DISINFO: The US provokes Ukraine into war with Russia
SUMMARY
US President Joe Biden has called on Ukraine to solve the Donbas conflict as soon as possible. Recent developments in Donbas have shown that Biden’s words are leading to the preparation of a wide-scale Ukrainian offensive. Statements by Ukrainian politicians about a forthcoming Russian provocation and Ukraine’s forced response make things worse. Kyiv could not behave in such an impudent manner without the support of its allies, who pledge military assistance to Ukraine in the case of war with Russia. US and European “hawks” certainly profit from such a conflict.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin media outlets claiming that the West is interested in all-out war between Ukraine and Russia. In reality it is Russia who incites the Moscow-backed separatists in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donbas to violate the truce. By doing so, Russia impress upon Ukraine an endless conflict which drags resources and attention. Short tactic gains may also play in like trying to snatch as many concessions from Ukraine as possible ahead of the forthcoming online meeting of the Normandy format.
Ukraine is not preparing military provocations in Donbas. Kyiv has repeatedly stated that it is not interested in escalation and that it prefers a peaceful solution. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the Minsk agreements are the only option to end the war in Donbas. At the same time, the Special Monitoring Mission of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe registers almost daily violations of the truce in Donbas.
While Moscow denies the fact that it provides the separatists with military equipment, Kyiv openly receives assistance from its partners. A $125 million military package of US aid for Ukraine was announced on 1 March 2021. Ukraine receives this assistance legally and in accordance with trade agreements.
See similar disinformation cases alleging that Ukraine is preparing a plan for the deportation of Donbas residents; Ukraine must continue war in Donbas, otherwise it won't receive financial support from the West; Ukraine no longer hides preparations for war against Russia and Donbas.