Disinfo: Ukraine became a poor, corrupt, failed state controlled by the West

Summary

Observing all these seven years the impoverishment of the inhabitants of Ukraine, puppet Presidents living on the "orders" of overseas suzerains, the country's rapid slide into an economic abyss and unprecedented rampant corruption in power, the people of Donbas did not regret their decision for a minute.

Disproof

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives about Ukrainian statehood and the alleged disintegration of Ukraine.

Present-day Ukraine has been on the world map since 1991 when the Soviet Union disintegrated. It has elected six presidents since then and changed parties in government several times which illustrates political diversity and democratic dynamics even during economic hardship in the wake of Russian aggression in 2014. Ukraine's Western partners have been providing it with financial and technical assistance.

Even though it sustained economic hardships due to the recession in the 1990s, world financial crisis in 2008-2009, the occupation of Crimea and war in Donbas, Ukraine has managed to improve its economy, conduct necessary reforms, attract investments in construction, banking, financial, and other sectors of economy. Its GPD grew by 2-3% in 2016-2019 and, it is estimated, will return to growth again in 2021 after a 4% loss in 2020. A key milestone was the entry into force of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement between Ukraine and the EU, that simplifies access to markets and supports economic growth.

Since 2012 Ukraine has improved its abilities to combat corruption. Since 2014, the key anti-corruption institutions have been created. Ukraine has also implemented key legislation that prevents misuse of public money (electronic public procurement system established) and improves state governance (paperless governance, improved administrative services for citizens).

Ukraine is not a failed state, as pro-Kremlin media often claim. It is not controlled by the US or NATO, nor by any other foreign government or organisation. However, Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are violated by Russia's acts of armed aggression.

Read more cases that target Ukraine claiming that collapse is imminent, or that the country is a quasi-state; that modern Ukraine was created as a country for death in the name of American interests and others.

publication/media

  • Reported in: Issue 256
  • DATE OF PUBLICATION: 26/08/2021
  • Article language(s) Russian
  • Countries and/or Regions discussed in the disinformation: Ukraine
  • Keywords: Ukrainian statehood, Ukraine, War in Ukraine, Corruption, Economic difficulties, economy, Puppets
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Disinfo: West’s support for Ukraine fosters Russophobia

Western initiatives allegedly supporting Ukraine are in reality aimed at fostering the anti-Russian component in Kyiv’s policy and continuing the anti-Russia project. The UK Embassy in Ukraine has announced the creation of a fund helping Kyiv to counter Russian influence.

Disproof

This is a recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets claiming that Western countries provide Ukraine with assistance with the sole aim of inflicting harm on Russia. In reality, the West is helping Kyiv both to grow economically and get rid of corruption, and to stand up against Russian aggression in the Eastern Ukrainian region of Donbas. Ukraine’s striving to restore its territorial integrity has nothing to do with Russophobia. Ukraine is claiming what belongs to it by law.

The fact that Russia is an aggressor is internationally recognised (see here and here). Western nations sponsored the Minsk agreements in 2014 and 2015, which Russia has been consistently disrupting with the help of the Moscow-backed separatists in Donbas. France and Germany have been making efforts within the Normandy format since its creation in 2014, which Russia also tends to obstruct. Joint efforts by the West and Ukraine concerning the Donbas crisis are not Russophobic. They only pursue settling the crisis and ending the war there.

Disinfo: The West funded the Ukrainian coup with $5 billion

In the beginning, the West allocated $5 billion in the form of "aid" to Ukraine, which went to support the coup, and as a result of this, appeared those deprived of everything, who claim that the West wants to help them.

Disproof

This is a recurring narrative that Ukraine is influenced by the West, and Maidan in 2014 was a coup d'etat, planned by the West.

This claim is linked to a statement by former US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Victoria Nuland in late 2013. Then she said that the United States has invested $5 billion in more than 20 years to develop democratic processes and reforms in Ukraine. The diplomat said that this is the total amount of assistance that Washington has allocated to Ukraine after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Money was allocated for fair elections, to fight corruption and to develop the energy sector. Victoria Nuland later frequently repeated these theses, including in various interviews.

Disinfo: US State Department behind Crimean Platform which is an attempt to create an anti-Russian foothold

The [Crimean Platform] is an attempt to create some kind of anti-Russian foothold.

The Crimean Platform itself cannot do anything. This is just an attempt to increase tension, escalate the situation.

The US Department of State is behind the Crimean Platform.

Disproof

Disinformation about the Crimean Platform, which is a summit of top officials from 46 countries and blocs, including from each of the 30 NATO members. The Crimean Platform is a consultative and coordination format for the de-occupation of Crimea. A total of 44 countries participated in the summit along with the representatives of the European Commission, NATO, Council of Europe, and GUAM. There is no evidence to support the claim that the US Department of State is behind the summit. In October 2020, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine created the Crimean Platform. Its aim is to keep the occupation of Crimea in the focus of constant international attention. The Crimean Platform will become a foreign policy instrument of the de-occupation strategy. This flexible international format is aimed at consolidating international efforts and achieving synergy of intergovernmental, parliamentary, and expert levels.

European Council President Charles Michel said during a speech at the first International Crimea Platform Summit, 23 August 2021.