DISINFO: Russia launched a military offensive because Ukraine did not implement the Minsk agreements
SUMMARY
Russia launched its military operation at the end of February after Ukraine failed to implement the terms of the Minsk agreements, first signed in 2014, and Moscow finally recognised the independence of the Donbass republics of Donetsk and Luhansk. The agreements, brokered by Germany and France, were aimed at giving the breakaway regions a special status within the Ukrainian state.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, actively trying to legitimise Russia’s military aggression. This narrative is claiming that Ukraine is responsible for the war because the country did not implement the Minsk agreements.
Before the invasion, Russia was a party to the Minsk agreements, and these are the most recent formal documents in which Russia has affirmed Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russia has however not delivered on its side of the implementation of the Minsk agreements. The Russian side and its proxies have failed to implement a ceasefire, withdraw all heavy weapons, implement all-for-all political prisoner exchange, or ensure delivery of humanitarian assistance based on an international mechanism. On the contrary, Russia has been strengthening the illegal armed formations in eastern Ukraine. Russia also does not allow for unfettered access of OSCE SMM monitors, including to the Ukraine-Russia border, where the (very limited) monitoring mission was discontinued due to a Russian veto in summer 2021.
Without the full implementation of the ceasefire, the withdrawal of heavy weapons as well as permission for full access to all territories for the OSCE monitoring mission, it is difficult to discuss implementation of the political parts of Minsk II. Nevertheless, Ukraine implemented as much of the Minsk agreements as it reasonably could while not having control over the territory and addressed every point. It has passed – and extended with renewals – legislation on special status and amnesty (2014), and prepared draft legislation on local elections (2014). Ukraine passed constitutional amendments to provide more autonomy to the territories currently outside its control (2015).
By making statements alleging that Ukraine has done nothing to implement the Minsk agreements, Moscow and the separatists it backs are attempting to legitimise the invasion of the country to deflect attention away from their responsibility.
Read more disinformation reports alleging that Ukraine is blocking the peace settlement in Donbas.