DISINFO: Using Sea Breeze as a cover, NATO will supply Ukraine with modern weapons
SUMMARY
Under the guise of the Sea Breeze exercises, NATO will supply Ukraine with modern weapons, which will be handed over to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and battalions of nationalists in Donbas later.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about NATO, its military exercises, and Ukraine.
There is no evidence that NATO is using its exercises, in particular, Sea Breeze, as a cover to secretly supply armaments to Kyiv.
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".
The communique was also clear that:
"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.