DISINFO: Ukraine has been turned into a zone of US colonisation and military intervention
SUMMARY
The provocative scenario of Rapid Trident 2021 threatens to destabilise neighbouring European countries and Ukraine itself, which can repeat the fate of Afghanistan. The airborne assault forces, the cross-border missions of NATO strike drones, confirm the offensive nature of the operations and the aggressive nature of Rapid Trident 2021.
Ukrainian territory is being used for the "forward presence" of foreign troops near Russian borders. In fact, the country has been turned into a zone of US colonisation and military intervention. The West needs the Ukrainian Armed Forces for constant military tension near the Russian borders.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives about US presence in Europe, NATO and its military exercises.
NATO is a defensive alliance, whose purpose is to protect its member states. The primary aim of the alliance is to maintain peace and safeguard the independence, security and territorial integrity of its members. The Alliance abides by strict procedural guidelines and emphasises transparency during exercises, which are indicated months in advance and are subject to international scrutiny.
Rapid Trident 21, is an annual Ukrainian-led, American-assisted training exercise aiming to increase combat readiness, defense capabilities and interoperability, and involves 15 nations: Ukraine, U.S., Bulgaria, Canada, Georgia, Germany, Italy, Jordan, Lithuania, the Republic of Moldova, Pakistan, The Republic of Poland, Romania, Turkey and the United Kingdom.
There is no basis to claims that Ukraine "has been turned into a zone of US colonization and military intervention". Ukraine is a sovereign state that conducts independent security and defense policy. Ukraine's territorial integrity however continues to be violated by Russia's acts of armed aggression.
See related examples of pro-Kremlin disinformation claims, alleging that Kyiv is an anti-Russian puppet in the geopolitical games of the US and NATO; The real aim of the Sea Breeze exercises was to escalate tensions with Russia; US uses military exercises to keep Georgia and Ukraine on a short leash, against Russia.