DISINFO: Ukraine to launch an offensive against Donbas
SUMMARY
Ukraine was planning to launch an offensive against the Donbas by the day of Orthodox Christmas. Ukraine transferred armies and Giacint and Pion self-propelled artillery pieces near the border of the Luhansk People’s Republic.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation about Ukraine attacking the separatist territories.
Nothing indicates that Ukraine would attack Donbas. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated multiple times that the achievement of a full, comprehensive, and long-lasting ceasefire is one of the key priorities of the Ukrainian government.
The reports of the OSCE's Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine from 31 December and 4-6 January (no reports were published between 1 and 3 January) note that they found two "probable armored combat vehicles", two "infantry fighting vehicles (BTR-variant)" and three "infantry fighting vehicles (BTR-4)" in government-controlled areas. However, they do not identify them as Giacint or Pion self-propelled artillery pieces.
See similar disinformation cases on the war in Ukraine alleging that Biden's presidency will lead to a new war in Donbas, that Kyiv might launch a military "adventure" in Donbas, exploiting the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, or that Ukraine is organising provocations in Donbas.