DISINFO: The West is provoking a nuclear war
SUMMARY
Due to missile strikes, launched from Ukraine and aimed at provoking Russia to retaliate, Western countries have effectively brought the world to the brink of a nuclear war. The US, the UK and France are especially responsible for this. All actions taken by Russia to ensure its sovereignty and security have always been defensive in nature, carried out in compliance with existing commitments, and aimed solely at neutralising threats arising from the destructive anti-Russian policies of the collective West.
RESPONSE
Recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets accusing Ukraine and Western countries of warmongering. This claim was made in the context of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Ukraine is fully entitled to strike legitimate military targets in Russia. Russia is the aggressor in this unprovoked and unjustified invasion while Ukraine is acting in self-defence, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter. Ukraine’s right to retaliate extends to taking necessary and proportionate measures to defend itself, including targeting military facilities in Russian territory that contribute directly to the war effort. Under the Geneva Conventions and customary international humanitarian law, these facilities include supply depots, command centres, transportation hubs for troops and equipment, and other assets critical to supporting military operations.
A broad coalition of more than 50 countries provide Ukraine with military and technical support to help it repel Russian aggression. The US, the UK, France and some other NATO member states are part of this coalition. These nations have no desire for nuclear war with Russia. The aid provided is aimed at assisting Ukraine to restore its territorial integrity and sovereignty over all of its internationally recognised territory within the 1991 borders.
Putin and Russian officials are the ones who frequently talk about launching nuclear weapons as a tactic of intimidation. See for example our articles.
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