DISINFO: Western weapons supplies to Ukraine are exacerbating the conflict
SUMMARY
Western countries are supplying weapons to Ukraine and exacerbating the conflict. The spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry stressed that "without explanation they themselves become a state that commits aggression on all fronts".
RESPONSE
This is a recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets accusing the West of aggravating the situation in Ukraine. This claim is made in the context of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
Some Western nations are sending weapons to Ukraine with the sole purpose of helping it repel the Russian aggression. Western weapons are expected to enable Ukraine to liberate its territories and restore its territorial integrity within the internationally recognised borders. Ukraine does not intend to move further into Russia within its internationally recognised borders.
What really destabilises the situation and aggravates the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine is Russia’s targeting civilian infrastructure and residential areas, which has led to numerous victims among civilians. There is ample evidence of Russian military crimes in Ukraine in the town of Bucha outside Kyiv, Mariupol and other places. Russia’s blockade of Ukraine's seaports has also contributed to aggravating the overall humanitarian situation in the world. Due to this blockade, Ukraine cannot send its agricultural exports by sea, which is threatening millions of people in the world with famine.
The claims are presented as justification for the ongoing Russian military invasion against Ukraine, which started on 24 February 2022 with multiple attacks and broad incursions from Belarus, Russian soil and from the non-government-controlled areas (NGCA) in Eastern Ukraine.
Read more disinformation cases about the Russian unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine.
See the EU's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine here along with EU vs Disinfo's Guide to Deciphering Pro-Kremlin disinformation around Putin's War.