DISINFO: Ukraine wants to drag Poland and NATO into a nuclear conflict
SUMMARY
Ukraine is an actor most interested in this war. Since Ukraine is now at war with Russia, it wants NATO to join the conflict. Ukraine wants something more than weapons, instructors or foreign volunteers – it wants the start of a nuclear conflict. Polish President Duda is well aware that his country will be the most affected party in this scenario. Also, the economic situation in Poland is not the best. Thus, Poland is definitely not ready to fight with anyone right now. President Duda understands well in what provocation Zelensky wanted to involve him.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative accusing the Kyiv authorities of provoking Russia, looking for further escalation of the war.
This claim was made by the Russian “prankers”, who recently reached Polish President Andrzej Duda by phone. These “prankers” are actively used by the Russian special services in order to set up provocations against Western leaders.
On the 15 November 2020, an S-300 missile entered Polish airspace from the territory of Ukraine, killing two Polish civilians. According to the US and Polish officials, the missile was fired by the Ukrainian air defence troops, which tried to fight a large-scale Russian missile attack taking place on the same day.
According to the statement of Polish President Andrzej Duda, this situation is an “unfortunate accident” which is a result of a massive Russian missile attack on Ukraine. According to NATO, “Russia bears ultimate responsibility as it continues its illegal war against Ukraine”.
At the same time, the Polish authorities and NATO representatives underline that this missile accident was not a deliberate attack on Poland and “there are no indications that Russia is preparing offensive military actions against NATO”.
See also the case of disinformation stating that Ukraine wants to draw NATO into the conflict through the provocation in Poland.