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22.10.2022

The EU mindlessly invests heavily in prolonging hostilities

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/the-eu-mindlessly-invests-heavily-in-prolonging-hostilities

rg.ru,tlgrm.ru,gazeta.ru,ntv.ru

EU, Ukraine

Russian

The European Union does not demonstrate its readiness to resolve the conflict in Ukraine peacefully by investing in prolonging the hostilities.It continues to mindlessly invest heavily in dragging out the hostilities. Decisions on additional (another 500 million euros) funding for the supply of weapons to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and on the creation of an EU mission for military support to Ukraine are aimed at this, among other things.In fact, the European Union will train and equip Ukrainian militants with deadly weapons, who will continue to destroy civilians and destroy civilian and critical infrastructure. Is the EU ready to share responsibility for these crimes?

Disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets accusing the EU of aggravating the situation in Ukraine, being unwilling to assist in bringing an end to the war and disrupting peace efforts. Western leaders have continuously called for talks and a peaceful solution to stop Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, but Moscow has been ignoring these efforts. Western nations did everything they could to prevent the war and have only been reacting to Russia’s full invasion. The US, the EU and some NATO member states provide Ukraine with military assistance to repel the unprovoked Russian aggression. Ukraine receives weapons with the sole aim of restoring its territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. On 17 October 2022, the European Council adopted additional assistance measures under the European Peace Facility (EPF) to further support the capabilities and resilience of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. With this, the EU is further stepping up its support to Ukraine to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, and protect the civilian population against the ongoing Russian war of aggression. Previous assistance measures under the EPF for Ukraine were agreed on 28 February, 23 March, 13 April, 23 May and 21 July 2022."The mobilisation of an additional €500 million by EU member states is yet another proof that we remain steadfast in our support to the Ukrainian armed forces to defend the country against the escalating illegal aggression", Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy stated.

War in Ukraine, Invasion of Ukraine, European Union, Maria Zakharova

21.10.2022

A Tsunami on the Dnieper is one deadly option reviewed by the US in Ukraine

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/a-tsunami-on-the-dnieper-is-one-deadly-option-reviewed-by-the-us-in-ukraine

uz.sputniknews.ru,

Ukraine, US

Russian

The US wants the military conflict in Ukraine to continue. The Pentagon’s strategists have biological and chemical weapons, as well as other options for large-scale catastrophes such as a tsunami in the river Dnieper, on the table. Only an immediate capitulation of the Kyiv regime can save the remnants of Ukraine's statehood.

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives about non-sovereign Ukraine, false flag operations and chemical weapon attacks. Claims about false flag operations and chemical weapons attacks are a staple of the pro-Kremlin disinformation apparatus. Such claims are a part of a broader pro-Kremlin information manipulation campaign supporting the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine and trying to place the blame for the war’s atrocities on Ukraine, our recent analysis explains.There is no evidence to back the claim that the US is preparing for deadly provocations in Ukraine. On the contrary, particularly in the context of Moscow's latest allegations about Ukraine's preparations to use a dirty bomb, diplomats from France, Britain and the United States consider Russia’s false claims a pretext that Moscow has concocted for escalating the war.Read similar cases claiming that Kyiv prepares chemical attacks to blame the Russian army, Ukraine is under the control of the West and staged fakes about Bucha, Mariupol and Kramatorsk, West needs provocations to accuse the Russian military of using chemical, biological or nuclear weapons in Ukraine and that Ukraine aims to use Turkish Bayraktars for chemical attacksTechnical remark: This disinformation was broadcast via Sputnik on 21 October 2022. Due to the EU decision to restrict the spread and dissemination of RT and Sputnik inside the EU, access to the link may not work inside the EU.

War in Ukraine, Conspiracy theory, Chemical weapons/attack, Biological weapons, false flag

21.10.2022

Components of biological weapons were being created in Ukraine

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/components-of-biological-weapons-were-being-created-in-ukraine

geworld.ge

Russia, Ukraine, US

Georgian

During the current special operation in Ukraine, documentary evidence was obtained that, in violation of the Convention on the Prohibition of Biological and Toxic Weapons, components of biological weapons were actually being created in the vicinity of Russia’s borders.

Recurrent pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about biological weapons being secretly developed by the US in countries bordering Russia. This narrative is a leitmotif in a years-old disinformation campaign conducted by the Kremlin and is currently deployed in an attempt to justify Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.Some of the most bizarre and yet enduring Kremlin disinformation narratives have been those accusing the West of running clandestine biological research programmes to wreak havoc around the world. In reality, all laboratories located in Ukraine are controlled by the Ukrainian government and don’t carry out military research. In August 2005, the US and Ukrainian governments made an agreement to prevent the spread of dangerous pathogens and relevant expertise and to diminish potential biological risks. Partially, this agreement was aimed at modernising state laboratories in Odesa, Kyiv, Kharkiv, Kherson, Dnipropetrovsk and other regions, consisting of upgrading lab equipment and repairs of premises.The US Embassy in Ukraine previously addressed the claims about supposed bio-military labs in Ukraine, stating that this is a fabricated accusation in pro-Kremlin propaganda that aims to hinder the ongoing U.S.-Ukrainian partnership to reduce biological threats. The accusations are part of the Kremlin’s broader, long-lasting disinformation campaign to discredit the US in the eyes of Putin’s pro-Western neighbours such as Georgia and Ukraine.See other examples of similar disinformation narratives in our database, such as claims that Russia presented evidence of US biolabs in Ukraine at the Convention on biological weapons, that US develop biological weapons at the border with Russia, that new evidence of US military-biological activity emerged in Ukraine, that Zelenskyy ordered the destruction of evidence regarding the development of biological weapons, or that bio-experiments in US labs turned Ukrainian soldiers into ‘most cruel monsters’.

Biological weapons, laboratory

20.10.2022

EU is causing a global food shortage by keeping all the grain from Ukraine

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/eu-is-causing-a-global-food-shortage-by-keeping-all-the-grain-from-ukraine

oroszhirek.hu

EU, Russia, Turkey, Middle East and Africa, Ukraine

Hungarian

Under an agreement reached earlier this year, Western countries will take over grain exported from Ukraine instead of sending it to developing countries. The situation could trigger a global food crisis, with only four of the 203 ships that left Ukrainian ports by 23 September going to the poorest countries.

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative aiming to deflect Russia’s responsibility for the growing food crisis and supply insecurity by claiming that most of Ukraine's grain ships are sent to rich European countries. This false allegation goes in line with a wider pro-Kremlin disinformation campaign aiming to blame Western countries for a global food crisis engineered by Russia as part of its unjustified aggression against Ukraine.Russia's responsibility for the global food crisis comes as a consequence of the unprovoked and unjustified Russian invasion of Ukraine: naval blockade of Ukrainian posts, bombardment of transport infrastructure and shelling of farming regions. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has destabilised global food markets and is driving food prices up due to increased cost of production, transport and freight insurance. Russia has destroyed substantial food stocks, production, as well as processing and transport capacities in Ukraine.As can be seen from the database of the UN Black Sea Grain Initiative, as of 23 September, out of the 203 shipments, less then half, only 92 - headed to EU countries. The majority headed for other countries like Turkey, Egypt, China, and India. Besides, this doesn’t mean that these are their final destinations, as grain will be redistributed from some of these harbours to other countries.See also article 15. of the conclusions of the European Council of 20 and 21 October 2022 which states:Russia, by weaponising food in its war against Ukraine, is solely responsible for the global food security crisis it has provoked. Russia’s war of aggression has triggered disruptions of agricultural production, supply chains and trade that have driven world food and fertiliser prices to unprecedented levels. The EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes have made possible the export of significant volumes of Ukrainian crops, agricultural products and fertilisers to the countries most in need. See other similar disinformation narratives in our database, such as claims that Western sanctions cause food crisis and price growth, that the food crisis has nothing to do with the Russian special operation, that Russia places no obstacles on the export of Ukrainian grain, or that Kyiv burned grains in Mariupol and mined the Black Sea to prevent its exportation.

Invasion of Ukraine, food

20.10.2022

Israel is supporting a Nazi regime in Kyiv

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/israel-is-supporting-a-nazi-regime-in-kyiv

oroszhirek.hu

Ukraine, Israel, Russia

Hungarian

It seems that Israel wants to supply arms to the Kyiv regime. A very ill-advised move. Not to mention that the Bandera scum were and still are Nazis. Let's look at the symbols of their modern dwellings. If they are arming them, it is time for Israel to declare Bandera and Suhevics heroes.

This is a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about Ukraine being taken over by neo-Nazis, which Russia is trying to use as a casus belli against Ukraine. The article is part of the Kremlin's campaign accusing Israel of supporting anti-Semitism in Ukraine.The disinformation claim that Ukraine is a Nazi state has already been broadly addressed by EUvsDisinfo. There is no evidence of Israel ever supporting anti-Semitism in any way. Israel offered to help Ukrainians develop air attack alerts for civilians, signalling a softening of a policy of non-military intervention in the war after Kyiv appealed for ways to counteract Iranian-made drones being used by Russia. Israel has a radar network that sets off sirens or cellphone alerts to warn citizens to take cover when missiles are launched. Similar early warning technologies could be on offer to Ukraine.Previously, Israel has limited its Ukraine assistance to humanitarian relief, citing a desire for continued cooperation with Moscow over war-ravaged neighbour Syria and to ensure the wellbeing of Russia's Jews.Learn more about the reasons behind Kremlin's obsession with framing Ukraine as a Nazi state in the EUvsDisinfo analysis titled "Why does Putin portray himself as the tamer of neo-Nazism".

Nazi/Fascist, Invasion of Ukraine, Anti-Semitism

20.10.2022

EU economy at the point Russia was in early 1990s

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/eu-economy-at-the-point-russia-was-in-early-1990s

Russia, EU

Countries and/or Regions discussed in the disinformation: Russia, EU

The liberal economic model is crumbling. The US seems to abandon this model. When it comes to the EU’s economy, it is seriously deteriorating. The situation with the EU's economy is very similar to what Russia witnessed back in 1990-1991.

This article draws false parallels between the EU's economic development and that of the USSR's and fits into a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the EU's alleged imminent collapse. Despite the Kremlin's decision to limit gas supplies to Europe and the effects of Russia's unprovoked aggression against Ukraine, the EU economy is recovering from the crisis created by COVID-19. The summer 2022 economic forecast projects that the EU economy will grow by 2.7% in 2022 and 1.5% in 2023, as reported by the European Commission in July 2022. According to data from the World Bank, Russia’s GDP in 1990-1992 contracted by over 15%. Unlike the USSR, which was a totalitarian state with communist ideology as official policy, a command economy, and very limited civic and political rights, the EU has a market economy, high standards of human rights protection, and no dominant ideology, contrary to the allegations made. There is no evidence to support the claim that the EU is facing the same problems the late USSR did, particularly given that the EU is a supranational entity consisting of sovereign countries rather than a centralised totalitarian country as the USSR was.Pro-Kremlin outlets often paint ungrounded gloomy forecasts for the EU’s economic and political prospects. For instance, during the initial stage of the Covid-19 pandemic, they claimed that a number of EU countries were teetering on the brink of default, that the coronavirus put the EU’s existence into question, and that many European countries will likely cease to exist at all.Technical remark: This disinformation was broadcast via Sputnik on 20 October 2022. Due to the EU decision to restrict the spread and dissemination of RT and Sputnik inside the EU, access to the link may not work inside the EU.

20.10.2022

Nord Stream saboteurs have plunged the EU into energy poverty

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/nord-stream-saboteurs-have-plunged-the-eu-into-energy-poverty

oroszhirek.hu

Europe, Germany, Russia

Hungarian

The perpetrators of the attacks on the Nord Stream gas pipelines have destroyed the European Union's hope for secure and sustainable energy supplies. Those who planned and carried out this terrorist act have essentially plunged Europe into energy poverty.

Pro-Kremlin narrative on the energy crisis in Europe amid the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine, subsequent Western sanctions on Russia and Russian retaliatory measures reducing gas supplies.The article contains a recurrent pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative claiming that Europe has no hope to solve the energy crisis will inevitably deepen without restoring the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines. This narrative plays into the Kremlin's claims that the West is collapsing. The Kremlin seeks to pressure and blackmail the European governments and create public panic over energy insecurity / energy costs.Meanwhile EU member states have adopted a regulation to fill gas storages and share them in a spirit of solidarity, diversified supply sources and committed to reducing gas demand by 15% this winter. Despite recent events, and in particular the attacks on the Nord Stream Pipelines, Europe is prepared to face this winter. EU underground gas reserves have been filled by almost 90% of their capacity, well ahead of the 1 November deadline set in the gas storage regulation. This means that with the predicted gas consumption reduction and filled gas reserves, Europe won’t be out of gas for the winter even without Russian gas. See also sections II. Critical Infrastructure and III. Energy and Economy of the European Council conclusions of the 20 and 21 October 2022 on how the European Union will remain united to protect its citizens and businesses. See more disinformation cases on energy issues amid invasion of Ukraine.

Energy, Nord Stream 2, Terrorism, Invasion of Ukraine

20.10.2022

The US will lead the world into extinction as elections change nothing

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/the-us-will-lead-the-world-into-extinction-as-elections-change-nothing

arabic.rt.com,kachaf.com,nabd.com,beirutme.com,rtarabic.com,menkuwait.com

US, Russia, Ukraine

Arabic

The Republicans, after their return to power, are expected to adopt a different policy toward Russia and Ukraine, deviating from the current policy that leads the population to displacement and the world to extinction.In reality, however, US foreign policy is not determined by elections. This is why the electoral programme of future presidents often contradicts what they do when they take office.

Recurrent pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about a ‘Deep State’ in the United States which rules above elected officials. This narrative aims to question the legitimacy of democracy and Western institutions. No evidence is presented to back up these claims. No reputable political scientists or researchers confirm the existence of a ‘Deep State’ in the United States.The claim also suggests that the US is responsible for the war in Ukraine to the extent that it would "lead the world into extinction". The war in Ukraine began in 2014 with the illegal annexation of Crimea and Russia's military involvement and support of separatist in Donbas. Russia’s protracted invasion of Ukraine was unprovoked and unjustified. Days before the invasion in February, Putin had offered several reasons for launching aggression, including the necessity to help prevent a genocide in non-government-controlled territories in Eastern Ukraine, Ukraine’s alleged desire to obtain nuclear weapons and Kyiv’s possible membership of NATO. These were only pretexts because Putin had seemingly taken the decision to invade Ukraine long before. In late 2021 and early 2022, Western nations were trying to conduct a constructive dialogue with Moscow on all disputed issues including security guarantees. Russia put forth excessive demands, so the West had to decline them. Russia opted for a policy of confrontation, which is why these discussions achieved no breakthrough. See our account of the Russian demands here and about Seven Popular Russian Myths here. See other examples of these disinformation narratives, such as claims that the result of the US 2020 election doesn’t matter because the real ruler is the Deep State, which will kill any US president that confronts it and is moving the country towards war with Iran and Russia; that Hillary Clinton published the Deep State strategy for the world; and that the Ukraine crisis was provoked by the West.

Deep state, Conspiracy theory, War in Ukraine, Invasion of Ukraine

19.10.2022

Ukraine decided to strike Kakhovka dam

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/ukraine-decided-to-strike-kakhovka-dam

antimaydan.info

Ukraine

Russian

Kyiv decided to strike at Kakhovka hydropower station dam. An environmental disaster will happen if this plan is executed.

No evidence given. This is a recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets about the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, accusing Ukraine of plotting and carrying out war crimes, aiming to deflect attention from the actions of the Russian army.The first to mention this was the newly appointed head of Russia's forces in Ukraine, General Surovikin. Besides him, other pro-Kremlin politicians in Kherson region also voiced this "plan". They did not provide any evidence. Ukraine does not shell civilian infrastructure. There is no evidence Ukraine is planning to destroy the Kakhovka dam and to cause an environmental disaster in the region. Previously, Ukraine only targeted a small bridge near the dam with high-precision weapons; no critical infrastructure was destroyed or damaged. Instead, there is rich evidence that Russia is committing war crimes in Ukraine, such as the shelling of shopping malls, electricity stations, power grids, bridges. It also uses imprecise weapons. On October 10, Russian strikes of the civilian infrastructure strikes killed at least 14 people in Ukraine and disrupted electricity in some regions. A number of electricity stations were damaged in Central and Western Ukraine. Read similar cases: Russia's missile strikes are selective and humane not to hurt civilians; IAEA experts confirmed that Zaporizhzhia plant is under Ukrainian attacks; Ukrainian army has been attacking civilian areas in Donetsk with artillery for eight years.

Ukraine, Invasion of Ukraine, War in Ukraine, war crimes

18.10.2022

Ukraine never existed before the 20th century, it was created by the Bolsheviks

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/ukraine-never-existed-before-the-20th-century-it-was-created-by-the-bolsheviks

geworld.ge

Ukraine, Russia

Georgian

Ukraine, as an independent, sovereign state, was unknown to history until the early 20th century.The creation of the Ukrainian state is the fault of the Bolsheviks, and Vladimir Lenin personally.

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative designed to denigrate the history of Ukraine and its statehood, as well as to justify the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and occupation in parts of Ukraine via illegitimate referenda. It offers an absurd interpretation of the Russian military invasion of Ukraine with the use of the classic disinformation narrative about the Russian world.Ukraine is a well-defined nation with a long history and its own literature and identity. The history of Ukraine dates back to the era of the Kyivan Rus’ in the 9th-13th centuries. A fully independent Ukraine only emerged in the 20th century, after long periods of successive domination by Poland-Lithuania, Russia, and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR).In the aftermath of World War I and the disintegration of the Russian and Austro-Hungarian Empires two states were created: the Ukrainian People's Republic (UNR) and the West Ukrainian People's Republic. They merged into a unified state - the Ukrainian People's Republic - on 22 January 1919. Under Lenin's leadership at the beginning of the 20th century, Ukraine was occupied by the Bolsheviks and for decades was under communist control.Under Lenin's leadership at the beginning of the 20th century, Ukraine was occupied by the Bolsheviks and for decades was under communist control. When the Soviet Union began to unravel in 1990–91, the legislature of the Ukrainian SSR declared sovereignty (July 16, 1990) and then full independence (August 24, 1991). With the dissolution of the USSR in December 1991, Ukraine gained full independence which was also recognised by Russia under late president Yeltsin of the Russian Federation.The "all-Russian big nation" is an imperial Russian and Russian revanchist ideology that is a favoured pro-Kremlin narrative aimed at weakening the national identity of Ukrainians, as well as undermining the state sovereignty.Ukraine is a sovereign and independent state with a democratically-elected president and parliament. Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are respected by almost the whole world with Russia as the key exception.Pro-Kremlin media outlets often cast doubts on Ukrainian statehood and claim that Ukraine either does not exist as a state or is going to tumble down very soon, or it is a colony of the West.Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity have been violated by continuous acts of aggression by Russian armed forces since 2014 and culminated in an aggressive full-scale attack on a neighbouring country on February 24, 2022.

Ukrainian statehood, Sovereignty, Russian world

18.10.2022

Europe is a colony serving the interests of the American military-industrial complex

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/europe-is-a-colony-serving-the-interests-of-the-american-military-industrial-complex

bgr.news-front.info

Europe, Ukraine, US, Russia, China

Bulgarian

Europe is serving the imperialist interests of the US. The US is utilising the war in Ukraine, in order to foster its world hegemony, even as China and Russia are competing with them for world leadership. The EU’s colonial behaviour will harm its citizens and the first indicators are the lack of food and energy.

The article presents an often-utilised pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative accusing the EU and its member states of a lack of sovereignty. Pro-Russian outlets often describe European states as puppet-states or colonies of the US, in this case, using it to support the American defence industry. This article also pushes the narrative that Europe is freezing and starving (see narrative 3 of our article Smoke, mirrors and gas: the Kremlin deflects blame for the energy crisis).Contrary to the claim about the EU’s subordinance to the US, the EU is a sovereign entity, created by the voluntary initiative of European nations. Furthermore, it has its own, independent foreign policy and EU citizens are directly represented in the European Parliament. EU member-states are represented in the Council of the EU and the European Council.The European Union is explicit on the subject of national sovereignty: “the Member States all remain sovereign and independent states, they have decided to pool some of their 'sovereignty' in areas where it makes sense to work together.”The EU maintains partnerships with the world's crucial players, including regional groups as well as emerging powers. It seeks to ensure that these relationships are based on mutual benefits and interests. Although the US is an important long-term ally of the EU and both enjoy one of the most integrated economic relationships in the world, the US has no role in the creation of the EU and has no say in its decisions, as explained by the EU High Representative.See similar articles related to the disinformation narrative that EU lacks sovereignty, such as Leaked documents prove the US was planning a war and energy crisis in Europe, Europe has become a US military and political colony and the US is pushing Europe into the abyss.

