DISINFO: The West is preparing provocations in Ukraine
SUMMARY
The West is trying to prepare the information space for a number of major provocations, including of military nature. Western statements about Russia's allegedly impending invasion of Ukraine are information cover for their own military provocations.
The UK and Canada instructors and weapons transfers to Ukraine confirms Russia's suspicions that the West is preparing such provocations in Ukraine.
RESPONSE
Several recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives, part of a wider disinformation campaign aiming to deflect attention away from Russia’s military build-up on its border with Ukraine since late October 2021 by accusing the West and Ukraine of “preparing an aggression” and “provocations”, a frequent pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative. As such, it looks more like disinformation in search of a casus belli. See our recent article Disinformation about the current Russia-Ukraine conflict – seven myths debunked.
Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity continue to be violated by acts of aggression by Russian armed forces since February 2014.
This disinformation claim appeared in the context of renewed build-up of Russian armed forces along the Ukrainian borders which have left additional significant Russian heavy armament and equipment in Ukraine's proximity.
The tensions are a direct result of Russia’s actions since late October 2021, including the deployment of more than 100,000 troops, as well as of certain specialised military units, electronic warfare systems and heavy-armoured vehicles. Despite Russian denials, this has been proven by satellite images and intelligence from the US, Ukraine and NATO, among other countries and institutions.
The European Union has stated that it will be standing firmly and decisively with Ukraine in front of any attempt to undermine its territorial integrity and sovereignty and has warned of severe political consequences and a high political and economic cost for Russia if it proceeds with further aggressive actions. This has been recently reaffirmed by High Representative Josep Borrell noting “there is no security in Europe without the security of Ukraine.”
Read similar disinformation claims about the current Russia-Ukraine conflict here.