DISINFO: Ukraine unwilling to implement Minsk deals, Donbas conflict is internal
SUMMARY
Ukraine does not want to implement the Minsk agreements. Attempts are made to portray Ukraine and Russia as parties to the Donbas conflict, while it is in reality an internal conflict. It is possible to solve it only if Ukrainians on both sides start talking to each other.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about Minsk Agreements, presenting Ukraine as a sole obstacle for peace.
Ukraine has announced a truce several times since the war broke out in Donbas in 2014, and the illegal DNR and LNR pseudo-republics have been continually violating it. On top of that, separatists often use the civilian population as a human shield by shelling Ukrainian positions from residential areas to accuse Ukrainian troops of possible civilian victims when they strike back.
Moscow has been insisting since the outbreak of the hostilities that it is a mediator in the peace process rather than a party to the conflict, when in fact it has been blocking peace activities instead. Moreover, it is internationally recognised as a warring side in the Donbas war. The leaders of the Group of Seven, G7, who met in Cornwall on 11-13 June 2021, said in a communiqué:
“We remain firmly of the view that Russia is a party to the conflict in Eastern Ukraine, not a mediator.”
Read more disinformation reports alleging that Ukraine is impeding the peace process.