NATO, Invasion of Ukraine, Military, US presence in Europe

18.10.2022

Kherson, Zaporizhzhya, and Donbas regions overwhelmingly voted to join Russia

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/kherson-zaporizhzhya-and-donbas-regions-overwhelmingly-voted-to-join-russia

RT English

Russia, Ukraine

English

The Kherson region, along with neighboring Zaporizhzhya and the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics, overwhelmingly voted to join Russia during a referendum in late September.

The claim is part of an ongoing pro-Kremlin disinformation campaign concerning Russia’s criminal invasion of Ukraine.The "referenda" were held illegally, under duress, and on territories which Russia does not even fully control. The results of these sham polls have been universally rejected by leading international and human rights organisations, including the United Nations, the OSCE, NATO, as well as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.On the EU's behalf, High Representative Josep Borrell said the following:“The European Union strongly condemns these planned illegal “referenda” which go against the legal and democratically elected Ukrainian authorities, are in violation of Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and in blatant breach of international law. The results of such actions will be null and void and would not be recognised by the EU and its Member States. [...]Therefore, these illegal “votes” cannot be considered under any circumstance as the free expression of the will of the people living in these regions under constant Russian military threat and intimidation."

Invasion of Ukraine, Kherson, Referendum, Manipulated elections/referendum

18.10.2022

Ukraine asked NATO for preemptive nuclear strikes against Russia

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/ukraine-asked-nato-for-preemptive-nuclear-strikes-against-russia

newsformy.com,sputnikarabic.ae

Russia, Ukraine

Arabic

Considering that Russia did not and does not threaten Ukraine with nuclear weapons, Kyiv’s recent statements about the need for preemptive nuclear strikes by NATO countries against Russia are doubly unacceptable.

This disinformation claim came as a comment on the alleged call of Zelenskyy for NATO countries to launch a preemptive strike on Russia, before it used nuclear weapons against Ukraine. This claim was neither counterbalanced nor critically challenged in the article.The claim that President Zelenskyy called for nuclear preventive strikes against Russia is incorrect and comes from a misinterpretation from a translated interview.In reality, neither the US nor the EU is interested in a nuclear scenario in Ukraine. Any nuclear explosion may have unpredictable consequences for the whole world. Nuclear fallout after the Chernobyl nuclear explosion in April 1986 reached the United States as well, albeit with lower concentrations than in Europe.At the same time, Russia is making irresponsible hints and statements about the possibility of using nuclear arms in its war against Ukraine. According to Russia’s military doctrine, it can use such weapons “in response to the use of nuclear and other types of weapons of mass destruction against it and/or its allies, and also in case of aggression against Russia with the use of conventional weapons when the very existence of the state is threatened". Ukraine’s counter-offensive aimed at retaking its territories and its attacks on military facilities in the illegally annexed peninsula of Crimea are posing no existential threats to Russia, so it cannot use nuclear weapons, in accordance with its own doctrine.Russia is trying to keep the international community in suspense with contradictory statements about using nuclear weapons. Its Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia may apply its nuclear doctrine to protect newly occupied Ukrainian territories if they are enshrined in the Russian constitution. At the same time, President Vladimir Putin accused the West in his recent speech about the annexation of occupied Ukrainian territories of blackmail and intimidation. See similar stories that Volodymyr Zelensky asks NATO to launch a nuclear war against Russia, that Ukraine deliberately targets the most vulnerable points of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, and that Washington has plans for preemptive nuclear strikes.

NATO, Nuclear issues, Invasion of Ukraine, War in Ukraine

18.10.2022

The US wants to disintegrate the EU through the war in Ukraine

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/the-us-wants-to-disintegrate-the-eu-through-the-war-in-ukraine

Sputnik Belarus

US, Ukraine, EU, USSR

Russian

The war in Ukraine is the US's way of disintegrating the EU, its major competitor. The US is using various methods which it used to apply in relations with the USSR.

A recurring pro-Kremlin narrative about the war in Ukraine and the US having malicious intentions towards Europe, trying to deflect responsibility for the war from Russia by claiming that the US would benefit from it and has a hidden agenda related to the war.This narrative, aimed at wedge driving between EU and the US, is often intertwined with the one about an alleged loss of sovereignty of the EU and its member states. Pro-Kremlin outlets often portray European states as vassals, puppet-states or colonies of the US. See our article Key Narratives in Pro-Kremlin Disinformation Part 3: ‘Lost Sovereignty’.Read similar disinformation cases claiming that EU and NATO member states are subordinate to the US, while the US has long regarded the EU as a kind of protectorate, that lined up with the US, the EU never took independent decisions, that Europe is a colony of the United States, that When the US orders, the EU complies.

War in Ukraine, Conspiracy theory

18.10.2022

Belarus and Russia prevent NATO countries taking over Western Ukraine

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/belarus-and-russia-prevent-nato-countries-taking-over-western-ukraine

Sputnik Latvia - Russian 2,sputnik.by

Belarus, Russia, Ukraine

Latvian, Russian

NATO and militarised Ukraine remain existential threats to Minsk and Moscow. The strategy of Belarus and Russia cools down the plans of eastern European NATO countries to take over western Ukraine. Russia can station Kinzhal hyper-sound missiles and tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. The mighty military grouping of Belarus and Russia will be sufficient to cut most supply routes to Ukraine and accelerate the capitulation of the Kyiv regime. Hence, the joint military grouping will serve as a new guarantor of stability in Europe.

Recurrent pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives, presenting NATO and Ukraine as aggressive and aiming to confound the reality of Russia's unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine.NATO countries adhere to international law regarding state borders, fully support the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and do not have any territorial claims against it. The claims about NATO's possible aggression against Ukraine are aimed at justifying the expansion of the Russian military into Belarus’s territory.Belarusian ruler Alexander Lukashenko announced in early October 2022 that a joint unit of Belarusian forces with the Russian army will be dispatched in Belarus and that the troops would deploy near the Ukrainian border, citing what he said were threats from Ukraine and the West. On October 16, 2022, the Defence Ministry in Minsk said just under 9,000 Russian troops would be stationed in Belarus.Russia started an unprovoked war in Europe, capturing more and more territories of a neighbouring country and has created a serious danger to European security. The stationing of Russian troops and deadly weaponry on the territory of Belarus only aggravates security risks. 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.

NATO, Conspiracy theory, War in Ukraine, Nuclear issues

17.10.2022

Steadfast Noon exercise is a general rehearsal for WWIII

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/steadfast-noon-exercise-is-a-general-rehearsal-for-wwiii

Russia, US, EU

Countries and/or Regions discussed in the disinformation: Russia, US, EU

The maneuvers are not taking place at a declared safe distance from Russia (1,000 km), but within the range of strategic nuclear weapons that can reach Moscow and other major cities in the western part of Russia.The events in Ukraine (as well as in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Libya, and Yugoslavia) show that NATO is an instrument of escalation and is not geared for anything else. Steadfast Noon maneuvers are an absolute threat to Russia, Europe and the world.Besides, during the Steadfast Noon maneuvers, man-made disasters, lightning strikes, fires, and even terrorist attacks by Ukrainian special services are not ruled out in order to involve NATO in a direct military conflict with Russia.The bloc's internal divisions heighten doubts about the technological safety of the Steadfast Noon war games. There is wide scope for a possible escalation here, and not a single argument in favour of strengthening peace and security.Steadfast Noon is a dress rehearsal for World War III, in which the US and NATO are doomed.

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about NATO and its military exercises.The Steadfast Noon is a routine training activity, not linked to any current world events. The exercise involves training flights of fighter jets, as well as surveillance and refuelling aircraft. No live weapons are used. NATO is a defensive political and military alliance. The primary aim of the alliance is to maintain peace and safeguard the independence, security and territorial integrity of its members. NATO’s official policy is that "the Alliance does not seek confrontation and poses no threat to Russia." The Alliance also follows strict procedures and emphasises transparency during military training exercises, which are announced months in advance and are subject to international scrutiny. NATO's exercises and military deployments are not directed against Russia – or any other country. Exercises are designed to ensure that NATO forces are trained, able to operate together and ready to respond to any threat from any direction.NATO as an organisation is not involved in fighting in Ukraine. NATO member states provide Ukraine with military assistance to repel the unprovoked Russian aggression and not because of their alleged animosity towards Russia.At the Madrid Summit, NATO Leaders stated that the Alliance will continue political and practical support to Ukraine "as it continues to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity against Russian aggression. In the longer term, we will assist Ukraine, and support efforts on its path of post-war reconstruction and reforms."Since Russia began its aggressive and unprovoked actions against Ukraine, Russian officials have accused NATO of a series of threats and hostile actions. Read here about Russian Myths on NATO.See similar disinformation case alleging that secret NATO exercise Steadfast Noon 2021 aims to turn Europe into Hiroshima. Further disinformation claims about military exercises here.

17.10.2022

Events in Haiti are “planned chaos” to execute foreign intervention

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/events-in-haiti-are-planned-chaos-to-execute-foreign-intervention

sputniknews.lat

Haiti, US

Spanish

Everything that is taking place in Haiti is “planned chaos” to be able to execute an international intervention.

Conspiracy theory not backed by any evidence, aiming to support a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about an imperialist West.UN Secretary General António Guterres called on 10 October 2022 for ‘enhanced security support’ for Haiti and ‘a rapid action force” to help the country’s government to deal with increasing instability fuelled by gang violence. This call was made days after Haitian interim prime minister Ariel Henry had requested a foreign armed intervention to stabilize the country. As a result, the United States drafted a United Nations Security Council resolution encouraging the “immediate deployment of a multinational rapid action force” to Haiti, according to The Miami Herald. The measure led to violent protests and was rejected by some civil society groups and humanitarian organisations. However, nothing suggests any international hand behind destabilising events in Haiti. Actually, the situation of instability was largely created by violent armed gangs that have been a serious problem in the country for a long time, including the group of Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier, whose G9 gang confederation blocked the so-called Varreux fuel terminal in late September. These actions have “directly contributed to the economic paralysis and humanitarian crisis in Haiti”, according to a UN Security Council resolution drafted by Mexico and the US to impose sanctions on Cherizier and other gang members.Pro-Kremlin outlets have been spreading disinformation for a long time about the role of the international community in Haiti, including multiple claims that the US and Colombian governments were directly involved in the murder of Haitian president Jovenel Moïse.

UN, Imperialism/colonialism, Chaos

17.10.2022

The West wanted to destroy the Russian economy, but instead destroyed the economies of the EU and US

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/the-west-wanted-to-destroy-the-russian-economy-but-instead-destroyed-the-economies-of-the-eu-and-us

baltnews.com

Russia, US, EU, Ukraine

Russian

When Russia started the special operation in Ukraine, the US and its satellites waged an economic war of sanctions against Russia. The Western world wants to destroy Russian industries but as opposed economics of the US and the EU are in way of degradation.

Recurring disinformation about Western sanctions on Russia and war in Ukraine.The EU and other countries around the world adopted several sanction packages against Russia due to its illegal aggression and occupation of Ukrainian territories. Not all trades restrictions are yet enforced as the energy sector needs longer transition periods, so it is too early to assess the full effect of the sanctions. However, it is incorrect to state that Russian economy would be barely affected or would even benefit from the sanctions. Otherwise, the Russian leadership would not feel the need to constantly demand the sanctions be removed.It is also Russia's unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine that is hurting the global economy, and not sanctions against Russia. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has destabilised global food markets and is driving food prices up due to increased cost of production, transport and freight insurance. Russia has also destroyed substantial food stocks, production, as well as processing and transport capacities in Ukraine. It also affects the economy of the EU but there are no signs of “destruction”. A recent study from Yale University takes a detailed look into the effects sanctions are having on the Russian economy, concluding that "business retreats and sanctions are catastrophically crippling the Russian economy."See also the assessment of EU HRVP Josep Borrell demonstrating that sanction policy is working and strongly impacts Russian economy.See similar cases about Western sanctions on Russia: If the West wants to assist Russia and China, they should add more sanctions; EU sanctions are hurting Europe more than Russia; Anti-Russian sanctions are illegal pressure.

West, Sanctions, economy, War in Ukraine

17.10.2022

Ukrainians are the new Nazis, their actions directed by Europe against Russia

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/ukrainians-are-the-new-nazis-their-actions-directed-by-europe-against-russia

tass.ru

Ukraine, Europe, Germany

Russian

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is acting against Russia on the orders of third countries.The German Nazism under Adolf Hitler united most of the countries of Europe to attack and destroy the Soviet Union. Now approximately the same group of countries supports Zelensky.The new Nazis in Ukraine are gathered under the same banners of the SS divisions and the swastika. These Nazi symbols are tattooed on Ukrainian soldiers' bodies and even adorns the bracelet of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valery Zaluzhny.

For years, and especially since the full-scale invasion of 24 February 2022, pro-Kremlin media has been calling to wipe Ukraine off the map, and dehumanising its people, smearing them as “Nazis” who need to be “denazified”. This case is one more example of this. During the WWII, the alliance with Hitler was exactly the opposite: according to a secret additional protocol to the non-aggression pact between Nazi Germany and the USSR, concluded on August 23, 1939, the Stalin and Hitler regimes agreed to divide Europe among themselves. In September1939 both USSR and Germany invaded Poland starting WWII. Moreover, the initiative for this agreement came from Stalin. According to the memoirs by Vladimir Pavlov, who was Stalin’s personal translator at that meeting, German nazi foreign minister Ribbentrop brought only the text of the main treaty (on non-aggression), but Stalin said: “Additional agreements are needed for this treaty, about which we will not publish anything anywhere.” The text of the protocol was immediately drawn up, which was edited, printed and signed. Stalin stressed several times that this highly secret agreement should never be disclosed by anyone. Until today, most Russians ignore the existence of the pact. It was not made public The pact brought devastation to the states and regions that were carved up, resulted in the deportation and killing of thousands from those areas, and paved the way for the Soviet domination of Eastern Europe behind the Iron Curtain after the war's end in 1945.Throughout the war, most of the countries of Europe fought against Germany, and not together, as the disinformation narrative pretends. In addition to Italy and Germany, the European allies of the Axis countries were Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania (until 1944, when a coup took place in the country) and Finland (which waged a defensive war against the USSR since 1939). Slovakia and Croatia, which gained formal independence after the German attack on Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia, respectively, were actually under German control (much like the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics today), so the "voluntariness" of their participation in the war is a big question. But the anti-Hitler coalition from European countries included Albania, Belgium, Great Britain, Greece, Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, France, Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia.As for accusations of Ukrainians of wearing nazi symblos today, this is a fabrication from pro-Kremlin media. The myth of Nazi-ruled Ukraine has been the cornerstone of Russian disinformation about the country since the very beginning of the 2013-14 Euromaidan protests, when it was used to discredit the pro-European popular uprising in Kyiv and, subsequently, the broader pro-Western shift in Ukraine's foreign policy.In 2015 Ukraine issued a ban on Nazi and Communist ideologies. On top of that, the far-right groups had a limited presence during the Euromaidan protests and have suffered defeats in every national election after that, with a united front of all radical right-wing parties in the 2019 parliamentary elections winning only 2.15% of the vote falling far short of the 5% minimum guaranteeing entry into parliament.See also: A History of Defamation: key Russian narratives on Ukrainian sovereignty .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.

Nazi/Fascist

17.10.2022

Steadfast Noon drill is West's rehearsal for WWIII

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/steadfast-noon-drill-is-wests-rehearsal-for-wwiii

Russia, US, Ukraine

Countries and/or Regions discussed in the disinformation: Russia, US, Ukraine

The Steadfast Noon military drill is a rehearsal for WWIII, in which the US and Nato will be doomed. Only madmen can flex their nuclear muscles close to Russia’s borders. The drills are threatening Russia, Europe, and the world. Military maneuvers are taking place within the boundaries of the military use of strategic nuclear weapons against Moscow and other large Russian cities. Russia cannot know for sure if the US planes over Europe are carrying nuclear missiles or not. Other than that, technological catastrophes and even terrorist acts of Ukrainian special forces cannot be ruled out during the Steadfast Noon drills.

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about NATO and its military exercises. The claim is also voiced as part of a Kremlin attempt to mobilise domestic Russian support for its war in Ukraine by deliberately playing on the scare factor of NATO in the eyes of the Russian audience.Steadfast Noon is a routine training activity, not linked to any current world events. The exercise involves training flights of fighter jets, as well as surveillance and refuelling aircraft. No live weapons are used.NATO is a defensive political and military alliance. The primary aim of the alliance is to maintain peace and safeguard the independence, security and territorial integrity of its members. NATO’s official policy is that "the Alliance does not seek confrontation and poses no threat to Russia." The Alliance also follows strict procedures and emphasises transparency during military training exercises, which are announced months in advance and are subject to international scrutiny. NATO's exercises and military deployments are not directed against Russia – or any other country. Exercises are designed to ensure that NATO forces are trained, able to operate together and ready to respond to any threat from any direction.NATO as an organisation is not involved in fighting in Ukraine. NATO member states provide Ukraine with military assistance to repel the unprovoked Russian aggression and not because of their alleged animosity towards Russia.At the Madrid Summit, NATO Leaders stated that the Alliance will continue political and practical support to Ukraine "as it continues to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity against Russian aggression. In the longer term, we will assist Ukraine, and support efforts on its path of post-war reconstruction and reforms."Since Russia began its aggressive and unprovoked actions against Ukraine, Russian officials have accused NATO of a series of threats and hostile actions. Read here about Russian Myths on NATO.See similar disinformation case alleging that secret NATO exercise Steadfast Noon 2021 aims to turn Europe into Hiroshima. Further disinformation claims about military exercises here.Technical remark: This disinformation was broadcast via Sputnik on 17 October 2022. Due to the EU decision to restrict the spread and dissemination of RT and Sputnik inside the EU, access to the link may not work inside the EU.

17.10.2022

Putin's offensive a response to the terrorist campaign launched by Kyiv junta

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/putins-offensive-a-response-to-the-terrorist-campaign-launched-by-kyiv-junta

geopolitika.ru

Russia, Ukraine

Italian

Putin's offensive in Ukraine is aimed at destroying the country's infrastructure. This is as a response to the terrorist campaign launched by the Kyiv junta, before Moscow has always used a soft strategy on the military side.

The claim is part of an ongoing pro-Kremlin disinformation campaign concerning Russia’s criminal invasion of Ukraine.At least 14 people have died and 95 were injured during the strikes of Monday the 10th of October. A children's playground was among Russia's targets, not just infrastructure.There is rich evidence that Russia is committing war crimes in Ukraine, such as the shelling of shopping malls, killing civilians, raping, as well as using imprecise weapons.From 24 February 2022, when the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine started, to 9 October 2022, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) recorded 15,592 civilian casualties in the country: 6,221 killed and 9,371 injured.A non-exhaustive list of the Russian Army’s exploits in Ukraine includes the rape and torture of children; massacres of civilians; deliberate attacks against non-combatants; widespread use of cluster munitions in civilian areas; hospital bombings; forced disappearances and torture of civilians; mass deportations to Russia; and attacks on cultural heritage sites.Evidence of these crimes, which continues to mount daily, is being recorded by Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and others.See similar cases claiming that Russia's missile strikes are selective and humane not to hurt civilians and that Recent strikes were aimed legitimate targets under the laws of war.

War in Ukraine, Military, Invasion of Ukraine, war crimes

17.10.2022

The West employed hybrid warfare against Russia in the UN General Assembly

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/the-west-employed-hybrid-warfare-against-russia-in-the-un-general-assembly

sputniknews.lat

Russia, US

Spanish

Russia faced a new Western hybrid warfare blow in the UN General Assembly. The resolution against the referenda [in the occupied territories of Ukraine] took place after the US pressured the member states to support the resolution introduced by Albania and Ukraine. The idea of an isolated Russia is implausible and is only a part of the narrative promoted by the big Western media corporations to show a “defeated Russia”.

This pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative aims to distract attention from the fact that on 12 October 2022 the UN General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to condemn Russia’s annexation of four regions of Ukraine. The UN resolution was supported by 143 countries and rejected only by 4, while 35 other states abstained. By claiming the West pressured UN member states to support the resolution and framing this as a “hybrid warfare blow” -for which no evidence is provided-, this disinformation story tries to provide an “explanation” to what is a clear international rebuke to Russia’s illicit move.Accusing international institutions of having an anti-Russian bias is a frequent pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative. See other examples in our database, such as claims that any international tribunal should be for Ukrainian Nazis, not for Russia, that OSCE is a criminal organisation that is in favour of war in Donbas, that World Anti-Doping Agency’s accusations are Russophobic provocations, or that OPCW has become a tool in the hands of hostile countries.

UN, illegal annexation, Hybrid war, West, Diplomacy with Russia, Anti-Russian

17.10.2022

Zelensky’s team is a bloody dictatorship waging the civil war in Ukraine

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/zelenskys-team-is-a-bloody-dictatorship-waging-the-civil-war-in-ukraine

Laivaslaikrastis.lt

Ukraine

Lithuanian

The “team of Zelensky” is a bloody dictatorship. They killed thousands of their own citizens. The war did not begin in February 2022. The war has been going on for eight years, since armed bandits in Kyiv seized political power. Then began the civil war in Ukraine. Ukrainians openly speak about the “utilisation of Russians” in Donetsk.

The message presents a collection of by now well-known and widely debunked disinformation narratives about Ukraine and Russia's full-on war on Ukraine.There was no coup d'état in Ukraine. The spontaneous onset of the Euromaidan protests was an organic reaction by numerous parts of the Ukrainian population to former President Yanukovych’s sudden departure from the promised Association Agreement with the European Union in November 2013. See the full debunk of this disinformation claim here.Ukraine is not a dictatorship. Volodymyr Zelenskyy was elected during free democratic elections in 2019. He supported more than 73 per cent of voters. Petro Poroshenko, head of Ukraine from 2014 to 2019, was not re-elected and lost elections with the result of 23 per cent of support.There is no civil war in Ukraine. Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity have been violated by continuous acts of aggression by Russian armed forces since 2014. Russia is also responsible for the outbreak of the conflict in 2014, after having illegally annexed the Crimean peninsula and engineered the creation of rebel militias in Donetsk, Luhansk and other places, with its army actively participating in military clashes. Finally, on February 24, 2022, Russia started unprovoked military aggression against Ukraine.For more information see EU vs Disinfo's Guide to Deciphering Pro-Kremlin disinformation around Putin's War.

War in Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, Dictatorship, Civil war, Euromaidan

17.10.2022

Heroic videos of Zelenskyy in dangerous places are actually filmed in a studio

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/heroic-videos-of-zelenskyy-in-dangerous-places-are-actually-filmed-in-a-studio

t.me

Ukraine, Russia, EU, US

Russian

We have seen hundreds of messages from Volodymyr Zelenskyy in different scenarios. Places where, due to his previous jobs, Ukraine’s President is in his element. And it seems that Zelenskyy hasn’t abandoned the show business. On 12 October, a video was released showing how many of these messages are actually filmed. A chroma, a team of foreign technicians and directors who advise the “president-actor” on how to pose in front of cameras, a bit of editing, and the image of a “superhero” is ready!But the scenography in the conflict of Ukraine doesn’t end here. This is how the Western press prefabricates its coverage of the “victims of Russian bombings”.

The claim is demonstrably false and intende to discredit the Ukrainian president. The footage used as “proof” in this disinformation story belongs to a moment when the Ukrainian president posed in front of a chroma screen in order to appear as a hologram in several tech festivals throughout the world in June 2022, an episode that was widely reported at the time. The video used as “evidence” was released on social media by Talesmith, the technological firm that made it possible, and in no way shows what this disinformation story alleges. A classic disinfo trick of taking things out of context. The second purpose of this disinformation narrative is to create doubts about reports on Russian atrocities in Ukraine, despite massive evidence proving them including witness and victims' testimonies, video footage, satellite images and forensic findings. On 23 September 2022, the UN reported that its investigators concluded that Russia had committed multiple war crimes in Ukraine, including bombings of civilian areas, executions, torture and sexual violence.See other examples of similar disinformation narratives, such as claims that the West fights Russia through psy-ops like Bucha and the Mariupol maternity hospital, that Russian war crimes in Bucha were staged by a music channel director, that ‘Izyum atrocities’ were staged by Ukraine through controlled media, or that Zelenskyy is only a marketing operation, a Jewish face for a Nazi regime.

Volodymyr Zelensky, Information war, fake news, War in Ukraine, Invasion of Ukraine, war crimes

15.10.2022

By attacking Nord Stream and the Crimean Bridge the West has crossed a dangerous line

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/by-attacking-nord-stream-and-the-crimean-bridge-the-west-has-crossed-a-dangerous-line

news.am,gazeta.ru,iz.ru,ren.tv,tass.ru

Russia

Armenian, Russian

If we talk about attacks on Nord Stream 2, as well as on the Crimean Bridge, then it is a signal that the West has obviously crossed a very dangerous line.According to the doctrines of the same NATO countries, “damaging critical infrastructure facilities is regarded as an act of armed attack, which implies a conventional response” with the use of armed forces. The conclusion is that this was a step towards further escalation.

Conspiracy theory and unsubstantiated claim from pro-Kremlin outlets accusing the West of being responsible for the explosions of the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines and the Crimean bridge. There is no evidence that any Western country is linked to the explosions and the leaks.On 26 September 2022, the NS1 and the NS2 pipelines both ruptured. Denmark and Sweden view the Nord Stream pipeline leaks as 'deliberate actions'. Sweden, Germany and Denmark opened an investigation into the incident. This is the first step in determining what caused the leaks. Anything before that would be mere speculation and conspiracy theory. As for the Crimean bridge explosion, the pro-Kremlin disinformation machine turned to the same tactic of sowing confusion it has employed regarding the leaks in Nord Stream pipelines (see also our article Nord Stream 1 & 2 sabotage - disinformation a la MH-17)? First, it spread various versions as to the cause of the explosion, then implied Western interference and culpability, and finally used the explosion to marshal its vengeance towards Ukraine. Read another one of our articles Firing missiles while talking peace.The goal of this disinformation narrative is to denigrate Ukraine by portraying it as fully controlled by the West which goes for more escalation. Russia has also been pushing the narrative that it is fighting not only Ukraine but also NATO and the West as a whole for a long time.See similar cases in our database: West is behind Crimea bridge explosion; Kerch bridge: Ukraine is a proxy in the West's war against Russia; Attack on the Crimea bridge was coordinated with foreign intelligence services; Anglo-Saxons behind explosions of Crimea bridge and Nord Stream pipelines; The Nord Stream explosions bear a Western mark.

West, Nord Stream 2, security threat, Anti-Russian, War in Ukraine, Invasion of Ukraine, Crimea, Conspiracy theory

14.10.2022

NATO’s eastward expansion is a serious security threat to Russia

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/natos-eastward-expansion-is-a-serious-security-threat-to-russia

oroszhirek.hu

Russia, Europe, Ukraine

Hungarian

Russia sees NATO's eastward expansion as a serious security threat. When Moscow launched a military offensive against Kyiv at the end of February, one of its main demands was that Ukraine formally declare itself a neutral country that would never join any Western military alliance.

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about NATO, portraying it as a belligerent organisation.The claim about NATO "expansion" misrepresents the process of NATO enlargement. NATO does not "expand" but considers the applications of candidate countries that want to join. NATO is a defensive alliance with primary aims to maintain peace and safeguard the independence, security and territorial integrity of its members. NATO constitutes a system of collective defence whereby its member states agree to mutual defence in response to an attack by any external party. NATO's official policy is that "the Alliance does not seek confrontation and poses no threat to Russia."Ukraine is a sovereign country with its own national interests. It is not controlled by any Western government or organisation. Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are respected by almost the whole world with Russia as the key exception. Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity have been violated by continuous acts of aggression by Russian armed forces since 2014 and culminated in an aggressive attack on a neighbouring country on February 24, 2022.See similar cases in our database: The role of NATO is to increase the confrontation with Russia; NATO aims to destabilise Europe; Russophobic Baltic NATO-States responsible for turning defensive NATO-alliance into a confrontation with Russia; NATO is leading humanity to WWIII.

EU/NATO enlargement, NATO, security threat, Invasion of Ukraine

14.10.2022

Ukraine is a terrorist state

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/ukraine-is-a-terrorist-state2

francais.rt.com,fr.news-front.info

Russia, Ukraine

French

By the voice of its foreign affairs minister, Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine recognized that its regime uses terrorism. The prankers Vladimir Kuznetsov (Vovan) et Alexeï Stoliarov (Lexus) obtained this declaration through a Zoom meeting recently.

Pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative aiming to discredit Ukraine and justify the criminal invasion of the country, as well as and the use of terrorism by Russia that lead to a PACE resolution on 13 October 2022.The definition of terrorism is the use of violence to create a state of terror in the population to achieve a political goal. Britannica encyclopedia defines it as follows: Terrorism, the calculated use of violence to create a general climate of fear in a population and thereby to bring about a particular political objective.The declaration of Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, “it's us” is not clear, since it is a fragment of a private conversation with prankers who used an identity usurpation to obtain this fragment. Though, if it refers to the explosions that targeted military base, airfields, storage facilities of fuel and ammunition used in the illegal war against Ukraine, or ways of communications that are used for the purpose of this invasion, those targets are legitime military targets to defend the country and it doesn’t create any terror state in the Russian population, it only hinders the military efforts against Ukraine. On the opposite, the use of terrorism has been documented in Russia and on 13 October 2022 the PACE recognized the Russian regime as terrorist.The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted a resolution in which it recognized the Russian regime as a terrorist. People's deputy of Ukraine Oleksiy Goncharenko reported this in Telegram. 99 delegates voted "for" and one abstained.Read also related cases: Kyiv commits wild provocations and crimes to get West’s attention, The Kyiv regime actions around the Zaporizhzhia NPP is nuclear terrorism, Ukraine plans terrorist attacks to sow panic in Russia.

Invasion of Ukraine, War in Ukraine, Terrorism, Maria Zakharova

14.10.2022

Entire European cities could freeze in winter

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/entire-european-cities-could-freeze-in-winter

oroszhirek.hu

EU, Russia

Hungarian

Entire European cities could freeze in winter. No one can guarantee that Europe will survive the winter with the current level of gas reserves.

Pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative on the energy crisis in Europe amid the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine, subsequent Western sanctions on Russia and Russian retaliatory measures reducing gas supplies. This narrative plays into the Kremlin's claims that the West is collapsing. Kremlin seeks to pressure and blackmail the European governments and create public panic over energy insecurity / energy costs.Meanwhile EU member states have adopted a regulation to fill gas storages and share them in a spirit of solidarity, diversified supply sources and committed to reducing gas demand by 15% this winter. Despite recent events, and in particular the attacks on the Nord Stream Pipelines, Europe is prepared to face this winter. EU underground gas reserves have been filled by almost 90% of their capacity, well ahead of the 1 November deadline set in the gas storage regulation. This means that with the predicted gas consumption reduction and filled gas reserves, Europe won’t be out of gas for the winter even without Russian gas.See more disinformation cases on energy issues amid invasion of Ukraine.

gas, European Union

13.10.2022

Embassies evacuate from Kyiv after the missile attack

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/embassies-evacuate-from-kyiv-after-the-missile-attack

asd.news

Ukraine

Russian

Foreign embassies are already leaving Kyiv. By the way, this made Zelenskyy very sad because he needs a foreign audience like air. He began to beg Washington's and London's embassies to stay in the Ukrainian capital.

No evidence given. Pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about Ukraine, suggesting that the country is abandoned by its partners. No embassy left the Ukrainian capital after the brutal Russian missile attack on October 10. Foreign leaders and ambassadors expressed support to Ukraine, condemned Russia's attack, and pledged further support to Ukraine and its army. Read similar cases alleging that the West is tired of Ukrainian conflict, that Russia's missile strikes are selective and humane, or that recent strikes were aimed at legitimate targets under laws of war.

Invasion of Ukraine, War in Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, Abandoned Ukraine

13.10.2022

The West ensured the adoption of the anti-Russian UN resolution by diplomatic terror and arm-twisting

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/the-west-ensured-the-adoption-of-the-anti-russian-un-resolution-by-diplomatic-terror-and-arm-twisting

news.am,news.am,news.ru,tass.ru,Kommersant

Russia

Armenian, Russian

The West was able to ensure the adoption of the anti-Russian resolution by the UNGA only by methods of diplomatic terror and arm-twisting.The methods of diplomatic terror were used by the West, shamelessly, frankly arm-twisting, threatening developing countries with all sorts of punishments. Only such undisguised blackmail and threats managed to ensure the result.

Recurring narrative on the West campaigning against Russia. On 12 October, 2022, with 143 votes in favour, 5 against, the UN General Assembly adopts Resolution condemning Russian Federation’s annexation of four eastern Ukraine regions: Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia. It was the highest number of votes against Russia since the invasion."These acts are a violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and inconsistent with the principles of the United Nations Charter", the Assembly declared. It called on all States, international organisations and United Nations agencies not to recognise any alteration by the Russian Federation of the status of the four regions of Ukraine.Only 5 countries (Belarus, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Nicaragua, Russian Federation, Syria) voted against the resolution. The countries which voted with Russia all have a longstanding stance of criticising Western governments. Belarus is considered a satellite state of its neighbour and ally, and its territory was used in Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February.China and India have attempted to remain neutral on the conflict. Parties that abstained from the vote included 19 nations in Africa. Many African countries have avoided taking sides in the war - which has been seen as a reflection of efforts to maintain longstanding trade ties, or of historic non-alignment policies.Lobbying is a usual practice in international relations. The Russian Federation itself also actively lobbies its interests. e.g. three of four states that were visited by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in July - Congo-Brazzaville, Ethiopia and Uganda - chose to abstain.Meanwhile, all four nations that featured on a recent trip by Ukraine's own foreign minister - Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya and Senegal - voted at the UN to condemn Russia.

West, Anti-Russian, Sergei Lavrov, UN, Invasion of Ukraine, War in Ukraine, illegal annexation, United Nations

13.10.2022

Zelensky regime is building a dirty bomb

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/zelensky-regime-is-building-a-dirty-bomb

asd.news

Ukraine

Russian

Recently, Ukrainian sources have reported that Zelensky's office is working on a dirty bomb, with the help of which it also hopes to take the conflict to a new level.

Conspiracy theory. Recurring disinformation about the president of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accusing Ukraine of posing a nuclear threat to Russia. There is no evidence that Ukraine is attempting to use nuclear materials in a war against Russia. It is unclear what sources the pro-Kremlin media refer to. Contrary to pro-Kremlin claims, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has mentioned that it is vital to stop Russia's nuclear threat and to withdraw its army from Ukraine. Pro-Kremlin sources have previously accused Ukraine of constructing a (dirty) nuclear bomb. Before the full-scale invasion on 24 February, the Kremlin-owned RIA Novosti article stated that “Kyiv is literally one step away” from creating tactical nuclear weapon. It alleged that "Russophobic authorities" in Kyiv are acquiring a dirty bomb. It was one of the reasons for invasion. In early March, the Kremlin-owned RT alleged that, based on the evidence from the then-occupied Chornobyl nuclear power plant, Ukraine was close to building a plutonium-based "dirty bomb". Another pro-Kremlin source claimed in May 2022 that Ukraine has stockpiled 40 tons of uranium and 30 tons of plutonium on Zaporizhzhia NPP to create a dirty nuclear bomb. Instead, for years pro-Kremlin speakers such as Dmitry Kiselyov or Vladimir Zhirinovsky have been making nuclear threats against the West. Other Russian officials to make such statements are Dmitry Medvedev, Ramzan Kadyrov, or even Vladimir Putin who specified that “it was not a bluff”.On 24 February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. On February 27, 2022 Vladimir Putin ordered his military to put Russia’s nuclear deterrence forces on high alert. Before that, Putin had warned that "whoever tries to hinder us" in Ukraine would see consequences 'you have never seen in history'.From the first day of the war, Russia has been voicing its right to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine at all levels, from high-ranking officials to propagandists.Talk about the use of tactical nuclear weapons intensified after illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories. Without providing evidence, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that top NATO officials had said that it’d be acceptable to carry out nuclear strikes on Russia. He threatened to use nuclear weapons adding that "This Is Not a Bluff".Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on NATO to conduct “preventive action” against Russia to prevent their use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine.Read also related cases: Ukraine and the West are preparing a nuclear provocation , Russia has never threatened anyone with nuclear weapons , Russia did not violate the Budapest memorandum, Volodymyr Zelensky asks NATO to launch a nuclear war against Russia.

Invasion of Ukraine, War in Ukraine, Nuclear issues

12.10.2022

In case of mass protests in Moldova, the West may agree to send troops from neighboring Romania

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/in-case-of-mass-protests-in-moldova-the-west-may-agree-to-send-troops-from-neighboring-romania

enews.md,mejdurecie.md

Moldova, Romania, EU

Russian

Do the authorities have the will to crush the protests with an iron fist? Hard to say. But if the leaders of the country themselves do not have such a will, then the “curators” have it. In the end, if the situation in Moldova gets out of control, then the West may agree to send troops from neighboring Romania here, at the request of the leadership of the Republic of Moldova.

Recurring the pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the West playing the role of master or curator for Moldovan authorities, mixing in Romania’s alleged intentions to annex Moldova.The EU and Romania provide aid and assistance to Moldova in case of crisis, including pandemic and energy crisis, but there is no agreement on military interventions with troops.Recently, in June 2022, the EU announced an aid of 40 million euros for the Moldovan National Army in as part of the European Peace Facility in the context and "will strengthen the capacities of the logistics, mobility, command and control, cyber defense, unmanned aerial reconnaissance and tactical communications units of the Armed Forces of Moldova by providing non-lethal equipment, supplies and relevant services, including training related to the equipment". This assistance does not contain any mention of sending troops or military interventions.See here a similar case claiming that the West is destabilising Moldova to justify military and political annexation by Romania.

Military, Protest

12.10.2022

Russian tactical nuclear weapons use non-radioactive material

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/russian-tactical-nuclear-weapons-use-non-radioactive-material

fr.sputniknews.africa,VK.com Resource

Russia, US

French, Russian

Russian tactical nuclear weapons use depleted uranium which, while having a high capacity for destruction, cannot be considered for strategic use. On the contrary, strategic nuclear weapons use highly enriched uranium to deliver the destructive capacity. Because the detonation of strategic nuclear weapons also create vast solid and gaseous radioactive fallout, which can endanger Russian territories, Russia is unlikely to use strategic nuclear weapons on the battlefield. Tactical nuclear weapons could be used more safely and effectively.

Pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative on nuclear issues, well in line with previously deployed information manipulation tactic of nuclear fearmongering. See also here and here. Both tactical and strategic nuclear weapons are made of radioactive material. The difference between strategic and tactical weapons lies in the size of the explosive yield and the range of its vector. Depleted uranium is used in armour-piercing shells and bombs, to give them more kinetic, penetrating power, but these are conventional weapons and cannot be considered as tactical nuclear weapons. The existence of any non-radioactive Russian tactical nuclear bombs has not been documented. In fact, a "non-radioactive nuclear weapon" is an oxymoron: any weapon using non-radioactive material for explosive capability cannot be nuclear.NATO doesn’t threaten Russia in Eastern Europe, nor has it initiated a conflict with Russia, nor has it fought and failed. Admiral Rob Bauer, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, said in September 2022: "No, NATO is not at war with Russia. I have to be very clear about that. <...> If Russia would attack one of our allies, then it is absolutely clear, and we make that as clear as we can to Russia, that we would defend every inch of allied territory. Then Russia and NATO will be in a conflict. But until that moment, NATO is not at war with Russia."Read also related cases: Russia fighting NATO in Ukraine, not Ukrainian army, Two Caesar howitzers were sold to the enemy and are now studied in Russia, The West is in decay, only Russian civilisation can save the world from collapse.

