DISINFO: Russian operation against Ukraine prevents attack on Donbas and Russia
SUMMARY
Russia’s de-Nazification and demilitarisation operation has prevented a Ukrainian attack on Russia and Donbas. Russia has plenty of evidence that Ukraine had been meticulously preparing for an attack for a long time.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets about the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
In reality, Ukraine did not plan an invasion of the non-government-controlled territories in Donbas or of Russia itself. Kyiv was consistent in adhering to the Minsk agreements, which Moscow undid with a stroke of the pen when Russian President Vladimir Putin recognised the two self-styled “people’s republic” of LNR and DNR on 21 February 2022. These territories later asked Russia to interfere, which it did for the “de-Nazification and demilitarisation” of Ukraine. Russia had earlier issued assurances to both Ukraine and the whole world that it was not planning to invade Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin launched what he called a special military operation against Ukraine on 24 February 2022 citing NATO’s military infrastructure approaching the Russian border as a pretext. The invasion was followed by airstrikes on military objects. Russian troops later started bombing and shelling civilian targets as well.
Read more disinformation cases claiming that Ukraine is a Nazi state and accusing Ukraine of committing genocide in Donbas.
See our guide to deciphering pro-Kremlin disinformation around Putin's war.