Disinfo: There is no evidence that Russian is planning an invasion of Ukraine

Summary

In recent months, high-ranking Western officials and the media have been making almost daily warnings that Russia is planning an invasion of Ukraine, but no actual evidence to back up these claims has ever emerged.

Disproof

These claims are part of an ongoing disinformation campaign about Russia’s military build-up on the border with Ukraine. By claiming that outside forces are the driving force behind the escalation of tensions, this disinformation story aims to deny any Russian responsibility for the situation.

These tensions are a result of Russia’s actions since late October 2021, including the deployment of more than 150,000 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.

In the months preceding February 2022, Western government officials and intelligence agencies had been repeatedly warning that the Kremlin was planning a multi-front offensive against Ukraine involving up to 175,000 troops. It had been also estimated that 40% to 50% of the 150,000 Russian troops deployed in the vicinity of the Ukrainian border were in attack positions.

"We have reason to believe that they are engaged in a false-flag operation to have an excuse to go in," US President Biden told reporters on 18 February. "Every indication we have is they are prepared to go into Ukraine, attack Ukraine."

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson also said that according to intelligence reports, evidence suggests Russia is planning "the biggest war in Europe since 1945".

About ten days after this article was published, on 24 February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on multiple fronts, as footage, foreign correspondents, social media, local journalists and citizen witnesses had proven beyond any doubt. This, as said by Boris Johnson, did start the biggest war in Europe since 1945.

Read more about the common myths surrounding the current Russia-Ukraine conflict in our analysis here.

Go to search

publication/media

oroszhirek.hu (Archived)
  • Reported in: Issue 272
  • DATE OF PUBLICATION: 13/02/2022
  • Article language(s) Hungarian
  • Countries and/or Regions discussed in the disinformation: Russia, Ukraine
  • Keywords: War in Ukraine, Military, Mainstream media, West
see more

Disinfo: NATO has no interest in peace in Ukraine

NATO has no interest in peace in Ukraine, and all that the West is doing is using Ukraine only to ensure the so-called containment of Russia, undermining its defence capabilities and economic development.

Feb 12, 2022
Disproof

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation claims about NATO and the war in Ukraine.

These claims are part of an ongoing disinformation campaign about Russia’s military build-up on the border with Ukraine. By claiming that outside forces are the driving force behind the escalation of tensions, this disinformation story aims to deny any Russian responsibility for the situation.

Disinfo: The West continues to accuse Russia of “massing troops” near the Ukrainian border

The West continues to accuse Russia of "amassing troops" near the Ukrainian border and claims that Moscow intends to "invade" its neighbour. Russia has repeatedly stressed that the claims of “invasion” are provocations.

Feb 12, 2022
Disproof

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the war in Ukraine and the escalation at the Ukraine-Russia border.

The war in Ukraine is a well-documented act of aggression by Russian armed forces, ongoing since February 2014.

Disinfo: NATO membership is the main security threat for Poland

Poland may face the risk of war with Russia only in one case – if this war starts between NATO and Russia. That is why the period before Poland joined NATO in 1999 was the only safe time for Poland. It does not have any serious conflicts with Russia, but Poland may be drawn into a war in the interests of America. NATO does not provide Poland with any real security – Poland no longer decides about its relations with its neighbours. If NATO starts an attack, Poland will get hit.

As a NATO member, Poland took part in various American adventures in the most exotic places. Even the weapons of the Polish Army are not defencive, but prepared for military actions in deserts and mountains, where the Americans wage their imperial wars.

Feb 11, 2022
Disproof

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about NATO and the US military presence in Europe - it claims that NATO membership is the main security threat for Poland.

NATO is a defensive alliance whose primary aims are to maintain peace and safeguard the independence, security and territorial integrity of its members. NATO is not interested in a conflict with Russia and has, in fact, tried to establish several cooperation mechanisms with this country, which Russia has successively thwarted.