West, Russian superiority, Military, security threat, Invasion of Ukraine, NATO, Azov sea, Baltic states, Nuclear issues

12.10.2022

Russia's missile strikes are selective and humane not to hurt civilians

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/russias-missile-strikes-are-selective-and-humane-not-to-hurt-civilians

kp.ru

Ukraine

Russian

The Russian military carried out strikes with high-precision weapons at objects where there were no civilians. It is Putin and Russia, and not Zelensky and Kyiv, who are striving to save the lives of peaceful Ukrainian citizens to the maximum.It was not a Russian cruise missile that flew into the same "Klitschko bridge" in Kyiv (from the impact of which a funnel would have been larger, and the bridge itself would not have resisted), but a Ukrainian air defense missile. There was no missile attack on any nuclear power plant or hydroelectric power plant in Ukraine, which could lead to unpredictable consequences with a large number of casualties among the population.

Recurring pro-Kremlin narratives on the absolute absence of civilian causalities due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. At that Vladimir Putin admitted Russia bombs the civilian infrastructure in retaliation to the explosion of the Kerch bridge.There is rich evidence that Russia is committing war crimes in Ukraine, such as the shelling of shopping malls, killing civilians, raping, as well as using imprecise weapons.From 24 February 2022, when the Russian Federation’s armed attack against Ukraine started, to 9 October 2022, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) recorded 15,592 civilian casualties in the country: 6,221 killed and 9,371 injured. On October 10, Russian strikes of the civilian infrastructure strikes killed at least 14 people in Ukraine and disrupted electricity in some regions. A pedestrian on Kyiv's Klichko bridge had a narrow escape when a Russian missile hit the walkway. No evidence is given that it was due to the Ukrainian anti-missile system.IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has said in April 2022 that Russian missiles over Ukraine's nuclear power plants could cause a nuclear accident.The site of the Rivne nuclear power plant (NPP) in the town of Varash in the Rivne region in western Ukraine was under fire on October 10. Ukrainian air defence systems was active to intercept drones and missiles.There is no evidence to support the claims that "the Ukronazis are shooting precisely at places where civilians potentially accumulate". The Ukrainian authorities did not systematically exterminate or abuse the people living in the conflict zone. The claimed dead people – military and civilian alike - are a result of a war Russia had started in Ukraine. It was not an internal civil conflict but a well-documented act of aggression by Russian armed forces, ongoing since February 2014. The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine which has closely monitored the conflict has observed no such genocide.See more disinformation cases on the invasion of Ukraine.

Invasion of Ukraine

12.10.2022

Troops of Belarus and Russia threaten Nato’s plans to occupy Western Ukraine

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/troops-of-belarus-and-russia-threaten-natos-plans-to-occupy-western-ukraine

Ukraine, Poland, Belarus, Russia

Countries and/or Regions discussed in the disinformation: Ukraine, Poland, Belarus, Russia

Polish troops, be it in agreement with the Kyiv regime or not, can occupy western Ukraine within days. Hypothetically, the mighty military grouping of Belarus and Russia is capable of putting Nato in Ukraine’s Volyn regime in a very uncomfortable situation. The Poles will not risk it. The US is very concerned about the ‘Belarusian front’ putting Nato in danger.

Recurrent pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives, challenging Ukraine’s statehood and presenting Poland as a state with imperial ambitions, aiming to confound the reality of Russia's unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine.This disinformation message has adopted several different and sometimes contradictory forms, including allegations that Poland wants either to create a puppet proxy-state in Western Ukraine or the annexation of these territories or that it is actually President Zelenskyy who wants to cede this land due to his “Polish origin”. This effort can be interpreted as an attempt to sow mistrust between Ukraine and Poland and other Western backers of Kyiv.Poland adheres to international law regarding state borders, fully supports the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and does not have any territorial claims against it. Read more about the Eastern policy of Poland here. The claims about possible Polish and Nato aggression against Ukraine are false; their goal is to justify the expansion of the Russian military on Belarus’s territory and to present Russia as the protector of Ukraine's territorial integrity, which is a complete distortion of reality.Belarusian ruler Alexander Lukashenko announced in early October 2022 that a joint unit of Belarusian forces with the Russian army will be dispatched in Belarus and that the troops would deploy near the Ukrainian border, citing what he said were threats from Ukraine and the West. On October 16 the Defence Ministry in Minsk said just under 9,000 Russian troops would be stationed in Belarus.Russia started an unprovoked war in Europe, capturing more and more territories of a neighbouring country and has created a serious danger to European security. As such, this Kremlin claim seeks to deflect attention away from Russia and its illegal annexation of Crimea and full-scale war 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.Technical remark: This disinformation was broadcast via Sputnik on 12 October 2022. Due to the EU decision to restrict the spread and dissemination of RT and Sputnik inside the EU, access to the link may not work inside the EU.

12.10.2022

Zelenskyy asked the West to nuke Russia to block any negotiation process

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/zelenskyy-asked-the-west-to-nuke-russia-to-block-any-negotiation-process

gerasanews.com,newsformy.com,newnews4.com,alghad.tv,arabic.rt.com,nabd.com,rtarabic.com

Ukraine, Russia

Arabic

Zelenskyy took steps to block any negotiation process. Recently, he has taken no less than four "extreme" moves to do so.First, he signed a paper to urgently admit Ukraine into the NATO; secondly, he rejected any negotiations with Moscow prior to the change of power in the Kremlin; third, he called on the West to carry out a preemptive nuclear strike against Russia; fourth was the terrorist attack on the Crimea bridge.

This disinformation claim came as a comment on the alleged call of Zelenskyy for NATO countries to launch a preemptive strike on Russia, before it used nuclear weapons against Ukraine. The claim that President Zelenskyy called for nuclear preventive strikes against Russia is incorrect and comes from a misinterpretation from a translated interview.In reality, neither the US nor the EU is interested in a nuclear scenario in Ukraine. Any nuclear explosion may have unpredictable consequences for the whole world. It is Russia who is making irresponsible hints and statements about the possibility of using nuclear arms in its war against Ukraine. According to Russia’s military doctrine, it can use such weapons “in response to the use of nuclear and other types of weapons of mass destruction against it and/or its allies, and also in case of aggression against Russia with the use of conventional weapons when the very existence of the state is threatened". Ukraine’s counter-offensive aimed at retaking its territories and its attacks on military facilities in the illegally annexed peninsula of Crimea are posing no existential threats to Russia, so it cannot use nuclear weapons, in accordance with its own doctrine.Russia is trying to keep the international community in suspense with contradictory statements about using nuclear weapons. Its Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia may apply its nuclear doctrine to protect newly occupied Ukrainian territories if they are enshrined in the Russian constitution. At the same time, President Vladimir Putin accused the West in his recent speech about the annexation of occupied Ukrainian territories of blackmail and intimidation. See similar stories that Volodymyr Zelensky asks NATO to launch a nuclear war against Russia, that Ukraine deliberately targets the most vulnerable points of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, and that Washington has plans for preemptive nuclear strikes.

Nuclear issues, Volodymyr Zelensky, War in Ukraine, Invasion of Ukraine

11.10.2022

EU mission in Armenia is an attempt to push out Russian mediation

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/eu-mission-in-armenia-is-an-attempt-to-push-out-russian-mediation

news.am,news.am,livenews.am

Armenia, Russia, Azerbaijan, EU

Armenian

The EU mission to Armenia is yet another attempt to intervene in the settlement of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, to put pressure on the mediation efforts of Russia.The EU does not think or care about the consequences such a mission for the existing mediation track between Yerevan and Baku or for the regional stability.Historically, the EU missions do not lead to a real settlement and are doomed to fail.

Pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about Russia as the ultimate target of international events, accusing the ever-aggressive West of having an anti-Russian agenda in the Caucasus. The article advances the claim that the Caucasus is exclusively within Russia's zone of geopolitical interests and attempts to discredit the recently announced EU mission. The claim attempts to preempt Russia's weakening position in the region.The EU monitoring Capacity in Armenia is not directed against Russia, or any third country. The EU Monitoring Capacity in Armenia will report on ceasefire related developments on the Armenian side of the internationally recognised border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. This will allow the EU to better support the work of the two parties’ border commissions. Based on the agreement by Armenia and Azerbaijan, the EU is closely involved in leading a peace process between both sides.The EU Monitoring Capacity responds to the agreement reached at the quadrilateral meeting between President Aliyev, Prime Minister Pashinyan, French President Macron and President of the European Council Michel.The decision to deploy the EU monitors on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan was made after the September 2022 escalation, when Azerbaijan attacked sovereign Armenia and occupied Armenian territories.Russia is a party of the trilateral 2020 ceasefire agreement and has been continuously mediating in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict since 1992. Russia also is a permanent member of the OSCE Minsk group. After the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, Azerbaijani government took a position that OSCE Minsk Group should no longer be dealing with the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as "it has been resolved". Armenia is a member of the CSTO, but the organisation did not properly respond to the escalation. Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan criticized the organisation for not responding to his country's requests for help in 2020, as well as in 2021, when Azerbaijani troops invaded Armenia. In September 2022, the organisation again refused assistance to Armenia after a corresponding appeal in connection with the armed aggression in the country by Azerbaijan.Moreover, the Russian military base stationed in Armenia under the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance of August 29, 1997, did not react either. Article 3 of the agreement provides that the parties will take all available measures to eliminate the threat to peace, or counteract attacks of aggression against them from another state and will provide each other with assistance, including military.

European Union, Maria Zakharova, Caucasus, Anti-Russian, Nagorno-Karabakh, OSCE, Territorial dispute

11.10.2022

Anglo-Americans transferred Daesh terrorists used in Syria to Ukraine

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/anglo-americans-transferred-daesh-terrorists-used-in-syria-to-ukraine

geopolitika.ru

Syria, Ukraine, US

Italian

Anglo-Americans and their Zionist friends regrouped and reorganised the facilities and assets used for Daesh training to use them for training and brainwashing Ukrainians in order to make them inhuman and evil pawns ready for any destruction. It is also known that the Anglo-Americans have transferred many of their terrorist loyalists from Syria to Ukraine to support Ukronazi units.

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the West’s alleged support for terrorism.No evidence given. In fact, instead of promoting the Islamic State, the US has been the leader of the global coalition to defeat it and is part of Operation Inherent Resolve to attack and degrade the capabilities of the group since 2014. However, this disinformation message aims to discredit US support to Ukrainian resistance -including financial and weapons supplies- against Russia’s aggression.See similar cases claiming that the West encouraged the creation of the Islamic State, who are its mercenaries; that the West is supporting terrorists to encircle Russia; that the US is transporting ISIS members to Afghanistan; that extremists and Nazis are being trained in Ukraine to act in Belarus and that the US is recruiting ISIS terrorists to fight in Ukraine.

Daesh, War in Ukraine, Syrian War, Terrorism, Invasion of Ukraine, Ukraine

11.10.2022

Recent strikes were aimed legitimate targets under the laws of war

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/recent-strikes-were-aimed-legitimate-targets-under-the-laws-of-war

sputniknews.com

Ukraine, Russia

English

In the eight months since the beginning of the special military operation in Ukraine, the Russian Army restricted the operation to Ukrainian military targets, and avoided fighting the conflict in the same way that the Ukrainian military has since it began its terror bombing and shelling civilians in the Donbass in 2014.Monday’s strikes were aimed at targets which are legitimate under the laws of war.

The claim is part of an ongoing pro-Kremlin disinformation campaign concerning Russia’s criminal invasion of Ukraine.The material and links may contain distressing/graphic content.At least 14 people have died and 95 were injured during the Monday strikes. Children's playground were among Russia's targets. As of 10 October 2022, the Russian aggression in Ukraine has resulted in at least 15,592 civilian casualties. A non-exhaustive list of the Russian Army’s exploits in Ukraine would include the rape and torture of children; massacres of civilians; deliberate attacks against non-combatants; widespread use of cluster munitions in civilian areas; hospital bombings; forced disappearances and torture of civilians; mass deportations to Russia; and attacks on cultural heritage sites.Evidence of these crimes, which continues to mount daily, is being recorded by Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and others.Concerning the claim that Kyiv is waging a "civil war" on its own civilians, the conflict is a well-documented act of aggression by Russian armed forces, ongoing since February 2014. There is irrefutable evidence of direct Russian military involvement in Eastern Ukraine, in the Donbas. Russia is supporting its proxies with weapons, its active-duty soldiers serve there and its top military commanders visit the war zone to coordinate joint efforts with the separatists.

War in Ukraine, Invasion of Ukraine, war crimes, Military

11.10.2022

Russia does not threaten anyone with nuclear weapons

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/russia-does-not-threaten-anyone-with-nuclear-weapons

iravunk.com,Pravda.ru ,runews24.ru

Russia

Armenian, Russian

Russia does not threaten anyone with the use of nuclear weapons.Western countries are actively using this rhetoric, trying to present Moscow as ready to strike with nuclear weapons. Against the backdrop of the events in Ukraine, the United States and its dependent states are actively replicating nuclear rhetoric. They are trying to create the impression that our country will be attacking with weapons of mass destruction. Once again, it must be clarified that Russia does not threaten anyone with the use of nuclear weapons.

Pro-Kremlin’s narrative denying its own nuclear threats and accusing the West of heating up a nuclear topic.This is not the first time the Kremlin’s manipulation and disinformation machine has used a deep-seated and very reasonable fear of a nuclear disaster to advance its political and military goals in Ukraine.On 24 February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. On February 27, 2022, Vladimir Putin ordered his military to put Russia’s nuclear deterrence forces on high alert. Before that, Putin had warned that "whoever tries to hinder us" in Ukraine would see consequences 'you have never seen in history'.The current Russian military strategy reserves the option to use nuclear weapons first. Russia's nuclear doctrine allows for a nuclear strike after "aggression against the Russian Federation with conventional weapons when the very existence of the state is threatened", if the state is at risk or possibly if Russia is losing a major war.From the first day of the war, Russia has been voicing its right to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine at all levels, from high-ranking officials to propagandists.Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian president and now deputy chair of the Russian security council said Moscow’s nuclear doctrine does not require the enemy state to use such weapons first. He threatens a 'nuclear' move if NATO expands. In May, Medvedev warned about the nuclear war over Western arms deliveries to Ukraine. In September Medvedev raises the spectre of a nuclear strike and says NATO would not get involved.In another notable example of warmongering and threats from Russia, EU-sanctioned Russian TV Host Dmitry Kiselyov lashed out at the UK, accusing it of pushing Ukraine to continue fighting against Russia and threatening the UK with nuclear annihilation.Russian propagandist Margarita Simonyan, editor-in-chief of the propaganda outlets RT and Sputnik, stated that "Vladimir Putin will launch an all-out nuclear war on the West rather than accept defeat in Ukraine". In September Simonyan twitted: "Judging by what is happening and still about to happen, this week marks either the eve of our imminent victory or the eve of nuclear war".Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov called for Russia to use low-yield nuclear weapons.Talk about the use of tactical nuclear weapons intensified after the illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories. Without providing evidence, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that top NATO officials had said that it’d be acceptable to carry out nuclear strikes on Russia. He threatened to use nuclear weapons adding that "This is not a bluff".'See other similar cases in our database: Russia has never threatened anyone with nuclear weapons; The West is pushing Ukraine towards a nuclear catastrophe; UK is pushing Ukraine to fight Russia promising assistance with nuclear strike.Read our articles The Dangerous Case of Nuclear Corners and Playing with nuclear fire.

Nuclear issues, War in Ukraine, Invasion of Ukraine, security threat

11.10.2022

A Nazi symbol was found on the Commander in Chief of the armed forces of Ukraine

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/a-nazi-symbol-was-found-on-the-commander-in-chief-of-the-armed-forces-of-ukraine

fr.news-front.info,News Front - German

Ukraine

French, German

The evidence is a photo published on the official Twitter account of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Valery Zaluzhny. Zooming in on Zaluzhny’s hand, you can see a bracelet depicting a characteristic Nazi swastika. This photo is also distributed to all Ukrainian media. Nazi symbols among the military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and senior officials of the Kyiv regime have long become commonplace, as even the Western media have repeatedly stated.

Pro-Kremlin fabrication serving the narrative that Ukraine is led since 2014 by a Nazi junta.Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian army Valery Zaluzhny wears a stacked beaded bracelet with one bead featuring the Scandinavian symbol of the Vikings which has no connection with a Nazi Swastika. The Insider adds that he posted a detailed close-up picture of his bracelet debunking what the pro-Kremlin media concocted from their efforts to zoom in on his bracelet.Read also related cases: Russia tries to liberate its own territories from the Nazis, Ukrainian tanks decorated with Nazi crosses, Ukraine is ruled by a Nazi junta, Ukraine does not want the return of Donbas because of the neo-Nazi cult of Bandera, Reason for Yanukovych departure in 2014 was a coup d'état led by a fascist junta.

Nazi/Fascist, Ukraine

11.10.2022

The West blew up Nord Stream 1 and 2

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/the-west-blew-up-nord-stream-1-and-2

yapolitic.ru

Russia, US, UK, Denmark, Sweden, Germany

Countries and/or Regions discussed in the disinformation: Russia, US, UK, Denmark, Sweden, Germany

They [the West] blew up our gas transport system, Nord Stream 1 and 2, and do not want to share the investigation results.

This is a pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative and a conspiracy theory, claiming that the West (and especially the “Anglo-Saxons”) sabotaged the NS 1 and NS 2 gas pipelines.Sweden, Germany and Denmark are still investigating the incident. The preliminary Danish investigation only found that the leaks in the pipelines were caused by powerful explosions. Sweden’s authorities found evidence of detonations, thus strengthening suspicions of “gross sabotage”. This is only an initial step in understanding who is responsible for the sabotage. For a detailed and comprehensive analysis of the issue, please read Nord Stream 1 & 2 sabotage - disinformation a la MH-17?. See other cases, claiming that The US is instigating war in Ukraine to boycott the Nord Stream 2 project and US benefits from Nord Stream sabotage.

11.10.2022

Russia is fighting NATO troops in Ukraine

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/russia-is-fighting-nato-troops-in-ukraine

all-make.net

Ukraine, Russia

Russian

Russia is fighting against NATO and this is not just a game.

This is a recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin media outlets alleging that NATO is directly involved in Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine. This is also an attempt to justify the Russian military failures and downplay the role of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.Only the Ukrainian Armed Forces are fighting the Russian invaders. NATO member states provide Ukraine with military assistance to repel Russia’s unprovoked aggression, but there is no direct NATO involvement in fighting. Western instructors are teaching Ukrainian soldiers how to use modern weaponry, but there are no NATO troops fighting on the front or leading Ukrainian units. The Ukrainian counter-offensive is led by the Ukrainian military and political leadership. NATO as an organisation is not involved in fighting in Ukraine. Ukraine receives weapons with the sole aim of restoring its territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.Admiral Rob Bauer, chairman of the NATO Military Committee, said in September 2022: "No, NATO is not at war with Russia. I have to be very clear about that. <...> If Russia would attack one of our allies, then it is absolutely clear, and we make that as clear as we can to Russia, that we would defend every inch of allied territory. Then Russia and NATO will be in a conflict. But until that moment, NATO is not at war with Russia."The US, the EU and NATO condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which is entirely unjustified and unprovoked. NATO as an organisation is not involved in fighting in Ukraine.See similar cases that claiming that Russia is at war with NATO and the Pentagon and only the soldiers are Ukrainians; that NATO is at war with Russia with the hands of Ukrainians; that NATO was turning Ukraine into an enemy of Russia; that NATO has no interest in peace in Ukraine; and that the West is using Ukrainians to fight Russia in Ukraine.

War in Ukraine, Invasion of Ukraine, NATO, Anti-Russian

11.10.2022

Sweden can become insolvent following the investigation into North Stream accident

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/sweden-can-become-insolvent-following-the-investigation-into-north-stream-accident

Sweden

Countries and/or Regions discussed in the disinformation: Sweden

As the Nord Stream accident took place in Swedish sea waters, it means Sweden failed to provide security. It raises the question of who is responsible for the incurred losses. Answering it can bring Sweden to insolvency. Hence, the uncertainty of the Swedish leadership, including the issue of Nato accession, is well understood.

