Language:

See all Disinfo Cases - Detail

Disinfo: Poland, the Baltic States and Ukraine are infected by Russophobia

Summary

The solidarity of the Poles and of the Baltic States as well as the position of Ukraine explains their attitude towards history. All of these states are infected by Russophobia.

Disproof

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about Russophobia in the Baltic States, Poland and in Ukraine.

“Russophobia” is a manipulative defensive line, often used by Russian propaganda to reduce any criticism of the Russian state to an irrational intolerance towards the Russian people. Outlets such as RT, Sputnik and Russian national state television use the term to portray almost any foreign criticism of the Kremlin's policies.

Read similar pro-Kremlin disinformation cases: "Russophobia is the main export of Lithuania" and NATO is closing in on Russia's borders.

Go to search

publication/media

sputnik.md (Archived)
  • Reported in: Issue182
  • DATE OF PUBLICATION: 24/01/2020
  • Language/target audience: Romanian
  • Country: Ukraine, Baltic states, Poland
  • Keywords: Russophobia, Nazi/Fascist

Disclaimer

Cases in the EUvsDisinfo database focus on messages in the international information space that are identified as providing a partial, distorted, or false depiction of reality and spread key pro-Kremlin messages. This does not necessarily imply, however, that a given outlet is linked to the Kremlin or editorially pro-Kremlin, or that it has intentionally sought to disinform. EUvsDisinfo publications do not represent an official EU position, as the information and opinions expressed are based on media reporting and analysis of the East Stratcom Task Force.

see more

The US military intervention in Iraq in 2003 killed millions of Iraqi civilians

The US military intervention in Iraq in 2003 killed millions of Iraqi civilians.

January 26, 2020
Disproof

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives that exaggerate the number of civilian casualties of US-led or NATO military interventions claiming that such interventions aim to indiscriminately kill civilians.

Although the US-led invasion in 2003 provoked tragic loss of life among Iraqis, the claim that the US and its allied killed millions of Iraqi civilians is clearly exaggerated, and the article provides no evidence to support this claim. One of the best resources for tracking the number of civilians killed in Iraq is the site Iraqi body count. According to this site, the number of documented civilian deaths in Iraq (from the 2003 invasion until the beginning of 2017) caused by violence is 184,775 to 207,645. Further analysis of the WikiLeaks' Iraq War Logs may add 10,000 civilian deaths.

Zelenskyy prevented from speaking in Israel because Ukraine elevates Nazis to the rank of heroes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was prevented from speaking at the event dedicated to the memory of victims of fascists in World War II, as he represents a state where Nazis are elevated to the rank of heroes.

January 26, 2020
Disproof

This narrative is part of the recurring pro-Kremlin narrative casting Ukraine as a Nazi country.

On his Twitter account, Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that together with his delegation they are giving their seats to the Holocaust survivors who have not been able to visit the World Holocaust Forum - a decision considered as regrettable by Yad Vashem. Regardless of not participating in the official ceremony, Zelenskyy and his wife have still attended the Yad Vashem Memorial Complex

Ruthless Poland is not open for any civilized discussion on historical issues

In recent years, Poland promoted its historical narratives in a way which does not allow any opposing views. Poland is ruthless in the presentation of its vision of history and it does not see any possibilities for a civilized discussion on historical issues.

January 26, 2020
Disproof

This message is part of the ongoing Russian disinformation attack against Poland, promoting false historical narratives such as the alleged responsibility of Poland for WWII and the Holocaust.

In the statement of 21 December 2019, Polish authorities reiterated their openness to continue the historical dialogue with Russia, for example through the restart of the work of the bilateral Group on Difficult Issues. However, they stated, the recent words of President Putin regarding Polish history have ruined the outcomes of cooperation of the Polish and Russian historians, who tried to look for the ways of reconciliation in the Polish-Russian relations.