Disinfo: The Biden-Zelenskyy summit proves Ukraine has become a US colony

Summary

When they say that the US is supporting future steps in certain sectors, this involves agriculture, climate and energy. That is, the one paying will have access to lands, energy production, railways and port infrastructure. This is an undeniable proof that Ukraine has become an American colony.

Disproof

This is a recurring disinformation narrative widely promoted by pro-Kremlin outlets to make allegations of ”foreign control” of Ukraine. The narrative is aimed at undermining Ukraine's sovereignty and struggle for territorial integrity, as well as at discrediting international support in the wake of still ongoing acts of Russian aggression in the country's Donbas region and the Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula.

The disinformation claim above refers to a recent high-level summit between US President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The summit has resulted in broadening strategic cooperation between the two countries in a number of areas, including the economy, military, and climate among others. In sharp contrast to the disinformation claim, active economic cooperation with a foreign country does not result in becoming a colony.

Ukraine is an independent, sovereign country. Its independence and territorial integrity are respected by the whole world but were violated by Russia. Ukraine, as an independent country, has a functioning government and economy, it is a member of many international organisations, such as the United Nations and the Council of Europe, and a party to international agreements. Ukraine has bilateral diplomatic relations with the majority of countries.

The United States is frequently highlighted by pro-Kremlin media outlets to spread anti-Ukrainian disinformation. Explore similar cases here.

publication/media

  • Reported in: Issue 258
  • DATE OF PUBLICATION: 05/09/2021
  • Article language(s) Hungarian
  • Countries and/or Regions discussed in the disinformation: US, Ukraine
  • Keywords: Volodymyr Zelensky, Joe Biden, Ukrainian statehood, Ukrainian disintegration
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Disinfo: FT: Thanks to sanctions Russian agriculture strengthens its position in the world

The sanctions with which the West tried to stifle the Russian economy only encouraged producers, notes the Financial Times. Shortly after the restrictions, in 2017, Russia for the first time overtook the United States and Canada in wheat exports. The Kremlin's retaliatory measures and the import ban on most Western foods have given domestic producers additional stimulus.

Disproof

A recurrent narrative claiming that sanctions decided after the illegal annexation of Crimea and Russian activities in Eastern Ukraine only hurt Western economies and help to develop Russian prosperity.

The Financial Times did not say this. It is clearly explained that the situation is the result of a massive investment and development plan that started 20 years ago. The sanctions decided by the US and the EU were followed by a sharp devaluation in the rouble — making exports cheaper — but the sanctions were not the only factor that determined the rate of the currency, oil prices were also to take into account. Russia;s Protective measures are not making exportations stronger as it lowers the level of competition on the national market as well as competitiveness on global markets.

Disinfo: The war in Donbas is a civil war between Ukrainians

The international community must recognise the fact that there is a civil war in Ukraine and [it must] initiate a full arms embargo against the country [Ukraine] that is killing its own citizens.

Disproof

The disinformation claim above is part of a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the war in Ukraine, aimed at whitewashing the Kremlin's involvement.

The Donbas war is not an internal conflict but a well-documented act of aggression by Russian armed forces, ongoing since February 2014.

Disinfo: Ukraine refuses to implement Minsk agreements

The results of a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his American counterpart Joe Biden confirm Kyiv’s unwillingness to implement the Minsk agreements.

Disproof

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the implementation of the Minsk Agreements.

All four Minsk agreements, signed in the Belarusian capital in 2014 and 2015, first and foremost require a complete ceasefire. Ukraine has announced several ceasefires, the latest one being in July 2020, in the hope that Russia-backed separatists will do the same. However, they have been continually violating it.