify the Russian invasion of Ukraine and shift responsibility to NATO and the West.
NATO condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine - which is an independent, peaceful and democratic country, and a close NATO partner.
In a statement after the extraordinary NATO summit on 24 March, Heads of State reaffirmed that Ukraine has a fundamental right to self-defence under the United Nations Charter. The statement reads:
"Since 2014, we have provided extensive support to Ukraine’s ability to exercise that right. We have trained Ukraine’s armed forces, strengthening their military capabilities and capacities and enhancing their resilience. NATO Allies have stepped up their support and will continue to provide further political and practical support to Ukraine as it continues to defend itself. NATO Allies also provide extensive humanitarian support and are hosting millions of refugees."
NATO Foreign Ministers meeting in Brussels on 6-7 April 2022 agreed to sustain and further strengthen support for Ukraine, and step up cooperation with partners, given the global implications of President Putin’s unprovoked war on Ukraine.
At the same time, NATO does not send its troops to Ukraine. NATO countries fear if their troops confront Russian forces in Ukraine, it could lead to an all-out conflict between Russia and the West. However, it has approved sending four new battlegroups to Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania - three of which border Ukraine - doubling NATO's presence in the region.
See our guide to deciphering pro-Kremlin disinformation around Putin's war.