DISINFO: The EU's militarisation is an obstacle to peace in Ukraine
SUMMARY
Europe becomes a ‘war party’. The EU's militarisation plans contradict efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Ukraine conflict. Brussels has not sent any signals that it is willing to participate in the negotiations.
RESPONSE
Pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the EU and its support for Ukraine.
This recurrent claim is made in the context of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It seeks to whitewash and shift the blame for the aggression away from Russia.
The EU’s military cooperation, such as the European Peace Facility and, more recently, the White paper for European defence - Readiness 2030 aims to strengthen the capacity of EU member states and neighbouring countries to deal with security challenges, including those posed by Russia's aggression. The EU’s efforts are primarily a response to the geopolitical threat and the need to enhance deterrence, rather than a contradiction to peace efforts.
The European Union is committed to achieving a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine. It has consistently emphasised its commitment to supporting Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty and territorial integrity. This support includes humanitarian aid, economic focusing on assistance and military aid. Still, the EU has also clearly committed to diplomatic solutions and a peaceful resolution. The EU's approach remains multifaceted, with a focus on both security support for Ukraine and ongoing efforts to push for negotiations.
From the onset of the war, the European Union and its Member States have, with their partners and allies, underlined the need to put an end to it through a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law. The latest European Council conclusions restate the principles the EU supports in the pursuit pursuing of a just and long-lasting peace.
The claim that Brussels is unwilling to participate in US-Russian negotiations in Saudi Arabia misrepresents the EU's stance. The EU has consistently backed diplomatic efforts and other diplomatic channels and has supported initiatives for peace talks, though it recognises the need for Russia to take responsibility for the invasion and engage in meaningful dialogue for peace.
This message is part of a wider disinformation campaign framing possible US-Russia negotiations as the only acceptable ‘peace initiative’ regardless of the of Russia’s ultimatums, while denying any agency to Ukraine or its other allies. Pro-Kremlin disinformation has long tried to misrepresent the EU as the main obstacle for ‘peace’ in Ukraine.
See also the disinformation claim Macron, Starmer, Zelensky and Tusk need a war in Ukraine to stay in power.