Disinfo: NATO’s anti-Russian orientation is enshrined in its doctrine

Summary

Moscow is fundamentally against the expansion of NATO, because the anti-Russian orientation of NATO is enshrined in the doctrine of the alliance.

Disproof

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative, claiming that NATO is a hostile military bloc whose main objective is to inflict harm on Russia.

NATO is a defensive alliance, whose primary aims are to maintain peace and safeguard the independence, security and territorial integrity of its members. Moreover, NATO poses no threat to Russia. During the Warsaw summit in July 2016, NATO made it clear that "The Alliance does not seek confrontation and poses no threat to Russia". This was also reaffirmed in the Brussels Summit Communiqué of 14 June 2021.

For more than two decades NATO has worked to build a partnership with Russia, including through the NATO-Russia Council (NRC). However, in March 2014, in response to Russia's aggressive actions against Ukraine, NATO suspended practical cooperation with Russia. The Alliance does not seek confrontation, but also cannot ignore Russia breaking international rules, undermining geopolitical stability and security.

Furthermore, the claim about NATO “expansion” misrepresents the process of NATO enlargement. NATO does not “expand” but considers the applications of candidate countries that want to join exercising their free will to decide their alliance affiliation. Decisions regarding NATO membership are up to each individual applicant and the 30 NATO Allies. Russia has no right to intervene and cannot veto such a process.

Read more myths and disinformation narratives claiming that NATO is a hostile bloc to Russia.

publication/media

  • Reported in: Issue 270
  • DATE OF PUBLICATION: 21/01/2022
  • Article language(s) Russian
  • Countries and/or Regions discussed in the disinformation: Russia
  • Keywords: NATO, Anti-Russian, Encircling Russia, EU/NATO enlargement
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Disinfo: Western mass media and social media are controlled by the government

Western media are controlled and serve as the propaganda ministry for the government and interest groups that control the government like in the USSR. Social media, such as Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter systematically deny their platforms to those who express views unfavourable to the government order and its programmes.

Disproof

Recurring pro-Kremlin narrative claiming that the West imposes censorship through its state institutions and private social media companies (such as Facebook and Twitter).

These claims seeks to discredit Western mainstream media and Western liberal democracies.

Disinfo: The US plans a false flag chemical attack on Donbas to blame Russia for it

Currently, not far from Horlivka, American partners are bringing poisonous substances, and with them, they are transporting a whole landing force of their journalists. If - or rather, when - the US military poisons drinking water in the cities of Donbas, lured journalists will provide the correct picture in the media and blame Russia for everything.

Disproof

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about false flag operations and chemical weapons attacks in Ukraine allegedly in preparation by the US. This claim appeared amid an ongoing disinformation campaign about Russia's military build-up on the Ukrainian border and on occupied Crimea, in an attempt to deflect any Russian responsibility for the situation. As such, it looks more like disinformation in search of a casus belli.

There is no evidence to back the claim that the US is preparing a “chemical provocation” in Donbas.

Disinfo: The American invasion of Ukraine publicly depicted as a Russian invasion

We are now assisting in the falsification of history in Ukraine. The US is essentially invading Ukraine, while publically shouting about a Russian invasion. The conflict caused by Washington, but the Americains try to attribute it to Russia.

Disproof

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives about the war in Ukraine, alleging that the West, in this case the US, has invaded Ukraine.

These disinformation messages have recently intesified in the context of renewed Russian military build-up along the Ukrainian border towards the end of 2021. Their aim is to both justify and distract from Russia's increasingly aggressive foreign policy. See our recent article the Current Russia-Ukraine Conflict – Seven Myths Debunked.