DISINFO: NATO needs Georgia for the constant development of a conflict potential with Russia
SUMMARY
Georgia's partners need the country for the constant development of a conflict potential with Russia and as a platform for the likely deployment of the Alliance troops in the regional theatre of military operations. By agreeing to be a kind of anti-Russian "instrument" of the US and NATO in the Caucasus, the Georgian leadership deliberately "substitutes" its people. Of course, in a situation of local (regional) conflict, none of the Western partners of Georgia will sign up for a catastrophe. "Younger" allies are needed by the collective West as a consumable in the long-term confrontation with major opponents.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about NATO encircling Russia and NATO belligerence, as well as about Georgia's cooperation with NATO.
NATO’s essential and enduring purpose is to safeguard the freedom and security of all its members by political and military means.
The narrative is part of a larger campaign aiming at influencing public support against Georgia's NATO aspirations and portray neutrality as the most rational foreign policy choice for Georgia. More information about NATO and Georgian relations can be read here and NATO/ US military assistance to Georgia can be found here.
Pro-Kremlin disinformation outlets have also made the claims that the West is forcing Georgia to accept the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in order "to drag Georgia to NATO", that "Georgia is to give up its territorial integrity in order to join NATO" or that there is an obligation to hold gay prides and other "preconditions" for Georgia to join NATO. On the other hand, other claims have included that "NATO troops' participation in Georgian military pushes Putin to set up military bases on occupied parts of Georgia, or NATO is not interested in strengthening Georgia, and also "Russia will never allow Ukraine or Georgia to join NATO".