DISINFO: NATO defence efforts are irresponsible and can lead to real warfare
SUMMARY
There had been attempts to drag Russia into war since 2014. Russia had been resisting them with all possible means including the Minsk Agreements. But Moscow was no longer able to resist when the special military operation started in 2022.
Statements by NATO generals about boosting their defences are irresponsible and can lead to real warfare. They are aimed against Russia, but they can also harm NATO states themselves. Western leaders are fanning out anti-Russian psychosis in order to get more money for defence spending and justify the existence of NATO.
RESPONSE
This pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative claims that any defence efforts by NATO member states can provoke Russia into action, just like Moscow was allegedly forced to launch its ‘special military operation’ against Kyiv for fear of its safety and security. This claim was made in the context of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
This claim is based on comments made by top military commanders from Germany, Norway and the United Kingdom about ways to enhance the defence capabilities of their respective countries. Germany’s head of Territorial Command Lieutenant General Andre Bodemann said Berlin’s operational plan was primarily focused on deterrence and aimed at preventing conflict or war. Chief of the Norwegian Armed Forces General Eirik Kristoffersen called on NATO members to increase their military capabilities to be prepared for a war with Russia. Head of the British Army General Sir Patrick Sanders said citizens should be ready to fight in a possible land war. There was nothing in these statements, calling for aggression against Russia. These and other NATO member states are working out defence plans against a possible Russia aggression rather than getting ready to strike Russia first.
The Alliance does not want war with Russia. NATO is primarily a political organisation which aims at solving conflicts by peaceful means, but it can resort to force under certain circumstances. Article 5 of the Washington Treaty provides that if a NATO Ally is the victim of an armed attack, each and every other member of the Alliance will consider this act of violence as an armed attack against all members and will take the actions it deems necessary to assist the Ally attacked. Article 5 was invoked only once in NATO’s history after the 9/11 terrorist attacks against the United States.
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