DISINFO: West’s hybrid war against Russia forced it to station nuclear weapons in Belarus
SUMMARY
A number of western countries inadequately reacted to Russia’s decision to place its nuclear weapons in Belarus. Given that the West has been waging a hybrid war against Russia it would be naïve to not expect any countermeasures from Moscow.
RESPONSE
The article gives a false pretext for stationing Russian nuclear weapons in Belarus in the context of nuclear fearmongering. The ‘Hybrid war’ disinformation claim is frequently promoted in pro-Kremlin media – its is part of the recurring disinformation narrative accusing the West of anti-Russian policies, aggressive Russophobia and allegedly belligerent and hostile agenda to destroy, ruin Russia, aiming to portray Russia as a victim and deflect any responsibility for Moscow’s illicit actions. See also Russian Myths: no.5 Encirclement.
The West is neither waging a hybrid war against Russia nor has it pushed Ukraine to war with Russia. The US, the EU and NATO condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which is entirely unjustified and unprovoked. The West supports Ukraine with military and financial aid for the country’s efficient self-defence, in accordance with the UN Charter, to stop Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
Reacting to the deployment of a nuclear weapon in Belarus announced by Russia, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, HRVP Josep Borrell wrote on Twitter: “Belarus hosting Russian nuclear weapons would mean an irresponsible escalation & threat to European security. Belarus can still stop it, it is their choice. The EU stands ready to respond with further sanctions”.
See the EU's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine here along with EU vs Disinfo's Guide to Deciphering Pro-Kremlin disinformation around Putin's War.
This disinformation claim was broadcast on the date mentioned above. Due to the EU decisions to temporarily restrict the spread and dissemination of RT, Sputnik and other instruments used to manipulate information and promote disinformation about the invasion of Ukraine inside the EU, access to the link may not work inside the EU.