DISINFO: The West has waged war against Russia through Ukraine
SUMMARY
The war in Ukraine is a war that the West has waged against Russia, through the Ukrainians and with the direct participation of European military personnel.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation message claiming that the West is fighting a proxy war in Ukraine.
This claim was made by Russian officials after France on March 11 hosted talks with military chiefs of staff whose nations are ready to offer Ukraine military support after any peace deal ending the war with Russia.
Ukraine is not fighting on behalf of any foreign government or organisation. Ukraine is a sovereign and independent state with a democratically elected president and parliament. The country's sovereignty has been violated only as a result of continuous acts of aggression by the Russian armed forces since 2014, culminating with a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine starting on 24 February 2022.
The US, the EU and NATO condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which is entirely unjustified and unprovoked. Not only Western but also many other nations around the world support Ukraine with military and financial aid for the country’s efficient self-defence, in accordance with the UN Charter article 51, to stop Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
Ukraine is defending itself, its territorial integrity, national self-identity, and sovereignty against Russia's armed aggression. The decision to defend itself was made solely by Ukraine, its lawful leaders and government, and its citizens.
Russia is the only country responsible for the invasion of Ukraine. It has been coming up with different explanations and pretexts for its aggression since the beginning of its hostilities. Moreover, Russia was not forced to invade Ukraine. It was Putin’s personal decision to invade Ukraine and start the largest military conflict in Europe since WWII.
Our analysis of the communication strategy of pro-Kremlin outlets explains how they attempt to portray Russia as a victim and to deceive audiences into believing that Russia is fighting Western powers.
See also the Guide to Deciphering Pro-Kremlin disinformation around Putin's War and The Chilling Background to the Kremlin's "No War" trope.
See similar disinformation cases claiming that The West is fighting a proxy war in Ukraine, that the EU does not want peace, only total defeat of Russia that EU support for Ukraine is obstacle to peace, Despite negotiations, Western countries still engaged against Russia in Ukraine, that Mattarella and the warmongers in Brussels want to continue the war against Russia