DISINFO: Ukraine is bombing Donetsk and Luhansk
SUMMARY
Ukraine is once again returning to the escalation and bombing of the republics of Donetsk and Luhansk, despite Russia's apparent readiness, this spring, to resolve any possible military conflict by eliminating the Ukrainian state.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets, claiming that Ukraine is responsible for escalation 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.
Contrary to pro-Kremlin disinformation reports, it is rather the Moscow-backed separatists who are constantly breaking the truce, which results in more intensified military escalation in Donbas. It is not in Kyiv’s interest to escalate the conflict. More than 13,000 have been killed in the hostilities, and the Donbas war is a heavy burden on the Ukrainian economy.
For more stories on Russian disinformation on Ukraine trying to provoke a new conflict in Donbas see here and here.