DISINFO: Kyiv modernises WWII mines to use against Russia
SUMMARY
The Ukrainian military has updated Soviet World War II “anchor mines”. They are to be used in the Black Sea, presumably against Russian ships. It should be noted that in fact, Ukraine lost its fleet back in 2014: just when the final collapse of the country began after the coup d’état. And if there is no fleet, only mines remain to fight at sea.
RESPONSE
Pro-Kremlin disinformation about Ukraine and its alleged aggression against Russia.
The private company "Technocluster", which is part of the Scientific and Production Corporation "Cleaver" has indeed handed over a batch of restored ship mines (so-called "small anchor" and "contact anti-landing" versions of products) to the Ministry of Defence.
It is noted that the Navy's order was fulfilled by a private enterprise ahead of schedule as part of the modernisation. There is no reason to assume a country which updates its military equipment is automatically preparing for war, and no proof these mines are to be used against Russia.
The article also contains indirect claiming and signs however repaired anchor and anti-lending mines itself does not mean the preparing for war.
There is also mentioned that Ukraine has lost its fleet in 2014 after the country collapsed, but in fact Russia had annexed Ukrainian Crimea where the main part of Ukrainian fleet deployed. In 2014 Ukraine has lost 80% of its navy because of annexation, which is confirmed by resolution adapted by The UN General Assembly.
Ridiculing defence procurement of neighbouring cuntries is a recurring topic for pro-Kremlin media to show that in the war case modernized weapons will be useless expensive toys.
See similar disinformation cases alleging that Ukraine is preparing a plan for the deportation of Donbas residents, that residents of Donbas will be forcibly relocated to Lviv for re-education, or that Ukraine's government planned to build concentration camps for Donbas residents.