Disinfo: US and its EU allies pulled off a coup d'état in Kyiv

Summary

In February 2014, after months of protests stemming from President Viktor Yanukovich’s decision to postpone the signing of a controversial association agreement with the European Union, the US and its EU allies successfully pulled off a coup d’état in Kyiv.

Disproof

Recurring Russian narrative about coup d'etat in Ukraine. The spontaneous onset of the Euromaidan protests was a reaction of numerous parts of the Ukrainian population to former President Yanukovych’s sudden departure from the Association Agreement with the European Union in November 2013. There were democratic Presidential elections held on 25 May 2014 in Ukraine. The OSCE characterised the elections as showing the "clear resolve of the authorities to hold what was a genuine election largely in line with international commitments and with a respect for fundamental freedoms." According to the OSCE, the only areas where serious restrictions were reported were those controlled by separatists, who undertook "increasing attempts to derail the process." This fact was reconfirmed by the parliamentary elections of 26 October 2014. The OSCE characterised the vote as "an amply contested election that offered votes real choice, and a general respect for fundamental freedoms".

publication/media

  • Reported in: Issue 135
  • DATE OF PUBLICATION: 25/01/2019
  • Outlet language(s) English
  • Countries and/or Regions discussed in the disinformation: Ukraine
  • Keywords: Nicolas Maduro
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Disinfo: Tit for Tat: Sweden retaliates with accusations of air space violations after Russian fighter intercepts Swedish spy plane

The Russian Ministry of Defence published a video, demonstrating how a Russian fighter jet intercepts a Swedish spy plane over the Baltic Sea near Kaliningrad. Sweden has answered with accusing, without evidence, Russian military aircraft, of violating its airspace.

Disproof

Incorrect timeline. Sputnik Estonia and other Russian state media outlets describe the Swedish accusations as a retaliation to the Russian video, published January 24. The Swedish Armed Forces published their report (in Swedish) on Russian air space violations the day before, January 23.

Disinfo: Facebook and Instagram, under US influence, removed the verification mark from Maduro’s accounts

Facebook and Instagram are acting illegally under Washington’s influence. After Trump’ statement about Nicolas Maduro, they removed the verification mark from Maduro’s accounts, without any justification.

Disproof

Recurring pro-Kremlin conspiracy about US and social media. Facebook's blue verification badge lets people know that a Page or profile of public interest is authentic. According to Facebook, it is applicable to "eligible brands, media organizations and public figures". There are few steps to be taken in order to get it. Instagram is owned by Facebook since 2012. According to an Instagram spokeswoman, "Nicolas Maduro was not verified on Instagram or Facebook, and we did not remove verification from his account". Further debunking by AFP and The Insider.

Disinfo: Europe is occupied by the US and has limited sovereignty

Europe is occupied by the US and has only limited sovereignty. In the context of Venezuelan protests we see the same team playing for America. Germany, France, Poland, Estonia; they all wear same [football] shirt, just the numbers[on the shirt] are different.

Disproof

Europe is not occupied by the US. Sovereignty of the EU member states is not limited. This is a classical pro-Kremlin narrative, trying to undermine sovereignty of the West. The EU has condemned indiscriminate violence by the authorities in Venezuela and reiterated that the presidential elections last May in Venezuela were neither free, fair, nor credible and lacking democratic legitimacy. The EU called for the urgent holding of free, transparent and credible presidential elections in accordance with internationally democratic standards and the Venezuelan constitutional order. Read the full statement by the High Representative Federica Mogherini on behalf of the EU on the situation in Venezuela.