DISINFO: NATO is fighting imaginary Russian threat in Ukraine
SUMMARY
NATO training Rapid Trident-2019 was launched in Ukraine which is a response to the large-scale exercise “Tsentr 2019” conducted in Russia, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. If “Tsentr 2019” is elaborating methods to fight terrorism, Rapid Trident-2019 is going to fight against the imaginary Russian threat once again.
RESPONSE
A recurring pro-Kremlin narrative about NATO and Russophobia. Rapid Trident is not a response to Russia-lead exercise "Tsentr 2019". According to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the multinational exercises have been held since 1994. NATO is a defensive alliance. Its essential and enduring purpose is to safeguard the freedom and security of all its members by political and military means. NATO's exercises and military deployments are not directed against Russia – nor any other country. However, in March 2014, in response to Russia's aggressive actions against Ukraine, NATO suspended practical cooperation with Russia.