The article aims at discrediting Sweden’s plans to join Nato under the pretext of Sweden's alleged responsibility for the Nord Stream accidents. Sweden, Germany and Denmark have initiated investigations to find the cause of the leaks. Sweden and Denmark, in whose exclusive economic zones the accident occurred, are investigating the sites. It is nevertheless unjustified, particularly as the investigation is in progress, to argue that these countries have to bear financial responsibility for the acts of sabotage, not to speak of the apocalyptic ‘insolvency’ claim. See also our article Nord Stream 1 & 2 sabotage - disinformation a la MH-17?As High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell stated: "Any deliberate disruption of European energy infrastructure is utterly unacceptable and will be met with a robust and united response." NATO called the incidents "deliberate, reckless, and irresponsible acts of sabotage.See other cases, claiming that The US is instigating war in Ukraine to boycott the Nord Stream 2 project, that Poland inspired the border crisis with Belarus in order to fight the Nord Stream 2, that Polish position on Nord Stream 2 is energy totalitarianism or that The Russophobia virus prevented Poland from receiving benefits from the Nord Stream 2.Technical remark: This disinformation was broadcast via Sputnik on 11 October 2022. Due to the EU decision to restrict the spread and dissemination of RT and Sputnik inside the EU, access to the link may not work inside the EU.

11.10.2022

There is no Ukraine: Russia liberates Russian cities

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/there-is-no-ukraine-russia-liberates-russian-cities

russtrat.ru

Russia, Ukraine

Russian

Yesterday's hegemon, who scattered its occupying forces all over the planet, now demands that Russia "leave Ukraine". Only he seems to have forgotten that our (Russian) Army is fighting on its own land.And not only, in fact, liberating Russian cities, but de iure - protecting new subjects of the Russian Federation. There is no Ukraine there.

This is a recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets justifying the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, occupation in parts of Ukraine via illegitimate referenda, discrediting Ukrainian statehood, presenting Ukraine as a failed and degrading state. It offers an absurd interpretation of the Russian military invasion of Ukraine with the use of the classic disinformation narrative about the Russian world.Ukraine is a well-defined nation-state with a long history and its own literature and identity, despite foreign rule for long periods of time. The "all-Russian big nation" is an imperial Russian and Russian revanchist ideology that is a favoured pro-Kremlin narrative aimed at weakening the national identity of Ukrainians, as well as undermining the state sovereignty.Ukraine is a sovereign and independent state with a democratically-elected president and parliament. Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are respected by almost the whole world with Russia as the key exception.The occupied Ukrainian territories/cities are not Russian and not "liberated" as the publication claims, but temporarily occupied territories as a result of Russia's aggression against Ukraine. The referendums are shams, conducted in haste and under military repression and as far from the "public will of the people" as imaginable.Pro-Kremlin media outlets often cast doubts on Ukrainian statehood and claim that Ukraine either does not exist as a state or is going to tumble down very soon, or it is a colony of the West. In reality, present-day Ukraine has been on the world map since 1991 when the Soviet Union disintegrated. It has elected six presidents since then and changed parties in government several times which illustrates political diversity and democratic dynamics even during economic hardship in the wake of Russian aggression in 2014.Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity have been violated by continuous acts of aggression by Russian armed forces since 2014 and culminated in an aggressive attack on a neighbouring country on February 24, 2022.See similar disinformation cases that target Ukraine: that Ukraine does not exist as a state; that Ukraine will be split up; that Ukraine is a quasi-state with a failed economy; that modern Ukraine was created as a country for death in the name of American interests and others.

War in Ukraine, Invasion of Ukraine, Sovereignty, Russian world, Ukrainian statehood, Ukrainian disintegration, Ukraine

11.10.2022

Kerch bridge: Ukraine is a proxy in the West's war against Russia

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/kerch-bridge-ukraine-is-a-proxy-in-the-wests-war-against-russia

sputniknews.com,fr.sputniknews.africa

Ukraine, US, EU, Russia

English, French

Western assistance to Kyiv continues to increase, and it is becoming more and more clear that the West fights a proxy war in Ukraine. Zelenskyy’s public rejection of negotiations with Russia is not a Ukrainian decision, but the decision of Western countries.In the future, the situation will most likely be more of a war with an emphasis on aspects such as logistics, infrastructure, and so on. This has already manifested in the explosions targeting the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines, and now the Crimean Bridge. Attacks on railway stations, bus stations, railways and roads are possible in the future. A war is being waged to destroy the enemy, and the goal is not limited to destroying his physical combat power.

A pro-Kremlin narrative made in the context of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.The claim is disinformation, as details about the attack on the Crimea bridge were still very scarce when this story was released. The goal of this narrative is to denigrate Ukraine by portraying it as unable to achieve military success by itself. Russia has also been pushing for a long time the narrative that it is fighting not only Ukraine but also NATO and the West as a whole.As for the leaks in the Nord Stream pipelines, Denmark, Sweden and Germany have started investigations to establish the cause of the leaks. Denmark and Sweden, in whose exclusive economic zone the leaks took place, are going to inspect the sites of the leaks after the gas stops coming out into the sea. This is the first step in determining what caused the leaks. Anything before that would be mere speculation and conspiracy theory. See also our article Nord Stream 1 & 2 sabotage - disinformation a la MH-17?Neither the West nor the US are in war with Russia. Since Russia launched its unjustified full-scale war against Ukraine on 24 February 2022, the West has been calling for Russian withdrawal and a peaceful settlement.Read also related cases: The US and the West are fighting hybrid war against Russia in Ukraine, Kyiv’s US and EU curators are encouraging hostilities to continue, West uses Ukrainians as cannon fodder in proxy war against Russia, The US desperately needs a "little war" with Russia; pushes Ukraine towards escalation

Anti-Russian, War in Ukraine, Puppets, Kerch, Nord Stream 2

10.10.2022

Nobel Peace Prize is used by the West as a media weapon against Russia

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/nobel-peace-prize-is-used-by-the-west-as-a-media-weapon-against-russia

sputniknews.lat

Russia, Belarus, UK, US, EU, Europe

Spanish

The Nobel Peace Prize is used by the West as a media weapon against Russia. Not only weapons and war strategies are used in conflicts, there are also media attacks. Under this prism, one can understand why the Nobel Peace Prize 2022 was awarded to three actors contrarian to Moscow. What should be an award to people and institutions fomenting peace and dialogue has turned into a recognition of characters that openly promote wars around the world, so the award could easily be named “Nobel War Prize” or “Nobel Conflict Prize”.The Nobel Peace Prize is neither objective nor neutral, nor it is linked to international democracy. Its interests align with those of the US imperialism. Instead of human rights work, the award is rewarding a system of US interference that includes the funding of NGOs who oppose certain governments, such as those of Vladimir Putin and Aleksandr Lukashenko.

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation about Russia as the ultimate victim of international events and NGOs as vectors for foreign-promoted colour revolutions. In this case, these narratives are a reaction against the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Russian, Belarusian and Ukrainian activists and non-governmental groups including Russian NGO Memorial, a long-term target of Kremlin repression. The same day of the award, Russian authorities seized the former offices of Memorial.No evidence is provided to support any of the claims. Allegations that the Nobel Peace Prize is a tool for US imperialism are an attempt to deflect any criticism for Russia’s domestic repression and worsening situation of civil liberties. Russia was ranked in the position 124 out of 167 countries in the latest The Economist Democracy Index 2021 and is rated as Not Free by Freedom House.See other examples of similar disinformation narratives, such as the claims that Memorial systematically violated Russian law discrediting the USSR and Russia, that the West is waging a hybrid war against Russia using NGOs and activists, or that Russia's liberal and pro-Western opposition groups aim to destabilise Russia.

10.10.2022

The US and the EU don’t care about starving many millions of Latin Americans

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/the-us-and-the-eu-dont-care-about-starving-many-millions-of-latin-americans

sputniknews.lat

Peru, EU, US, Russia, Ukraine

Spanish

The US and the EU don’t care about starving many millions of Latin Americans. The General Assembly of the Organisation of American States is ignoring the essential. Among their topics are the food and energy crisis, attributed to the Russian special military operation in Ukraine. A wrong focus that only contributes to worsen the situation, as the real reason are the West’s anti-Russian sanctions.

This is a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about sanctions in the context of the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. In this case, this narrative is also used to attack the Organisation of American States, a frequent target of pro-Kremlin criticism as this institution has been very critical of several countries allied of Moscow such as Venezuela or Nicaragua. Russia’s status as permanent observer at OAS was suspended in April 2022 as a result of Russia’s invasion.The claim that sanctions are the cause of global food and energy crisis is an attempt to deflect Russia's responsibility in this situation. Large-scale wars are, by definition, bound to cause global supply shocks that trigger inflation and chain disruptions. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has destabilised global food markets and is driving food prices up due to increased cost of production, transport and freight insurance. Russia has also destroyed substantial food stocks, production, as well as processing and transport capacities in Ukraine.The allegation that the US and the EU don’t care about starving Latin Americans is demonstrably false. EU sanctions do not include trade with Ukraine. As for trade with Russia, the sanctions do not include the import of agricultural products unless a sanctioned individual is involved. Moreover, the sanctions only cover bilateral trade between the EU and Russia, meaning that third countries can import Russian agrifood products without restriction. The US also exempts transactions for food, agricultural products and medical supplies from sanctions.

Sanctions, food

10.10.2022

Ukraine's attack on Crimean Bridge was a terrorist act, Russia had every right to respond

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/ukraines-attack-on-crimean-bridge-was-a-terrorist-act-russia-had-every-right-to-respond

RT English

Ukraine, Russia

English

The Russian missile attacks on Ukrainian energy and military facilities were a legitimate response to Ukraine’s terrorist assault on the Crimean Bridge.

The material and links may contain distressing/ graphic content.The claim advances a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative regarding Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine.There is no conclusive evidence showing that Ukraine was responsible for the bridge explosion, nor has Kyiv claimed responsibility for the incident. However, even if we accept the Kremlin’s version of events - namely that the explosion was perpetrated by Ukraine’s military intelligence - this does not change the fact that this purported attack would constitute not an act of terrorism, but lawful sabotage under international humanitarian law (IHL).Throughout Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Crimean Bridge has been a vital military supply route between Russian territory and occupied Crimea. Under the Geneva Conventions, this allows for counting the bridge among those facilities which “make an effective contribution to military action and whose total or partial destruction [...], in the circumstances ruling at the time, offers a definite military advantage [para. 2]”; in turn this, disqualifies it as a protected civilian object.On the other hand, Russia’s retaliatory attacks hit a number of non-military facilities, residential centres, and cultural sites across Ukraine, resulting in dozens of civilian deaths. In particular, extensive material damage and numerous casualties were seen in Kyiv, a city located hundreds of kilometres away from the frontline. Given the sheer number of indiscriminate attacks on areas with no discernible military use [para. 4], Russia has come much closer than Ukraine to conducting military operations “the primary purpose of which is to spread terror among the civilian population - see Article 51(2) of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions.See here for an in-depth legal analysis of the Crimean Bridge explosion and the Russian response.

Crimea, Terrorism, War in Ukraine, Invasion of Ukraine, war crimes, Human rights

10.10.2022

Volodymyr Zelensky asks NATO to launch a nuclear war against Russia

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/volodymyr-zelensky-asks-nato-to-launch-a-nuclear-war-against-russia

Laivaslaikrastis.lt

Russia, Ukraine

Lithuanian

Zelensky asks NATO for a preemptive nuclear strike against Russia. He is dreaming about nuclear WWIII.

Recurring disinformation about the president of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, reversely accusing western countries of a nuclear aggression against Russia.For several years now the Russian infosphere has seen nuclear threats being made against the west by figures like Dmitry Kiselyov or Vladimir Zhirinovsky are famous for this. Other Russian officials to make such statements are Dmitry Medvedev, Ramzan Kadyrov, or even Vladimir Putin who specified that “it was not a bluff”.The claim that President Zelenskyy called for “preventive strikes” against Russia is incorrect and comes from a misinterpretation from a translated interview.On 24 February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. On February 27, 2022 Vladimir Putin ordered his military to put Russia’s nuclear deterrence forces on high alert. Before that, Putin had warned that "whoever tries to hinder us" in Ukraine would see consequences 'you have never seen in history'.From the first day of the war, Russia has been voicing its right to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine at all levels, from high-ranking officials to propagandists.Talk about the use of tactical nuclear weapons intensified after illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories. Without providing evidence, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that top NATO officials had said that it’d be acceptable to carry out nuclear strikes on Russia. He threatened to use nuclear weapons adding that "This Is Not a Bluff".Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on NATO to conduct “preventative action” against Russia to prevent their use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine. Read also related cases: Ukraine and the West are preparing a nuclear provocation , Russia has never threatened anyone with nuclear weapons , Russia did not violate the Budapest memorandum.

NATO, Nuclear issues, WWIII, Volodymyr Zelensky

10.10.2022

Russia is not threatening to use nuclear weapons, but the West is preparing a nuclear attack against Russia

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/russia-is-not-threatening-to-use-nuclear-weapons-but-the-west-is-preparing-a-nuclear-attack-against-russia

odysee.com

Russia, Ukraine

Countries and/or Regions discussed in the disinformation: Russia, Ukraine

[...] the nuclear weapon was designed precisely to prevent it from being used and that is why it is present in different countries and should not proliferate. However, there is total manipulation by Biden, this risk does not come from Russia. And Putin and Russian officials, each time they talk about it, recall that Russian military doctrine provides for the use of all weapons but with a certain gradation. The use of nuclear weapons is planned in response - not in attack but in response, in the event of vital danger for the country. So, if the United States does not provide either Poland or Ukraine with these tactical nuclear weapons, if NATO does not follow Zelenskyy's requests to produce preventive strikes, that is to say to attack Russia. In this case there is no risk of nuclear war. The ball is on the side of the Atlanticists.

Pro-Kremlin’s narrative denying its own nuclear threats and reversely accusing western countries of a nuclear aggression against Russia.For several years now the Russian infosphere has seen nuclear threats being made against the west by figures like Dmitry Kiselyov or Vladimir Zhirinovsky are famous for this. Other Russian officials to make such statements are Dmitry Medvedev, Ramzan Kadyrov, or even Vladimir Putin who specified that “it was not a bluff”.The claim that President Zelenskyy called for “preventive strikes” against Russia is incorrect and comes from a misinterpretation from a translated interview.On 24 February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. On February 27, 2022 Vladimir Putin ordered his military to put Russia’s nuclear deterrence forces on high alert. Before that, Putin had warned that "whoever tries to hinder us" in Ukraine would see consequences 'you have never seen in history'.From the first day of the war, Russia has been voicing its right to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine at all levels, from high-ranking officials to propagandists.Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian president, now deputy chair of the Russian security council said Moscow’s nuclear doctrine does not require the enemy state to use such weapons first. He threatens 'nuclear' move if NATO expands. In May, Medvedev warned about nuclear war over Western arms deliveries to Ukraine. In September Medvedev raises spectre of nuclear strike and says NATO would not get involved.In another notable example of warmongering and threats from Russia, EU-sanctioned Russian TV Host Dmitry Kiselyov lashed out at the UK, accusing it of pushing Ukraine to continue fighting against Russia and threatening the UK with nuclear annihilation. Russian propagandist Margarita Simonyan, editor-in-chief of the propaganda outlets RT and Sputnik, stated that "Vladimir Putin will launch an all-out nuclear war on the West rather than accept defeat in Ukraine".Talk about the use of tactical nuclear weapons intensified after illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories. Without providing evidence, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that top NATO officials had said that it’d be acceptable to carry out nuclear strikes on Russia. He threatened to use nuclear weapons adding that "This Is Not a Bluff".Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on NATO to conduct “preventative action” against Russia to prevent their use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine. Read also related cases: Ukraine and the West are preparing a nuclear provocation , Russia has never threatened anyone with nuclear weapons , Russia did not violate the Budapest memorandum.

10.10.2022

Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief wears swastika bracelet

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/ukraines-commander-in-chief-wears-swastika-bracelet

russian.rt.com,RIA,vz.ru,ren.tv,life.ru,

Ukraine

Russian

The Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian troops Valery Zaluzhny posted a photo on his Twitter account, where a bracelet with a swastika is visible on his hand.Captured Nazi battalion fighters in Ukraine wear symbols of the Nazi Waffen-SS battalions on their clothes and on their bodies and openly promote the works of Adolf Hitler.The quality of Zaluzhny's photo allows to clearly see the Nazi symbol when enlarged.Such symbolism is proof that Ukrainian nationalism has grown into neo-Nazism. This is far from an isolated case when evidence of the Nazi regime in Kyiv appears on the Web.

This story aims to reinforce the well-known pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative of Nazi Ukraine, this time using a fabrication. The Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian army Valery Zaluzhny wears a stacked bracelet with a bead with the Scandinavian symbol of the Vikings.Russian pro-Kremlin media showed a blurry photo of Zaluzhny's bracelet, on which the rune turns into a swastika. The bracelet can be found on Tegegraf.Com.Ua. As for the bracelet itself, apparently it was made by the craftsmen of the Pakabone store, which specializes in the manufacture of Slavic, Scandinavian and tribal paraphernalia. A bead like Zaluzhny's can be purchased by anyone.Since 2014, pro-Kremlin disinformation media developed the narrative of the Nazi rule in Ukraine . It serves to justify the illegal annexation of Crimea and the Russian military's so called hybrid aggression of Donbas, presented as the local popular uprising against the Kiev´s Nazi junta which "banned the Russian language". Since 2022, the same false narrative is used in order to justify the unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops. "Denazification of Ukraine" is officially proclaimed by the Kremlin as the goal of the so-called "special military operation".

Invasion of Ukraine, Nazi/Fascist

10.10.2022

NATO is using Ukraine to fight Russia

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/nato-is-using-ukraine-to-fight-russia

arabic.rt.com,rtarabic.com,nabd.com,raialyoum.com,ar.rtarabic.com

Ukraine, Russia

Arabic

Today, the Russian army is facing international weapons. Ukrainian armed forces are fighting with weapons supplied by different NATO countries. The weapons and the planners are from the NATO, as are the trainers, but they do not fight and do not bear any responsibility under international law. This is an ideal situation for Anglo-Saxons. Wherever they go, they always work this way.

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about NATO and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The claim was neither counterbalanced nor critically challenged in the article.Ukraine is not fighting on behalf of any foreign government or organisation. Ukraine is a sovereign and independent state with a democratically-elected president and parliament. Ukraine's sovereignty has been violated only as a result of continuous acts of aggression by the Russian armed forces since 2014, culminating with a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine starting on 24 February 2022.In fact, Western leaders have been continuously calling for talks and a peaceful solution to stop Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, but Moscow has been ignoring these efforts. The West is not interested in the continuation of the war at the heart of Europe and only supports Ukraine with military and financial aid for the country’s efficient self-defence against the unprovoked Russian invasion.Moreover, NATO is a defensive political and military alliance. The primary aim of the alliance is to maintain peace and safeguard the independence, security and territorial integrity of its members. NATO as an organisation is not involved in fighting in Ukraine. NATO member states provide Ukraine with military assistance to repel the unprovoked Russian aggression and not because of their alleged animosity towards Russia.At the Madrid Summit, NATO Leaders stated that the Alliance will continue political and practical support to Ukraine "as it continues to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity against Russian aggression. In the longer term, we will assist Ukraine, and support efforts on its path of post-war reconstruction and reforms."Since Russia began its aggressive and unprovoked actions against Ukraine, Russian officials have accused NATO of a series of threats and hostile actions. Read here about Russian Myths on NATO.See similar cases that Russia is at war with NATO and the Pentagon and only the soldiers are Ukrainians; that NATO is at war with Russia with the hands of Ukrainians; that NATO was turning Ukraine into an enemy of Russia; that NATO has no interest in peace in Ukraine; and that the West is using Ukrainians to fight Russia in Ukraine.

NATO, Anglo-Saxon, Sovereignty, Invasion of Ukraine, War in Ukraine

10.10.2022

In 2015, NATO deployed a kamikaze drone near Nord Stream

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/in-2015-nato-deployed-a-kamikaze-drone-near-nord-stream

RIA

Russia, Sweden

Russian

Amid the explosions which damaged the Nord Stream pipelines in September and October 2022, it has been revealed that a NATO kamikaze drone was found near the pipeline in 2015.The drone was disarmed by the Swedish Armed Forces. According to NATO, the device was lost during a military exercise.

