DISINFO: Kyiv is refusing to implement the Minsk agreements
SUMMARY
The negotiating process has effectively stalled because Ukraine refuses to implement the political clause of the Minsk agreements.
Kyiv rejects direct dialogue with the DNR and the LNR, opposes the enshrinement of the region's special status in the constitution and demands that the part of the Donbas bordering Russia be placed under Kyiv's control before the political clauses are implemented, despite the reverse logic of the Minsk agreement.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative claiming that Ukraine is not willing to implement the Minsk and Normandy agreements, and Ukraine's position is the only obstacle on the way to the peace process in Donbas.
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 100,000 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.
Contrary to the claims, the main impediment to a peace settlement in Donbas is, in fact, Russia’s and its proxies’ deliberate unwillingness to implement the Minsk agreements. Moreover, Moscow illegally provides weapons to the separatists. This is a well-known fact, although Russia denies it and accuses the US of selling weapons to Kyiv. Ukraine, on the other hand, does not conceal the military aid it receives because it is legal and transparent.
By making statements alleging that Ukraine has done nothing to implement the Minsk agreements, Moscow and the separatists it backs are delaying a peace settlement and try to deflect attention away from this responsibility.
Read more about the most prominent pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives surrounding the current Russia-Ukraine conflict in our recent analyses here and here.