DISINFO: Poland facing painful dilemma over Ukraine from European Reich
SUMMARY
Poland wants Ukraine in the EU the most, as it would become its subordinate. Poland wants to tear off a large part of Ukraine, including territory which was part of the interwar Poland. However, a trap prepared by Germany and France might be an issue. They might demand that Warsaw agrees to the creation of a European supra-national state in exchange for Ukraine's membership in the EU. Poland is facing a dilemma: to preserve sovereignty and independence, or to see Ukraine in the EU. Promoters of the European Reich are using the "Ukraine's carrot" to deceive the Poles, they will not get Ukraine or keep their independence.
RESPONSE
This message is disinformation and conspiracy on several accounts.
First of all, the creation of a European supra-national state is not on the agenda. Important issues concerning organisation, structure and governance of the EU as well as membership for new countries require approvals from all EU member states and are not a deal between a few countries as alleged in the article.
Secondly, if and when Ukraine becomes a EU member it will not be subordinate to Poland or to any other EU country. While EU member states transfer part of their decision making competences to the EU level, they preserve their sovereignty. Read more about the ‘lost sovereignty’ disinformation narrative – one of the five dominant narratives used by Russian and pro-Kremlin disinformation outlets.
Thirdly, the article promotes the “aggressive Poland” disinformation narrative about alleged Polish plans to take over Ukrainian territory. Poland adheres to international law regarding state borders, fully supports the independence and territorial integrity of neighbouring countries and it rejects any “imperial” ambitions towards other countries. Poland, as well as the EU and the US respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. No neighbouring state, except the Russian Federation, violated Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Finally, the article draws absurd parallels between the EU and Nazi Germany by referring to the EU as the “European Reich” which corresponds to the frequent Nazi-labelling disinformation technique used by pro-Kremlin media. Furthermore, the message is part of the Kremlin’s disinformation narratives about the lack of solidarity between the EU countries and deep internal divisions within the EU.
Read earlier disinformation cases alleging that Poland wants to dismember Ukraine and re-establish a Polish empire, that the US plans to partition Ukraine between a number of states in pursuit of US interests, and that Ukraine will disintegrate and fall prey to territorial claims of EU member states.