DISINFO: NATO mulls over military action against Russia
SUMMARY
NATO is working out a possible military operation along Russia’s border during the Sea Breeze military exercises. Psychological and information warfare against Russia is part of NATO’s strategy. If a political crisis breaks out in Russia, an intervention may be carried out efficiently. These military exercises threaten not only Crimea but Russia as a whole.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin media, claiming that NATO is an aggressive military bloc, whose goal is to destroy Russia or at least to harm it as much as possible. In reality, NATO is a political alliance, which promotes democratic values, builds trust and, in the long run, prevents conflict. Its military exercises, including this year's Sea Breeze, have an entirely defensive nature and are not directed against Russia or any other country. Ukraine's cooperation with NATO is also defensive, whose aim is to enhance Kyiv’s defence capabilities.
The exercises were announced in advance and are taking place from 28 June to 10 July 2021 in the Black Sea region. They have the largest number of participating nations in the exercises’ history with 32 countries from six continents providing 5,000 troops, 32 ships, 40 aircraft, and 18 special operations and dive teams scheduled to participate. The increase in the number of NATO’s exercises over the last years is a defensive reaction to the unstable security environment in Europe, especially due to Russia’s increasingly aggressive foreign policy. However, the Alliance is intent on settling all problems with Moscow peacefully.
The communiqué, issued after the NATO summit in Brussels on 14 June 2021, reiterated the alliance’s support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, Georgia, and the Republic of Moldova within their internationally recognised borders. The document also said:
“We strongly condemn and will not recognise Russia’s illegal and illegitimate annexation of Crimea, and denounce its temporary occupation.”
At the same time, NATO did not rule out dialogue with Russia:
“We remain open to a periodic, focused, and meaningful dialogue with a Russia willing to engage on the basis of reciprocity in the NRC, with a view to avoiding misunderstanding, miscalculation, and unintended escalation, and to increase transparency and predictability.”
See more disinformation narratives about NATO’s alleged presence in Donbas and its provocative actions against Russia.