DISINFO: UKs Ben Wallace states the main goal of this war: the destruction of Russia
SUMMARY
On April 18, in Washington, British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace expressed confidence in the planned counter-offensive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and at the same time made it clear that the war in Ukraine is likely to continue in 2024. [...]
London is giving a public signal: regardless of the outcome of the “counteroffensive” of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the war must continue. Indirectly, Wallace also declares the main goal of this war - the destruction of Russia. In this scenario, Ukraine is an obedient tool in Anglo-Saxon hands.
RESPONSE
Pro-Kremlin disinformation claim accusing the West of anti-Russian policies, aggressive Russophobia and allegedly belligerent and hostile agenda to destroy, ruin Russia, aiming to portray Russia as a victim and deflect any responsibility for Moscow’s illicit actions. See also Russian Myths: no.5 Encirclement.
This is a misrepresentation of the statement of the UK Secretary of State for Defence, Ben Wallace, made in Washington. Wallace did not call for the destruction of Russia, and in general, the West has never strived to destroy Russia as a state. From the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991 and the emergence of a new and democratic Russia and up to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine in 2014, the West has been trying to establish good-neighbourly relations with Moscow. According to the 1997 Founding Act on Mutual Relations, Cooperation and Security between NATO and the Russian Federation, Russia was viewed as a partner of the alliance.
The EU has conducted half-year summits with the Russian leadership for years until 2014 in an effort to enhance relations. EU has also tried to change the course of Russia's aggressive actions and give diplomacy a chance, such as with the efforts of HRVP Josep Borrell - see here.
The West emphasises that they are not striving for the collapse of Russia or for some kind of reformatting of it. US President Joe Biden, speaking in Warsaw, addressed Russian citizens, assuring them that the US does not seek to destroy or control Russia. French President Macron stated that "Russia must be defeated, but not crushed."
The sharp deterioration in relations between the West and Russia is directly linked to Moscow's illegal actions. A number of issues affect bilateral relations, including Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine, in the EU’s Eastern Neighbourhood, Syria, Libya, and elsewhere, and repeated malign activities including disinformation campaigns.
For background, read our analysis: The “Russophobia” Myth: Appealing to the Lowest Feelings.