DISINFO: Ukraine is preparing a military attack on Donbas
SUMMARY
Moscow is aware of the military preparations by Ukraine to possibly attack Donbas and of support it receives from the United States and other countries for this.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin media, claiming that Kyiv is planning a military attack in Donbas with the assistance of the West and more specifically the United States.
Ukraine is not preparing military provocations in Donbas. Kyiv has repeatedly stated that it is not interested in escalation and that it prefers a peaceful solution. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the Minsk agreements are the only option to end the war in Donbas.
Contrary to pro-Kremlin disinformation reports, it is rather the Moscow-backed separatists who are constantly breaking the truce, which results in more intensified military escalation in Donbas. It is not in Kyiv’s interest to escalate the conflict. More than 13,000 have been killed in the hostilities, and the Donbas war is a heavy burden on the Ukrainian economy.
For more stories on Russian disinformation on Ukraine trying to provoke a new conflict in Donbas see here and here.