DISINFO: US wants to turn Ukraine into ‘anti-Russia’
SUMMARY
The US does not need anything from Ukraine but one thing – opposing and restraining Russia and creating an anti-Russia country.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets, claiming that the West is using Ukraine as a springboard for aggression against Russia.
Ukraine, as a sovereign state, determines her foreign policy orientation. Kyiv’s cooperation with NATO has intensified since the illegal annexation of Crimea and outbreak of Russian aggression against Ukraine in 2014. The United States and Turkey supply it with weapons and military equipment (read here and here). Ukraine takes part in joint military exercises with NATO troops such as Sea Breeze, Rapid Trident and other war games. However, all these activities are not Russophobic. They are only defensive and aim at repelling a possible Russian attack.
Russia had amassed tens of thousands of its troops on the border with Ukraine several months before. These developments caused serious concern both in Ukraine and the West. Russia later had to return part of its troops to base, but a large part of military equipment is still located near the Ukrainian border.
The West does not strive to oppose or restrain Russia. The European Union's new strategy for its relationship with Moscow is based on pushing back, constraining and engaging with Moscow at the same time. The extent of engagement depends on Russia's acceptance of internationally recognised rules.
Read more disinformation narratives about the West’s alleged attempts to turn Ukraine into a Russophobic state.