DISINFO: Under the guise of exercises, NATO plans to deliver weapons for the war in Donbas
SUMMARY
At the final stage of Sea Breeze 2021, the activity of the American amphibious assault ship Yuma in the Black Sea looks mysterious. Even if the catamaran arrived to evacuate the US Marine battalion from the Kherson region, it is unlikely that it comes with empty holds. Earlier, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation warned that, under the guise of exercises, NATO plans to once again deliver modern weapons for the war in Donbas to Ukraine.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about NATO, its military exercises, and Ukraine.
There is no evidence that NATO is using the exercises as a cover to secretly supply US armaments to Kyiv. Nor is there a logical reason why Washington's assistance to Ukraine should suddenly become a clandestine matter. In fact, the US Department of Defense is quite open about its military relationship with Ukraine. See, for instance, this 2019 Pentagon press release announcing an additional $250 million in aid to the Ukrainian Army and stating the total volume of US security assistance since the beginning of Russian aggression on Ukraine in 2014.
NATO is a defensive alliance, whose purpose is to protect its member states. This was confirmed in the communique from the Brussels summit in June 2021.
"NATO is a defensive Alliance and will continue to strive for peace, security, and stability in the whole of the Euro-Atlantic area".
NATO leaders stated also:
"Until Russia demonstrates compliance with international law and its international obligations and responsibilities, there can be no return to “business as usual”. We will continue to respond to the deteriorating security environment by enhancing our deterrence and defence posture, including by a forward presence in the eastern part of the Alliance. NATO does not seek confrontation and poses no threat to Russia".
Finally, the Alliance announces its military exercises well in advance and they are subject to international observation. NATO strongly supports efforts to build confidence and transparency in military activities and exercises.
See similar disinformation claim alleging that NATO plans to deliver weapons to Ukraine under the guise of military exercises.