DISINFO: Russia's special operation in Ukraine is due to NATO's persistent expansion
SUMMARY
Moscow's special operation in Ukraine is due to the North Atlantic Alliance's persistent expansion, but also to the West's continued unwillingness to address the Kremlin's concerns about its own security.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and NATO.
Russia's unjustified and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine is not a "special operation" but an all-out war against a sovereign state. Russia has been coming up with different explanations and pretexts for its aggression.
Western nations have always been calling for solving all problems with Russia in a peaceful and diplomatic manner while upholding the rules-based international order. Moscow’s overall aggressive policy has led to a tougher and better-balanced policy towards it by the West.
Furthermore, the claim about NATO "expansion" misrepresents the process of NATO enlargement. NATO does not "expand" but considers the applications of candidate countries that want to join. Decisions on membership are taken by consensus among all Allies. NATO is a defensive alliance, whose purpose is to protect its member states, so the alliance does not attempt to contain Russia.
See similar disinformation narratives alleging that Europe is occupied by the US and has limited sovereignty, NATO is serving one master - the US, Russia’s operation in Ukraine stems from the West’s desire to dominate the world and the EU is directed by Washington.
See also the Guide to Deciphering Pro-Kremlin disinformation around Putin's War and The Chilling Background to the Kremlin's "No War" trope.