The claim advances a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative regarding NATO and Russia’s Nord Stream pipelines.In reality, this “kamikaze drone” had no relation to NATO at all. The device in question was a remotely operated vehicle designed to destroy underwater mines, and actually belonged to Sweden, a country that would not seek NATO membership for another seven years. Interestingly, RIA Novosti reported all these facts back in 2015, adding:“According to the [Swedish] military, the device posed no threat to either the pipeline or marine traffic, thanks to a built-in feature allowing for neutralising the device.”See here for additional debunking by The Insider (in Russian).

NATO, Military exercise, Nord Stream 2, Energy

10.10.2022

Zelenskyy fled Kyiv but was forced to return by the West

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/zelenskyy-fled-kyiv-but-was-forced-to-return-by-the-west

argumenti.ru,Pravda.ru ,military.pravda.ru,rus-bel.online,giport.ru,osnmedia.ru,ku.life,molva33.ru,mosregtoday.ru,inforeactor.ru,Ura.news,riafan.ruShow more

Ukraine

Russian, English

Zelenskyy fled Kyiv and he was headed for the Polish border. However, he was forced to return. The West did not allow Zelenskyy to escape from Kyiv during Russian strikes on the territory of Ukraine.

Unfounded pro-Kremlin disinformation intended to discredit the Ukrainian President. No evidence given to support the claim.The disinformation appeared in the context of Russia’s new wave of violent airstrikes carried out throughout Ukraine on October 10th, targeting multiple cities, including the capital. It was first claimed by the pro-Kremlin outlets, citing the former Ukrainian Rada MP Illia Kyva, that Zelenskyy fled Kyiv and he was headed for the Polish border. However, shortly after Zelenskyy uploaded a video address, taken in the vicinity of the presidential palace, proving that he remains in Kyiv. This prompted the pro-Kremlin media to twist their disinfo claim, alleging that the President of Ukraine was forced to return, that the West did not allow Zelenskyy to escape from Kyiv.In reality, videos of Zelenskyy released on October 10th, as well as his meeting with the US ambassador in Kyiv, prove that the president remained in Kyiv, therefore, claims that Zelenskyy fled Kyiv and then was forced to return back are groundless.Read the full debunk of this disinformation at Myth Detector.

Volodymyr Zelensky, Invasion of Ukraine, War in Ukraine, West

10.10.2022

Attack on the Crimea bridge was coordinated with foreign intelligence services

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/attack-on-the-crimea-bridge-was-coordinated-with-foreign-intelligence-services

actualidad-rt.com

Ukraine, Russia, UK, US

Countries and/or Regions discussed in the disinformation: Ukraine, Russia, UK, US

The attack on the Crimea bridge was coordinated with foreign intelligence services. There is a foreign force surely involved in this attack, because the bridge was guarded by Russian special forces by land, sea and air. This has been coordinated in a way that rules out that Ukraine alone could be behind it. This seems more the work of the British MI6 or the CIA itself.

The claim is a conspiracy theory, as details on the attack on the Crimea bridge were still very scarce when this disinformation story was released, only hours after it had taken place. No evidence was provided to support it except the vague allegation that “Ukrainian services couldn’t do it alone”. The goal of this disinformation narrative is to denigrate Ukraine by portraying it as unable to achieve a military success by itself. Russia has also been pushing for a long time the narrative that it is fighting not only Ukraine but also NATO and the West as a whole.See other examples of similar disinformation narratives in our database, such as claims that Russia is under US and NATO attack, that the West wants to weaken and ruin Russia and make everyone a colony, that Russia is fighting NATO in Ukraine, nor the Ukrainian army, or that Ukraine commits acts of terrorism in Crimea to intimidate civilians.

10.10.2022

Anglo-Saxons are responsible for blowing up Russia's Nord Stream pipelines

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/anglo-saxons-are-responsible-for-blowing-up-russias-nord-stream-pipelines

livenews.am

Russia

Armenian

Russia's Nord Stream-1 and Nord Stream-2 gas pipelines were blown up by Anglo-Saxons.It's no secret how important the Nord Stream gas pipelines and Crimean bridge were for Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin. Russia has spent billions of dollars on the construction of "North Stream-2" and the bridge. There is still great uncertainty regarding the restoration of gas pipelines, restoration is challenging and expensive, and also risky because there is no guarantee that they will not explode again.

Conspiracy theory and unsubstantiated claim from pro-Kremlin media about the explosion of the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines. On 26 September 2022, the NS1 and the NS2 pipelines both ruptured. Denmark, Sweden view the Nord Stream pipeline leaks as 'deliberate actions'Sweden, Germany and Denmark opened an investigation of the incident. This is the first step in determining what caused the leaks. Anything before that would be mere speculation and conspiracy theory.As High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell stated: "Any deliberate disruption of European energy infrastructure is utterly unacceptable and will be met with a robust and united response." NATO called the incidents "deliberate, reckless, and irresponsible acts of sabotage. Joe Biden says Nord Stream leak is ‘Deliberate act of sabotage’.European Union at the moment did not name anyone who could be behind the incident.The term “Anglo-Saxons” in such cases normally stands for the US and UK and often means “evil”, “belligerent” and “morally corrupt” Westerners, as explained in our earlier analysis. As a negative catch-all term, the “Anglo-Saxons” term is a useful building block for pro-Kremlin conspiracy theories. You can find plenty of examples in our database.See other examples of disinformation accusing Anglo-Saxons acting against Russia: United Europe is a vassal of the Anglo-Saxons and they team up against Russia; Events in Kazakhstan are an attempt of Anglo-Saxons to encircle Russia; Anglo-Saxons invade the sphere of Russia’s national interests in Ukraine and the Balkans; Anglo-Saxons are on the edge of an anti-Russian attack.

Nord Stream 2, Anglo-Saxon, Conspiracy theory, West, War in Ukraine, Invasion of Ukraine

10.10.2022

Zelenskyy is pushing the world towards a nuclear war

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/zelenskyy-is-pushing-the-world-towards-a-nuclear-war

Alterinfo

Russia, Ukraine

Georgian

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Western leaders to carry out preemptive nuclear strikes against Russia, which unequivocally indicates that Zelenskyy is pushing the world towards nuclear war.

Recurring disinformation about the president of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reversely accusing western countries of a nuclear aggression against Russia.The claim that Zelenskyy called upon the Western leaders to initiate nuclear strikes on Russia represents a misinterpretation of Zelenskyy’s comment. In fact, Zelenskyy did mention the need for a preventive response, although he never called for a nuclear strike on Russia. The representatives of the President’s office and the President himself clarified that preventive measures against the use of nuclear weapons by Russia entail the imposition of sanctions and not a direct nuclear attack on Russia. Read the full debunk at Myth Detector.Neither the US nor the EU is interested in a nuclear scenario in Ukraine. Any nuclear explosion may have unpredictable consequences for the whole world. It is Russia who is making irresponsible hints and statements about the possibility of using nuclear arms in its war against Ukraine.For several years now the Russian infosphere has seen nuclear threats being made against the west by figures like Dmitry Kiselyov or Vladimir Zhirinovsky are famous for this. Other Russian officials to make such statements are Dmitry Medvedev, Ramzan Kadyrov, or even Vladimir Putin who specified that “it was not a bluff”.On 24 February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. On February 27, 2022 Vladimir Putin ordered his military to put Russia’s nuclear deterrence forces on high alert. Before that, Putin had warned that "whoever tries to hinder us" in Ukraine would see consequences 'you have never seen in history'.From the first day of the war, Russia has been voicing its right to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine at all levels, from high-ranking officials to propagandists.Talk about the use of tactical nuclear weapons intensified after illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories. Without providing evidence, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that top NATO officials had said that it’d be acceptable to carry out nuclear strikes on Russia. He threatened to use nuclear weapons adding that "This Is Not a Bluff".Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on NATO to conduct “preventive action” against Russia to prevent their use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine.Read also related cases: Ukraine and the West are preparing a nuclear provocation , Russia has never threatened anyone with nuclear weapons , Russia did not violate the Budapest memorandum.

West, Invasion of Ukraine, War in Ukraine, Nuclear issues

10.10.2022

Reuters article demonstrates that Nord Stream pipelines were destroyed by US military aircraft

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/reuters-article-demonstrates-that-nord-stream-pipelines-were-destroyed-by-us-military-aircraft

Laivaslaikrastis.lt

US, Russia

Lithuanian

Russia has evidence that the Nord Stream pipeline was destroyed by the US military aircraft. The article of Reuters also proves it.

Disinformation alleging that the US is behind the recent leaks in Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines.The article manipulates the content of the Reuters piece. The Reuters publication stated that “A U.S. Navy reconnaissance aircraft flew near the site of the ruptured Nord Stream 2 pipeline in the Baltic Sea hours after the first damage emerged, according to tracking reviewed by Reuters, a flight Washington said was routine.” This means that the flight took place after the of the damage of pipeline and could not be directly linked to it.Denmark, Sweden and Germany have started investigations to establish the cause of the leaks. Denmark and Sweden, in whose exclusive economic zone the leaks took place, are going to inspect the sites of the leaks after the gas stops coming out into the sea. This is the first step in determining what caused the leaks.Pro-Kremlin media are promoting a number of different claims alleging that the leaks benefit the U.S., Poland and Ukraine, which is similar to the Kremlin's disinformation campaign in the situation with MH-17.See similar cases, claiming that the US committed a terrorist attack by the explosion of Nord Stream, that the US benefits from destroying of Nord Stream, that the US blew up Nord Stream 1 and 2 to sell more gas to Europe.

Nord Stream 2, Terrorism, Conspiracy theory

09.10.2022

Anglo-Saxons behind explosions of Crimea bridge and Nord Stream pipelines

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/anglo-saxons-behind-explosions-of-crimea-bridge-and-nord-stream-pipelines

alghad.tv,almatareed.org,arabic.rt.com,asharqalarabi.org.uk

Russia, US, Ukraine

Arabic

After the explosion of the Nord Stream pipelines and the act of terrorism against the Crimea bridge, it became clear that Washington was planning large-scale terrorist acts that would give Moscow a pretext for a nuclear strike. It is clear that the Anglo-Saxons are behind both events.

The claim is disinformation, as details about the attack on the Crimea bridge were still very scarce when this story was released, only hours after it had taken place. The goal of this narrative is to denigrate Ukraine by portraying it as unable to achieve military success by itself. Russia has also been pushing for a long time the narrative that it is fighting not only Ukraine but also NATO and the West as a whole.As for the leaks in the Nord Stream pipelines, Denmark, Sweden and Germany have started investigations to establish the cause of the leaks. Denmark and Sweden, in whose exclusive economic zone the leaks took place, are going to inspect the sites of the leaks after the gas stops coming out into the sea. This is the first step in determining what caused the leaks. Anything before that would be mere speculation and conspiracy theory. See also our article Nord Stream 1 & 2 sabotage - disinformation a la MH-17?See other examples of similar disinformation narratives in our database, such as claims that Russia is under US and NATO attack, that the West wants to weaken and ruin Russia and make everyone a colony, that Russia is fighting NATO in Ukraine, nor the Ukrainian army, or that Ukraine commits acts of terrorism in Crime

Crimea, Kerch, Anglo-Saxon, Invasion of Ukraine, War in Ukraine, Conspiracy theory

08.10.2022

West is behind Crimea bridge explosion

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/west-is-behind-crimea-bridge-explosion

elfagr.org,almanar.com.lb,arabic.rt.com,newnews4.com,nabd.com,alalam.ir,manartv.com.lb,midline-news.net,gate.ahram.org.eg,rtarabic.com,hawamer.com,alazmenah.com,barhout.net,internews.dzShow more

Ukraine, Russia

Arabic

The terrorist attack on the Crimea Bridge is not only a provocation, but a declaration of war without rules. This is a very serious provocation, not only on the part of Ukraine, because Kyiv does nothing without instructions from the West. This is a challenge to us from the West itself.

The claim is disinformation, as details about the attack on the Crimea bridge were still very scarce when this disinformation story was released, only hours after it had taken place. No evidence was provided to support it except the vague allegation that “Kyiv does nothing without instructions from the West”. The goal of this disinformation narrative is to denigrate Ukraine by portraying it as unable to achieve military success by itself. Russia has also been pushing for a long time the narrative that it is fighting not only Ukraine but also NATO and the West as a whole.See other examples of similar disinformation narratives in our database, such as claims that Russia is under US and NATO attack, that the West wants to weaken and ruin Russia and make everyone a colony, that Russia is fighting NATO in Ukraine, nor the Ukrainian army, or that Ukraine commits acts of terrorism in Crimea to intimidate civilians.

West, Crimea, Conspiracy theory, Sovereignty, Invasion of Ukraine, War in Ukraine

08.10.2022

The EU obliges Ukraine and Georgia to sell land to foreign citizens

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/the-eu-obliges-ukraine-and-georgia-to-sell-land-to-foreign-citizens

Ukraina.ru

EU, Ukraine, Georgia

Russian

The “secret clauses” of the Association Agreement with the European Union oblige Georgia, as well as Ukraine, to sell land to foreigners.Before the presidency of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the West could not make other governments of Ukraine sell land to foreigners, however, since 2019, millions of hectares of land have been sold in Ukraine.

Pro-Kremlin disinformation attempting to discredit Ukraine and Georgia's relations with the European Union. Contrary to the claims, the Association Agreements of Georgia and Ukraine with the European Union do not include any “secret clauses” that impose conditions related to the alienation of land to foreigners. There are different regulations regarding the alienation of land in different EU member states.In Ukraine, the sale of agricultural land to foreign citizens and companies is prohibited, and in 2019, Zelenskyy’s reforms concerned the disposal of Ukrainians’ own land, not alienation.The claim that, since 2019, millions of hectares of land have been sold in Ukraine is false. The agricultural market in Ukraine opened on July 1st, 2021. According to the data of the State Service of Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre of Ukraine, as of 23 October, 289,307 hectares of land have been alienated since this period. (Data is updated weekly).Read the full debunk of this disinformation claim at Myth Detector.

European Union, Eastern Partnership, AA/DCFTA

07.10.2022

Crimea is formally part of Russia

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/crimea-is-formally-part-of-russia

oroszhirek.hu

Russia, Ukraine

Hungarian

Until Khrushchev made the mistake of transferring Crimea to Ukraine in 1954, it was formally part of Russia, as it has been since 1783.

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the illegal annexation of Crimea. Crimea is a part of Ukraine and was illegally annexed by Russia. Crimea is an internationally recognised part of Ukraine. Іn 1997, by signing the Friendship Agreement with Ukraine, Russia also recognised that Crimea belongs to Ukraine.On the 1991 Crimea sovereignty referendum, voters were asked whether they wanted to re-establish the Crimean Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic. 94% of voters supported the proposal, and the Supreme Council of Ukrainian SSR established the autonomous Crimean Republic within the territory of Ukraine. After Ukraine adopted a new constitution in 1996, Crimea maintained its autonomy. Crimea has its own parliament and government.In 2014, Russian troops obliged the parliament of Crimea to organise a so-called referendum, which was illegitimate under international law, and then formally annexed the peninsula and brought it under Russian territorial control.No international body recognises the so-called referendum in 2014. The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution entitled “Territorial integrity of Ukraine”, stating that the referendum in Crimea was not valid and could not serve as a basis for any change in the status of the peninsula. On 17 December 2018, the UN General Assembly confirmed its non-recognition of the illegal annexation of Crimea.Historical background: Crimea was annexed by Russian empire, then containing Ukraine, in 1783, already in violation of a treaty which guaranteed the independence of the Tatar khanate. In 1897, the first comprehensive census of the population of the empire indicates that the Russians are only one third of the inhabitants of Crimea, where they are still slightly fewer than the indigenous Crimean Tatars. The Russians only became a majority after the complete deportation in 1944 of the Tatars, who could only return after the fall of the communist regime. The annexation of Crimea to the then Soviet Ukraine, in 1954, was not done on a not ethnic, but geographical and economic basis, since the peninsula was adjoining and economically depending from the mainland areas, it means, Ukraine. At that, in 1937 Russian Soviet Socialist Republic received Taganrog from Ukrainian Socialist Republic. But Russia is not ready to "give this gift back " to Ukraine. There were several interchanges of territories between USSR's republics, which are all now sovereign States recognised by international law.Read also related cases: Russia has never violated the provisions of the Budapest Memorandum, Crimea rejoined Russia as a result of a popular referendum, Accusing Russia of annexing Crimea is ignoring its historical rights to the peninsula, Ukraine, USA and EU recognised the reunification of Crimea with Russia.

Crimea, Nikita Krushchev, War in Ukraine

07.10.2022

Ukraine creates the risk of weapons of mass destruction being used

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/ukraine-creates-the-risk-of-weapons-of-mass-destruction-being-used

news.am,news.am,tvzvezda.ru,rg.ru,livenews.am

Ukraine

Armenian, Russian

Ukraine creates the risk of weapons of mass destruction being used.Zelensky called on his Western masters to launch a preemptive nuclear strike on Russia, thereby this person essentially presented to the world yet another evidence of the threats that come from the Kyiv regime, for whose neutralisation a special military operation was launched.

Pro-Kremlin disinformation claim accusing the Ukrainian President Zelenskyy of trying to provoke a nuclear war and justifying Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. The statement was made in the context of President Zelenskyy's special address to Lowy Institute. This is not the first time the Kremlin’s manipulation and disinformation machine has used a deep-seated and very reasonable fear of a nuclear disaster to advance its political and military goals in Ukraine.The claim that President Zelenskyy called for “preventive strikes” against Russia is incorrect and comes from a misinterpretation from a translated interview.On 24 February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. On February 27, 2022 Vladimir Putin ordered his military to put Russia’s nuclear deterrence forces on high alert. Before that, Putin had warned that "whoever tries to hinder us" in Ukraine would see consequences 'you have never seen in history'.Current Russian military strategy reserves the option to use nuclear weapons first. Russia's nuclear doctrine allows for a nuclear strike after "aggression against the Russian Federation with conventional weapons when the very existence of the state is threatened", if the state is at risk or possibly if Russia is losing a major war.From the first day of the war, Russia has been voicing its right to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine at all levels, from high-ranking officials to propagandists.Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian president, now deputy chair of the Russian security council said Moscow’s nuclear doctrine does not require the enemy state to use such weapons first. He threatens 'nuclear' move if NATO expands. In May, Medvedev warned about nuclear war over Western arms deliveries to Ukraine. In September Medvedev raises spectre of nuclear strike and says NATO would not get involved.In another notable example of warmongering and threats from Russia, EU-sanctioned Russian TV Host Dmitry Kiselyov lashed out at the UK, accusing it of pushing Ukraine to continue fighting against Russia and threatening the UK with nuclear annihilation. Russian propagandist Margarita Simonyan, editor-in-chief of the propaganda outlets RT and Sputnik, stated that "Vladimir Putin will launch an all-out nuclear war on the West rather than accept defeat in Ukraine".Talk about the use of tactical nuclear weapons intensified after illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories. Without providing evidence, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that top NATO officials had said that it’d be acceptable to carry out nuclear strikes on Russia. He threatened to use nuclear weapons adding that "This Is Not a Bluff".Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on NATO to conduct “preventative action” against Russia to prevent their use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine. The quote from Ukraine's president has been taken out of context and misrepresents his message. President Zelensky denied having urged strikes on Russia, claiming that an earlier remark had been mistranslated. "You must use preventive kicks," he said, referring to sanctions, "not attacks".'See other similar cases in our database: Russia has never threatened anyone with nuclear weapons; The West is pushing Ukraine towards a nuclear catastrophe; UK is pushing Ukraine to fight Russia promising assistance with nuclear strike.Read our articles The Dangerous Case of Nuclear Corners and Playing with nuclear fire.

War in Ukraine, Invasion of Ukraine, Nuclear issues, Sergei Lavrov, Volodymyr Zelensky, security threat

07.10.2022

The Donbass republics, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, voted overwhelmingly in favour of joining Russia

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/the-donbass-republics-zaporizhzhia-and-kherson-regions-voted-overwhelmingly-in-favour-of-joining-russia

oroszhirek.hu

Russia, Ukraine

Hungarian

In referendums held at the end of September, the two Donbass republics, as well as the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, voted overwhelmingly in favour of joining Russia. On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed into law the unification treaties with the former Ukrainian territories, which officially became part of Russia.

Pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative on the invasion of Ukraine and sham referenda on occupied Ukrainian territories aiming at justifying the annexation of Ukrainian territories.Russia has held illegal referenda on four occupied oblasts of Ukraine (Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson) on September 23-26. Russia does not fully control the territories where so-called referendums are taking place.As stated EU High Representative Josep Borrell:“The European Union strongly condemns these planned illegal “referenda” which go against the legal and democratically elected Ukrainian authorities, are in violation of Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and in blatant breach of international law. The results of such actions will be null and void and would not be recognised by the EU and its Member States. [...]Therefore, these illegal “votes” cannot be considered under any circumstance as the free expression of the will of the people living in these regions under constant Russian military threat and intimidation".See also this tweet by HR/VP Borrell stating that the announced annexation of Ukrainian territories by Russia is a major breach of international law and a violation of UN Charter.These parodies of democracy were also condemned by NATO, G7, US, as well as Russia’ partners like Serbia and Kazakhstan (a member of CIS and CSTO), which also mentioned that they will not recognise their results.See also a similar disinformation claims alleging that Kherson residents want to join Russia in a referendum.

Donbas, Kherson, Invasion of Ukraine, Manipulated elections/referendum, Referendum

07.10.2022

More mentally ill people in Moldova now than in the Soviet period

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/more-mentally-ill-people-in-moldova-now-than-in-the-soviet-period

Komsomolskaya Pravda - Moldova

Moldova, Ukraine

Russian

Why today there are one and a half to two times more mentally ill people in Moldova than in Soviet Moldova? Blame inflation, high prices, the coming cold winter and events in Ukraine.

Recurring the pro-Kremlin narratives against the pro-European authorities in Moldova, accused of making people’s lives worse because of refusing to ask Russia for a better price for gas, but also for supporting Ukraine in front of Russian aggression.In fact, the number of people with mental disorders in Moldova is decreasing, says the Ministry of Health. In 1981 (Soviet period), 109,856 people were registered, including the Transnistrian region. Now there are 70,955 people registered with mental disorders, excluding the Transnistrian region, which is not controlled by Moldovan authorities. It is also false to say that people have become mentally ill in recent months, when inflation has increased in Moldova and people are afraid of the cold and the war in Ukraine. Specialists say that in these circumstances symptoms of depressive states may appear, but not mental illnesses. More debunking details on StopFals.md.See here a similar case presenting Moldovan authorities as hostile to their own population and ready to involve foreign troops against it.

War in Ukraine, Energy

07.10.2022

NATO is aggressive

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/nato-is-aggressive

oroszhirek.hu

Russia, Ukraine

Hungarian

Russia has repeatedly pointed out that NATO is seeking confrontation. Further expansion of the alliance would not bring greater security to Europe because of the aggressive offensive nature of the bloc. But Moscow stressed that it remained open to dialogue with NATO, but on equal terms and on condition that the West abandoned its policy of militarising the continent.

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about NATO, portraying it as a belligerent organisation.NATO is a defensive alliance whose primary aim is to maintain peace and safeguard the independence, security and territorial integrity of its members. NATO constitutes a system of collective defence whereby its member states agree to mutual defence in response to an attack by any external party. NATO's official policy is that "the Alliance does not seek confrontation and poses no threat to Russia."See similar cases in our database: The role of NATO is to increase the confrontation with Russia; NATO aims to destabilise Europe; Russophobic Baltic NATO-States responsible for turning defensive NATO-alliance into a confrontation with Russia; NATO is leading humanity to WWIII.

NATO, EU/NATO enlargement, Europe

06.10.2022

The West and its puppet Zelensky are igniting a nuclear war

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/the-west-and-its-puppet-zelensky-are-igniting-a-nuclear-war

pressbee.news,headtopics.com,johabazaar.com,fxcc.ae,tayyar.org,youm7.com,eanlibya.com,arabic.rt.com,rtarabic.com,arabobserver.com,arknews.net,anahwa.com,gate.ahram.org.eg,4uarab.com,mangish.net,akhbarak.net,ru4arab.ru,www.almarkazia.net,alkalimaonline.com,saudinews.app,almarkazia.com,pressbee.net,almahjar.net,kayan-news.com,misrnews.com,aa.com.tr,dk-gate.com,rtarab.com,kachaf.com,morocco.shafaqna.com,msdernet.xyz,picturesmix.com,voiceofbeladynews.com,akhbary.online,Khabar Masr,ajwaapress.com,rayalauma.comShow more

Russia, Ukraine

Arabic, English

The West is igniting a nuclear war, and every human on the planet must realize that Zelensky, who is a psychotic and heavily armed puppet, has turned into a monster who may destroy the planet.

This disinformation claim came as a comment on the alleged call of Zelenskyy for NATO countries to launch a preemptive strike on Russia, before it used nuclear weapons against Ukraine. It also brings back the claim that Ukraine is a puppet state. This claim was neither counterbalanced nor critically challenged in the article.Ukraine is a sovereign and independent state with a democratically-elected president and parliament. The country is not controlled by the US, EU or any other foreign organisation or government. Both the EU and the US respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The West does not want to use Ukraine in the war against Russia.The claim that President Zelenskyy called for nuclear preventive strikes against Russia is incorrect and comes from a misinterpretation from a translated interview.In reality, neither the US nor the EU is interested in a nuclear scenario in Ukraine. Any nuclear explosion may have unpredictable consequences for the whole world. It is Russia who is making irresponsible hints and statements about the possibility of using nuclear arms in its war against Ukraine. According to Russia’s military doctrine, it can use such weapons “in response to the use of nuclear and other types of weapons of mass destruction against it and/or its allies, and also in case of aggression against Russia with the use of conventional weapons when the very existence of the state is threatened". Ukraine’s counter-offensive aimed at retaking its territories and its attacks on military facilities in the illegally annexed peninsula of Crimea are posing no existential threats to Russia, so it cannot use nuclear weapons, in accordance with its own doctrine.Russia is trying to keep the international community in suspense with contradictory statements about using nuclear weapons. Its Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia may apply its nuclear doctrine to protect newly occupied Ukrainian territories if they are enshrined in the Russian constitution. At the same time, President Vladimir Putin accused the West in his recent speech about the annexation of occupied Ukrainian territories of blackmail and intimidation. See similar stories that Volodymyr Zelensky asks NATO to launch a nuclear war against Russia, that Ukraine deliberately targets the most vulnerable points of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, and that Washington has plans for preemptive nuclear strikes.

West, Nuclear issues, Volodymyr Zelensky, Puppets, Invasion of Ukraine, War in Ukraine

05.10.2022

The referendums in Eastern Ukraine were completely transparent and legitimate

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/the-referendums-in-eastern-ukraine-were-completely-transparent-and-legitimate

mes7at.com,elnashra.com,lebanon24.com,youm7.com,almahjar.net,arabic.rt.com,sahafatak.net,fxcc.ae,ru4arab.ru,ar.rtarabic.com,addiyar.com,nuomnews.com,menkuwait.com,ertikaznews.comShow more

Ukraine, Russia

Arabic

The referendum results in Donetsk and Luhansk republics – as well as Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions – are more than convincing, completely transparent, legitimate and not subject to any doubt.

Pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative on the invasion of Ukraine and sham referendums in occupied Ukrainian territories aiming at justifying the annexation of Ukrainian territories. This claim was neither counterbalanced nor critically challenged in the article.Russia has held illegal referendums on four occupied oblasts of Ukraine (Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson) on September 23-26. Russia does not fully control the territories where so-called referendums are taking place.As stated EU High Representative Josep Borrell:“The European Union strongly condemns these planned illegal “referenda” which go against the legal and democratically elected Ukrainian authorities, are in violation of Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and in blatant breach of international law. The results of such actions will be null and void and would not be recognised by the EU and its Member States. [...]Therefore, these illegal “votes” cannot be considered under any circumstance as the free expression of the will of the people living in these regions under constant Russian military threat and intimidation".See also this tweet by HR/VP Borrell stating that the announced annexation of Ukrainian territories by Russia is a major breach of international law and a violation of UN Charter.These parodies of democracy were also condemned by NATO, G7, US, as well as Russia’s partners like Serbia and Kazakhstan (a member of CIS and CSTO), which also mentioned that they will not recognise their results.See also a similar disinformation claims alleging that The "referenda" in eastern Ukraine done with the same legal norms as in France, that referendums in Donbas, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia were legal and in accordance with international law, that pro-Russian referendums in Ukraine are valid with no violations, that Donbas referendums prove that Russia respects international law, and that Kherson residents want to join Russia.

Referendum, Manipulated elections/referendum, Donbas, Kherson, Invasion of Ukraine, War in Ukraine

05.10.2022

Anglo-Saxons are responsible for the Nord Stream explosions

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/anglo-saxons-are-responsible-for-the-nord-stream-explosions

newsua.ru

US, UK

Russian

The intelligence services of Anglo-Saxon states are behind the explosions of gas pipelines Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2.

Disinformation alleging that the U.S. or the UK are responsible for the leaks in Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines. There is no evidence that the US, the UK or any other NATO/EU state is responsible for the explosions and the leaks. Denmark, Sweden and Germany have started investigations to establish the cause of the leaks. Denmark and Sweden, in whose exclusive economic zones the leaks took place, are going to inspect the sites of the leaks after the gas stops pouring out. This is the first step in determining what caused the leaks. Now, pro-Kremlin media are promoting a number of different claims alleging that the leaks benefit the U.S., Poland and Ukraine, which is similar to the Kremlin's disinformation campaign in the situation with MH-17. See more disinformation cases related to Nord Stream: the US is instigating war in Ukraine to boycott the NS2 project; Nord Stream 2 is the only guarantee of Europe's energy security; the EU's gas problems are a result of its fight for "energy independence".

Nord Stream 2, gas, Anglo-Saxon

05.10.2022

The US is behind the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/the-us-is-behind-the-sabotage-of-the-nord-stream-pipelines

bgr.news-front.info

US, Russia

Bulgarian

It is highly probable that the Nord Stream gas pipelines accident was caused by the US. There is evidence that a U.S. reconnaissance plane flew over the area where the Nord Stream (NS) 2 pipeline was sabotaged a few hours after the incident. Furthermore, evidence emerged that in September, US military helicopters often flew over the water area through which the gas pipelines pass. The Pentagon declined to comment on the information.

Pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative claiming that the US is behind the September leaks in the NS 1 and NS 2 gas pipelines. There is no evidence provided to support the claim.Sweden, Germany and Denmark have initiated investigations to find the cause of the leaks. Sweden and Denmark, in whose exclusive economic zone the accident occurred, are investigating the sites. Sweden’s authorities found evidence of detonations, thus strengthening suspicions of "gross sabotage. However, this is only an initial step in understanding who is responsible for the sabotage. With the evidence available at the moment, any accusation is mere speculation and conspiracy theory.Russia’s accusations fit well in the often-utilised tactic of spreading as many explanations or allegations as possible, thus creating conspiracy theories surrounding a specific issue in order to muddy the waters and see what sticks. Pro-Kremlin media sharing baseless claims alleging that the leaks benefit Poland, the US or Ukraine, is similar to the Kremlin's disinformation campaign in the situation with MH-17.Regarding the Russian claims that a US helicopter might be involved in causing the leaks, the Kremlin manipulatively used FlightRadar24 information in order to provide evidence of the alleged U.S. involvement. According to FlightRadar24, at the time of the accident, the U.S. military helicopter was at least 250 km to the east from the reported area of the leaks.For a detailed and comprehensive analysis of the issue, please read Nord Stream 1 & 2 sabotage - disinformation a la MH-17?. See other cases, claiming that The US is instigating war in Ukraine to boycott the Nord Stream 2 project and US benefits from Nord Stream sabotage.

Nord Stream 2, Invasion of Ukraine, Energy, gas

05.10.2022

The Kyiv regime seized power in Ukraine with support from the West

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/the-kyiv-regime-seized-power-in-ukraine-with-support-from-the-west

sputnik.az

Ukraine

Azerbaijani

The Ukrainian authorities are fighting against Russia with the direct political, military and financial support of the West, specifically the North Atlantic Alliance.

A recurring pro-Kremlin anti-Western disinformation narrative that the Ukrainian government came into power with the support of the West. No evidence has been presented to back up the claims. The article also repeats a disinformation narrative that Russia has also been pushing for a long time, that it is fighting not only Ukraine but also NATO and the West as a whole.The last presidential elections in Ukraine were held in 2019 in which Zelensky was elected as the President of Ukraine. In the final report prepared by The OSCE PA Election Observation Mission in Ukraine concluded that “the election was competitive, voters had a broad choice and turned out in high numbers…Fundamental freedoms were generally respected. Candidates could campaign freely”. Freedom House also confirms that the election was free and fair. In its statement, the National Democratic Institute says that “This election was genuinely competitive and voters turned out in higher numbers than in the 2014 presidential poll…Ukraine held an election that broadly reflects the will of voters and meets key international standards. However, many important opportunities to promote public confidence by improving the electoral process have been missed in recent years.See similar cases such as Ukrainian elections are going to be invalid and the elections in Ukraine are controlled by the SBU.

Elections, Sovereignty

05.10.2022

Russia is fighting NATO in Ukraine

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/russia-is-fighting-nato-in-ukraine

Rossiya 1

Ukraine

Russian

We are not fighting Ukrainian troops. We are at war with NATO troops. They have a huge resource, currently surpassing our resource.

This is a recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets claiming that NATO is directly involved in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine on the Ukrainian side. An attempt to justify the Russian military failures, downplay the role of the Ukrainian armed forces and present what is happening as a war with NATO.Some NATO member states are providing Ukraine with military assistance to repel the unprovoked Russian aggression, but they are not involved in direct fighting. Ukraine receives weapons with the sole aim of restoring its territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.Western instructors are teaching Ukrainian soldiers how to use modern weaponry, but there are no NATO troops fighting on the front or leading Ukrainian units. Ukrainian counter-offensive is led by the Ukrainian military political leadership. NATO as an organisation is not involved in fighting in Ukraine.The US, the EU and NATO condemns n the strongest possible terms Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which is entirely unjustified and unprovoked. NATO as an organisation is not involved in fighting in Ukraine.Western countries are supporting Ukraine with military, political and humanitarian aid and are simultaneously trying to find a diplomatic solution to the war 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.See more disinformation cases on NATO.

Invasion of Ukraine

05.10.2022

The referendum in Donbass corrected a historical injustice

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/the-referendum-in-donbass-corrected-a-historical-injustice

bgr.news-front.info

Ukraine, Russia

Bulgarian

Residents of the Donbass republics, as well as the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, looked forward to the opportunity to participate in the referendums on joining Russia. People have long been reluctant to associate themselves with Ukraine.The referendums on joining Russia were held from 23 to 27 September. The authorities of these regions and territories addressed Vladimir Putin with a request to give the people an opportunity to become part of their native Russia if such decision is made through a plebiscite. The majority of the residents of Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics of Kherson and Zaporizhzhya oblasts voted in the referendums in support for the regions' accession to Russia as subjects of the federation.

This is part of a wider disinformation campaign aiming to justify Russia’s illegal annexation of Ukrainian territory after the sham referendums held in occupied Ukrainian territories. By blaming the West for not taking into consideration the referenda results, the Kremlin tries to deflect Russia’s responsibility for its flagrant breach of international law. Furthermore, Putin aims to create public pressure in EU and NATO members to prompt Ukraine in accepting the results of the so-called referendums.The referendums held in the occupied territories are considered illegitimate by international and Ukrainian law. Article 4 of the UN Charter states that:All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.There are numerous examples of citizens being coerced into voting. According to the remaining local Ukrainian authorities in Zaporizhzhia, the Russian army noticed an “overwhelming reluctance and fear of citizens to attend the referendum and is forced to bring people.”Previously, the EU High Representative Josep Borrell denounced the illegal referendums and their falsified results, stating that the EU won't recognize any of it. In addition, EU Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano said that the EU’s wish is to bring to justice those responsible for holding sham referenda within the occupied areas.Read similar cases claiming that Inhabitants of Donbas, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts want freely join with Russia and The "referenda" in eastern Ukraine done with the same legal norms as in France or Crimea joined Russia in a 2014 referendum.

Donbas, Referendum, Kherson, DPR, LNR

05.10.2022

Europe is waging open warfare against Russia

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/europe-is-waging-open-warfare-against-russia

bgr.news-front.info

Europe, Russia, Ukraine

Bulgarian

All of Europe is waging open warfare against Russia, one that has already become costly and painful for the EU, but EU citizens might not realise it because their cities are not being bombed and people are not dying on the front.

The article promotes a widely spread pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative that the EU is conducting open warfare against Russia. This narrative fits well into the Kremlin's claims that the EU and NATO are actively involved in Russia’s aggressive invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine is recognised as a sovereign national state, with a democratically-elected president and parliament, developing within its existing boundaries to exercise the Ukrainian nation's sacrosanct right to self-determination. The country is not just a tool utilized by the West to wage a vicious proxy war against Russia. The fundamental aim of Western countries and organisations is helping Ukraine achieve a mission set out for itself: To ward off the fortified Russian invasion. Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty recently have been only violated due to systematic acts of aggression by the Kremlin’s military since 2014, peaking with a full blown military invasion of Ukraine initiated on 24 February 2022.In fact, Western leaders have been continuously calling for talks and a peaceful solution to stop Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, but Moscow has been ignoring these efforts. The West is not interested in the continuation of the war at the heart of Europe and only supports Ukraine with military and financial aid for the country’s efficient self-defence against the unprovoked Russian invasion.Moreover, NATO is a defensive alliance whose members are committed to safeguarding the freedom and security of each other. NATO as an organisation is not involved in the fighting in Ukraine. The Alliance only supports Ukraine in its right to self-defence, as provided in the UN Charter. Over the past months, NATO has undertaken strictly defensive actions to increase the number of NATO troops in the eastern territories of the Alliance. NATO members provide military aid to Ukraine in order to push back the unprovoked Russian aggression, not because they are hostile against Russia without reason.See a similar disinformation case: Russia is at war with NATO and the Pentagon; only the soldiers are Ukrainians.

War in Ukraine, Invasion of Ukraine

05.10.2022

Without restoring the Nord Stream pipelines, Europe will go into shutdown

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/without-restoring-the-nord-stream-pipelines-europe-will-go-into-shutdown

bgr.news-front.info

Europe, Russia, Ukraine

Bulgarian

Regarding the sabotage of Russia's Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 pipelines, Europe is already forecasting production shutdowns and extremely high gas prices. Currently, gas supplies to Europe pass only through Ukraine and through the Turkish Stream pipeline, thus with the Nord Stream pipelines accident, Europe has lost the opportunity to solve the problem and restore normal gas supplies from Russia. The price of fuel will rise, which means that gas-intensive industries will pay extreme prices or shut down production. The energy crisis in Europe will thus enter a new acute phase in the winter.

The article contains a recurrent pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative claiming that European industry will shut down and the energy crisis will inevitably deepen without restoring the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines. This narrative addresses the energy crisis in Europe amid the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine, the subsequent Western counter measures towards Russia and the Kremlin’s retaliatory limiting of gas supplies. It plays well into the pro-Russian motif that the West is collapsing, a narrative which the Kremlin employs to exercise pressure and extort European governments, whilst creating public panic over energy insecurity and high costs.In early October 2022, the European Commission outlined possible strategies to cap gas prices as the EU awaits the imminent energy crisis this winter. European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen stated that an overall cap on the price of gas could be a temporary solution, only until a new European price index ensuring better market functioning is developed. She added that the Commission is already working on capping gas prices in order to help make sure European gas supplies are not compromised.Despite recent events, and in particular the attacks on the Nord Stream Pipelines, Europe is prepared to face this winter. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimated Europe’s storage volumes at approximately 88% of capacity, just a bit below the 90% the IEA considers as necessary to replace a complete halt in Russian supplies ahead of winter.See more disinformation cases on energy issues such as EU sanctions are hurting Europe more than Russia and Without Russian gas, Europe will slide into the Middle Ages.

