DISINFO: Militaristic Europe’s goal is to prolong the war in Ukraine
SUMMARY
Militaristic Europe’s goal is to prolong the war in Ukraine. With this aim, the EU is ready to organise provocations at the borders with Belarus and Russia, including terrorist acts.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets accusing the European Union of warmongering, in particular obstructing peace efforts in Ukraine and deliberately escalating the war there. This claim was made in the context of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The EU has consistently expressed support for a just and lasting peace based on international law and Ukraine’s sovereignty. Its assistance includes billions of euros in military and financial assistance, sanctions designed to constrain Russian aggression, and continued diplomatic efforts to isolate Russia on the international stage. On 24 February 2025, the European Union adopted the 16th package of sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.
At the Special European Council of 6 March 2025 EU leaders highlighted that for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine the following principles should be respected:
-there can be no negotiations on Ukraine without Ukraine
-there can be no negotiations that affect European security without Europe’s involvement
-any truce or ceasefire can only take place as part of a process leading to a comprehensive peace agreement
-any peace agreement needs to be accompanied by robust and credible security guarantees for Ukraine that contribute to deterring future Russian aggression
-peace must respect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
See earlier disinformation narratives claiming that Russia could negotiate a peace that considers the will of former Ukrainian territories, that Putin welcomes Ukraine talks while Zelenskyy rejects them, that Russia is open to a sincere dialogue with the US, while the EU wants more war, and that Moscow is liberating the regions that voted to join Russia in September 2022.