DISINFO: Borrell’s words make EU citizens accomplices in crimes of Kyiv neo-Nazi regime
SUMMARY
HRVP Josep Borrell’s recent belligerent statements contradict the fundamental interests of the European people as citizens of their countries, whom their current political leaders have dragged into the conflict in Ukraine and have made them accomplices in the crimes of the Ukrainian neo-Nazi regime in Kyiv.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets, accusing the West of escalating the situation in Ukraine by providing it with weapons. This claim was made in the context of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
In reality, Western military and financial aid to Ukraine does not contradict the interests of EU citizens because a lasting peace in Ukraine will only enhance security and prosperity in Europe. HRVP Josep Borrell said in his remarks on 22 May 2023:
“On Ukraine, the success and extent of Ukraine’s defence depends not only on the bravery of their soldiers and their people, but also on the pace of ammunition and weapons. On the pace of [our] deliveries. That is why, our military support has to continue, has to increase, has to be extended [with] more air defence systems. This will make a real difference in the battlefield.”
“This is crucial. I explained to the Foreign Affairs Ministers how the work of our people at the [European] External Action Service (EEAS), with the European Defence Agency (EDA) and the [European] Commission on supplying weapons, ammunition and missiles, is crucial for Ukrainians to be able to defend their territory and their sovereignty.”
Several EU member states and some other Western nations provide Ukraine with weapons with the sole aim of helping it fend off Russian aggression and restore its territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. Kyiv’s regime is not Nazi. The myth of Nazi-ruled Ukraine, which appeared during the Revolution of Dignity (Euromaidan) protests in late 2013 - early 2014, has been used by the Kremlin to discredit Kyiv’s shift toward Euro-Atlantic policy. It has also been widely debunked and analysed by EUvsDisinfo.
The EU condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which is entirely unjustified and unprovoked.
Read similar disinformation cases claiming that HRVP Josep Borrell’s interview proves that Russia fights NATO and that the Ukrainian Nazi regime is bombing schools and markets.