Nord Stream 2, Energy, gas

04.10.2022

The West can save Ukraine by stopping the weapon deliveries

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/the-west-can-save-ukraine-by-stopping-the-weapon-deliveries

News Front - German,fr.news-front.info

Ukraine, Russia, US

German, French

The West has one chance to save Ukraine – to stop pumping it with weapons.U.S. President Joe Biden should call for an immediate ceasefire and truce agreement to save Ukraine.The administration of US President Joe Biden should stop supplying Kyiv with lethal weapons and sending US Army soldiers to Eastern Europe. Moreover, Washington should refuse to introduce new economic sanctions against Russia.

This disinformation story is part of a wider disinformation campaign to support Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, in this case imposing the idea that a Russian victory against Ukraine is inevitable and that the risk of escalation is very high so the US should stop providing weapons and accept Russia's conditions.The fact that Russia mobilizes several hundred thousand men and threatens Ukraine and its supporters with nuclear weapons doesn’t make its victory inevitable. When this article was published Ukrainian forces just reconquered the city of Lyman in the framework of a large-scale counterattack.Western weapons being delivered to Ukraine are to allow this country to repel Russia’s brutal aggression. Peace cannot be achieved by letting an unarmed Ukraine facing a highly militarised Russia who denies its sovereignty.The unilateral lifting of sanctions will not encourage Russia to observe international laws. The EU adopted so far six sanction packages against Russia due to its illegal aggression and occupation of Ukrainian territories. Not all trades restrictions are yet enforced as the energy sector needs longer transition periods so it is too early to assess the full effect of the sanctions as that work is long term. However, it is incorrect to state that Russian economy would be barely affected or would even benefit from the sanctions. The Russian leadership is constantly demanding that the sanctions be removed.Read also related claims referenced in our database: that Western arms are supplied directly to the black market, not Ukrainian army, that by arming Ukraine, the US and the UK want to push Russia against Europe, that Western weapons are stolen long before they reach the Ukrainian soldiers, that Syrian and Libyan terrorists have been spotted in Ukraine trading Western weapons, or that Western weapons supplies to Ukraine are exacerbating the conflict.

War in Ukraine, Invasion of Ukraine, illegal annexation, Sanctions, Russian superiority

04.10.2022

Creation of military-political chaos in South Caucasus is in the US strategic interests

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/creation-of-military-political-chaos-in-south-caucasus-is-in-the-us-strategic-interests

musavat.com

Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia, US

Azerbaijani

The creation of military-political chaos in the South Caucasus fully meets the strategic interests of the United States and the West.

A recurring anti-Western disinformation narrative claiming that the U.S. and the wider West create turmoil and dragging the South Caucasus into chaos. There is no evidence provided to support the claim. Rather the opposite: the West is a source of stabilisation and development. The U.S. has close relations with South Caucasus countries, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia. In 2021, the US - Azerbaijan trade was 517 million USD, the US - Armenia trade was 140 million USD. The US - Georgia trade was 921 million USD in 2019. In 2020, the US provided assistance in the field of democracy, economic growth, education and security to Azerbaijan (9.9 million USD) , Armenia (31.5 million USD), and to Georgia (133 million USD). During the COVID, the total assistance of the US to Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia amounted to 47.7 million USD. Additionally, the US supports peace and security in the South Caucasus region. In terms of Abkhazia and the South Ossetia, the U.S. recognises the territorial integrity of Georgia. As regards to the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the US strongly supports efforts to pursue a lasting and sustainable political solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict through the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs and promote regional stability, peace, and prosperity.More broadly, the EU-Georgia Association Agreement entered into force in July 2016 and strives for political association and economic integration between the EU and Georgia. The EU and Georgia have also entered into a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), while Georgian citizens have benefitted from visa-free travel to the Schengen area since 28 March 2017. The EU is Georgia's largest trading partner and provides over €100 million to Georgia annually in technical and financial assistance.Since 1991, the EU has gradually become closer to Azerbaijan. It wants to build on this by deepening economic integration and increasing political cooperation with the country.The European Union and Armenia have committed themselves to work together for the benefit of the citizens of Armenia and the European Union, to contribute to the strengthening of democracy and of political, economic and institutional stability. Both sides are committed to promote, preserve and strengthen peace and stability at regional and international level and to enhance cooperation in the area of freedom, security and justice thus reinforcing the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.See similar disinformation cases: The West sees elections in Russia as opportunity to create chaos; The US seeded chaos in Afghanistan to undermine China and Russia.

West, Chaos

04.10.2022

Kherson and Zaporizhzhia repeat the history of Kosovo

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/kherson-and-zaporizhzhia-repeat-the-history-of-kosovo

tass.ru,rossaprimavera.ru,ukraina.ru,RIA

Ukraine, Kosovo, Russia

Russian

The West deny the residents of Donbas and the liberated territories of Ukraine the right to self-determination. Western delegations demonstrate blatant double standards. The loudest critics of the referenda in the Donbas, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions were once in the forefront of supporters of Kosovo's independence. They supported Kosovo's right to secede from the Serbian state if the rights of the Kosovo Albanians would be seriously violated - the so-called secession in order to protect.But nothing threatened the Kosovo Albanians for a long time. Yugoslavia was no longer on the map. Then NATO pretending to be peacekeeper bombed Serbia.

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative drawing parallels between the Kosovo independence movement and Putin’s illegal decision to proclaim the annexation of four partially occupied Ukrainian provinces (Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia).Russia’s illegal sham “referenda” have no legitimacy and blatantly violate international law as well as Russia’s international obligations. They were conducted while Russia is waging a war of aggression against Ukraine with the of annexing Ukraine’s occupied territories. They violate Ukraine’s Constitution and Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. By organising these illegal sham “referenda”, Russia aims to change, by force, the internationally recognised borders of Ukraine, which constitutes a clear and serious breach of the UN Charter. Their outcome is null and void and cannot produce any legal effect whatsoever, said the High Representative on behalf of the EU. International recognition of Kosovar statehood came only after the region had been ravaged by a bloody civil war, which Western countries stopped. This was followed by a decade of international administration and status negotiations. In 2008, the EU Council stressed that, given the 1990s civil conflict and protracted international administration under Security Council Resolution 1244, Kosovo constituted a sui generis case. By contrast, there was no war in Ukraine until Russian military aggression started in 2014 (see ICC report here).Negotiations on Kosovo's status lasted 10 years. The time period between Russia's military operation and annexation of Crimea in 2014 was 20 days, the "referenda" of four partially occupied Ukrainian provinces (Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhia) were announced 2 days prior to the "voting". In these so called "referenda", voters were coerced into voting with armed soldiers going door to door to collect votes. Individuals were not allowed to vote, as only one vote was allowed per household. Voters did not need any form of identification in order to cast a vote.See other disinformation cases on the false 2022 referenda as well as on Crimea since 2014: double standards in Western attituded on status of Kosovo and Crimea, that Kosovo and Crimea's status recognition by the West shows double standards, and that Crimean referendum was the will of the Crimeans while Kosovo was an outside intervention.

Invasion of Ukraine, Referendum, Manipulated elections/referendum

04.10.2022

Ukrainian authorities are a terrorist organisation

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/ukrainian-authorities-are-a-terrorist-organisation

bgr.news-front.info

Ukraine, Russia

Bulgarian

The recent attack on the Kerch Bridge proves yet again that Ukraine is a terrorist state and Kyiv’s regime should be eliminated in order to end senseless terrorist attacks on Russian territory. From now on, any military action against Ukraine taken by the Kremlin should be viewed as an anti-terrorist operation, because Ukrainian authorities are a terrorist organisation.

The article promotes a widely spread pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative and a conspiracy theory about Ukraine, aiming to justify Russia’s full-scale war against a sovereign state, claiming that the Ukrainian political and military leadership are committing terrorist acts and attacks against civilians.In reality, there isn’t even any solid evidence of how the Kerch Bridge explosion happened, let alone who and why perpetrated the attack. However, many military experts believe that the assault on the Kerch Bridge was carried out by the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine (FISU). The latter fits well in Kremlin’s disinformation narrative that Russia’s actions are anti-terrorist because they are initiated to counter Ukraine’s terrorism. Nonetheless, it was Putin who launched the invasion against Ukraine on 24 February 2022 and called it a "special military operation". At the moment, the Ukrainian Army and volunteers are fighting with Russian troops to defend their country from Russian military aggression. Furthermore, the Russian army has carried out strikes against civilian facilities in Ukraine to cause destruction. The Kremlin’s military committed many war crimes in Bucha, Mariupol, Irpin and other Ukrainian places.Recently, on 11 October 2022, during a G7 meeting, country leaders condemned “in the strongest possible terms” Putin’s barrage of retaliatory strikes against Ukraine after the Kerch Bridge explosion and stated that Kyiv has their countries’ full support for as long as needed.On the 23 November, the European Parliament voted on a resolution labelling Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism. As this body has argued, the deliberate attacks and atrocities committed by Russian forces and their proxies against civilians in Ukraine, the destruction of civilian infrastructure and other serious violations of international and humanitarian law amount to acts of terror and constitute war crimes. In light of this, MEPs recognise Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism and as a state that “uses means of terrorism”.See other examples of similar disinformation in our database, such as The US is recruiting ISIS terrorists to fight in Ukraine and the West is supporting terrorists to encircle Russia. For more information about tips and rhetoric of pro-Kremlin disinformation read “A guide to deciphering pro-Kremlin disinformation around Putin's war”.

Kerch, War in Ukraine, Invasion of Ukraine, Crimea, Terrorism

03.10.2022

France is accomplice of genocide on Ukrainian territory

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/france-is-accomplice-of-genocide-on-ukrainian-territory

qactus.fr,fr.sputniknews.africa,fr.sputniknews.africa

France, Ukraine

French

In Donbas, attacks against civilians by the Ukrainian army were observed. France is an accomplice in the genocide of the Ukrainian population because it supplies CAESAR howitzers to Kyiv.

Pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about alleged genocide, aiming to justify the full-scale Russian invasion of and war crimes in Ukraine.The idea that Ukraine is committing genocide against its own population is promoted by the Russian president in his speeches. The idea is nevertheless, baseless. A genocide is the deliberate and systematic destruction of a group of people because of their ethnicity, nationality, religion, or race. No such plan existed in Ukraine and no killing of civilians by Ukrainian armed forces can be related to an alleged genocide.France has already supplied 18 Caesar howitzers to Ukrainian armed forces to stop Russian military invasion and will deliver 6 to 12 additional units later. Those weapons are precise and limit collateral damage.The genocide narrative has been an integral part of the pro-Kremlin justification campaign of the Russian full invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022. Leaders of the European Union recognized that Moscow's actions should be evaluated as “acts of violence and the violation of international law”.Read also related stories: Russia's military operation prevented genocide in Donbas and is in full accordance with the UN charter, Armed Forces of Ukraine have committed war crimes and genocide in Donbas, The West encouraged and justified genocide against the Donbas population, Special operation aims to protect the people from the Ukrainian neo-Nazi genocide.

Genocide, fake news, Donbas, Eastern Ukraine, Invasion of Ukraine, War in Ukraine

03.10.2022

Russia tries to liberate its own territories from the Nazis

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/russia-tries-to-liberate-its-own-territories-from-the-nazis

baltnews.com

Russia, Ukraine

Russian

Russia admitted to its own territory new districts. This happened after the referendum in Luhansk people’s republic and Donetsk people’s republic, as well as in the districts of Zaporizhia and Kherson. Russia should to do everything to liberate the territory of Russia from the Nazis.

This is part of a wider pro-Kremlin disinformation campaign to justify Russia’s illegal annexation of Ukrainian territory after sham referenda.Russia organised so-called “referenda” in some occupied territories of Ukraine on September 23-27. The “results” of these “referenda” become a pretext for the illegal annexation of these Ukrainian territories Moscow made on September 30.The EU High Representative Josep Borrell condemned the decision to hold a referendum, stating the EU won't recognise it. “These illegal ‘votes’ cannot be considered under any circumstance as the free expression of the will of the people living in these regions under constant Russian military threat and intimidation,” EU’s chief diplomat Josep Borrell said in a statement.Watch our video explaining situation of the illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories by Russia.The statement that Russia fights Nazis also is a well-known and widely debunked claim of Kremlin-backed disinformation. See more in our article “Nazi East, Nazi West, Nazi over the cuckoo´s nest”.For more examples of disinformation linked to so-called “referendums” see the publication “Back to the USSR? Russian TV on referendums and mobilisation”.

Nazi/Fascist, Referendum, Manipulated elections/referendum, DNR, LNR, illegal annexation

03.10.2022

Poland plans to organise accession referendums in Ukraine’s Lviv and Volyn regions

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/poland-plans-to-organise-accession-referendums-in-ukraines-lviv-and-volyn-regions

Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, US, UK

Countries and/or Regions discussed in the disinformation: Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, US, UK

At present Poland is actively building political and military presence in the western Ukraine. The issuance of the Cards of the Pole in Lviv and Volyn regions has lately been accelerated multiple times. The situation is developing towards a referendum, which will show that most residents of the Lviv and Volyn regions are willing to join Poland. The US and UK will approve the results.

A conspiracy about alleged Polish plans to annex parts of the western Ukraine through illegal referendums – an obvious attempt to legitimise the illegal annexation of the temporarily occupied territories in Ukraine that Russia has committed. It fits the recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about Poland as a state with imperial ambitions, aiming to confound the reality of Russia's unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine.As our analysis explains, holding illegitimate referenda to justify blatant land-grabs is an old page from the Kremlin’s book on how to annex the territories of its neighbours. These so-called referenda, carried out by Russia in Ukraine’s regions, will have no international legal force and have already been condemned in the strongest terms by world leaders including António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, and EU High Representative Josep Borrell.Poland, as well as Slovakia, Hungary and Romania, adhere to international law regarding state borders, fully support the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and do not have any territorial claims against it. Read more about the Eastern policy of Poland here.The message about imperial Poland eyeing Ukraine has adopted several different and sometimes contradictory forms, including allegations that Poland wants either to create a puppet proxy-state in Western Ukraine or the annexation of these territories, or that it is actually President Zelenskyy who wants to cede this land due to his “Polish origin”.When it comes to the sabotage at Nord Stream gas pipelines, as our analysis shows, the tactics to promote claims blaming ‘Anglo-Saxons’ and other manipulative claims resemble the spree of mis-explanations/ accusations surrounding the downing by missile of the Malaysian airliner MH-17 over Donbas in 2015.

03.10.2022

US benefits from destroying of Nord Stream because it can now sell more liquefied natural gas to Europe

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/us-benefits-from-destroying-of-nord-stream-because-it-can-now-sell-more-liquefied-natural-gas-to-europe

earthiq.news,ar.rtarabic.com,nabd.com,mawsuea.net,sa24.co,almarsad.co,arabic.rt.com

US, Canada, Russia, Europe

Arabic

Blinken spoke frankly and unabashedly about the motives of the United States and its NATO partners for destroying the Russian gas pipelines Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2. During a joint press conference with Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Jolie, he talked about the progress made in the production of liquefied gas in the United States, with which Washington plans to replace Russian gas in Europe.In the end, this is a great opportunity for the US. It is a chance to get rid of Russian energy dependence once and for all. This is very important and opens up huge strategic opportunities for the US in the coming years.

Disinformation strongly implying that the US is behind the recent sabotage explosions on the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines.Denmark, Sweden and Germany have started investigations to establish the cause of the leaks and explosions. Denmark and Sweden, in whose exclusive economic zone the explosions occured, are going to inspect the sites of the leaks after the gas stops coming out into the sea. This is the first step in determining what caused the leaks. Pro-Kremlin media are promoting a number of different claims alleging that the leaks were planned by US, UK, Poland or Ukraine. This is similar to the Kremlin's disinformation campaign in the situation with MH-17.The claim that the US and its NATO partners might benefit is speculation. European gas prices, which had been going down in recent months, went up 12% the days after the leaks. Gazprom has been reducing the supply of gas to Europe since spring 2022, blaming Europe and calling for sanctions to be lifted. In early September. Gazprom announced an indefinite shutdown of NS1 after days and weeks of scheduled repairs. NS2 has never been operational. It was sanctioned after Russia launched its military aggression against Ukraine.In fact, the US is not interested in rising gas prices. The largest NATO economies joined the oil price cap-initiative in order to drive down energy prices. See more disinformation cases related to Nord Stream: the US is instigating war in Ukraine to boycott the NS2 project; Nord Stream 2 is the only guarantee of Europe's energy security; the EU's gas problems are a result of its fight for "energy independence".

gas, Nord Stream 2, Energy, Conspiracy theory, NATO

03.10.2022

The US planned the destruction of the Nord Stream pipelines and Poland did it

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/the-us-planned-the-destruction-of-the-nord-stream-pipelines-and-poland-did-it

Laivaslaikrastis.lt

US, Poland, Denmark, Sweden

Lithuanian

The destruction of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines is a terrorist attack. The US and Poland are behind it. The US possibly planned the action and Poland implemented it. Denmark and Sweden possibly also attended the diversion because it happened in their territorial waters.

The case presented a conspiracy theory about the destruction of the gas pipelines Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2.The Nord Stream pipelines was ruptured in four separate places after explosions under the Baltic Sea. The incident is under investigation. It is already clear that it was an act of sabotage. Meanwhile, pro-Kremlin sources are trying to fill the information space with accusations against the West. Denmark, Sweden and Germany have started investigations to establish the cause of the leaks. Denmark and Sweden, in whose exclusive economic zone the leaks took place, are going to inspect the sites of the leaks after the gas stops coming out into the sea. This is the first step in determining what caused the leaks. See other examples of instrumentalisation of conspiracy theories by Kremlin-backed propaganda linked to the topic of the Nord Stream pipeline: The US is instigating war in Ukraine to boycott the Nord Stream 2 project; Poland inspire the border crisis with Belarus in order to fight the Nord Stream 2; Nord Stream 2 is the only guarantee of Europe’s energy security.

gas, Nord Stream 2, Energy, Terrorism, Conspiracy theory

03.10.2022

Referendums in Donbas, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia were legal and in accordance with international law

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/referendums-in-donbas-kherson-and-zaporizhzhia-were-legal-and-in-accordance-with-international-law

News Front - YouTube, German

Ukraine

German

Referendums in Donbas were legal.The expert is convinced of the legality of the referendums in the DNR, LNR, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. There is no doubt that the referendum was legitimate, historically absolutely legitimate and in accordance with international law.The referendums that have just taken place in the Donetsk and Luhansk republics and regions are for me the best example of the will of the people.

Pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative on the invasion of Ukraine and sham referenda on occupied Ukrainian territories aiming at justifying the annexation of Ukrainian territories.Russia has held illegal referenda on four occupied oblasts of Ukraine (Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson) on September 23-26. Russia does not fully control the territories where so-called referendums are taking place.As stated EU High Representative Josep Borrell:“The European Union strongly condemns these planned illegal “referenda” which go against the legal and democratically elected Ukrainian authorities, are in violation of Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and in blatant breach of international law. The results of such actions will be null and void and would not be recognised by the EU and its Member States. [...]Therefore, these illegal “votes” cannot be considered under any circumstance as the free expression of the will of the people living in these regions under constant Russian military threat and intimidation".See also this tweet byHR/VP Borrell stating that the announced annexation of Ukrainian territories by Russia is a major breach of international law and a violation of UN Charter.These parodies of democracy were also condemned by NATO, G7, US, as well as Russia’ partners like Serbia and Kazakhstan (a member of CIS and CSTO), which also mentioned that they will not recognise their results.See also a similar disinformation claims alleging that Kherson residents want to join Russia in a referendum.

Referendum, Invasion of Ukraine

03.10.2022

Kyiv created a new "Bucha" in the Kharkiv region

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/kyiv-created-a-new-bucha-in-the-kharkiv-region

News Front - YouTube, German

Ukraine

German

After Russian forces withdrew from the Kharkiv region, the Ukrainian media began to spread stories about torture and mass murder of residents, creating a new Bucha-like provocation. Ukraine supplements their evidence for torture with stories from a group of youths aged 15 to 17 who claim that they were held in the basement for several days. Almost all of the bodies discovered in the around 400 graves in Izyum belong to soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, who were buried because Ukrainian commanders refused to accept their own remains.

The material and links may contain distressing/graphic content. Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation about the atrocities of the Ukrainian army, such as war crimes and genocide, similar to the narrative denying the involvement of Russian troops in a massacre in the town of Bucha near Kyiv. This is part of a disinformation campaign aiming to justify Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine. There is no evidence to support the claims of Ukraine creating a new "Bucha" in the Kharkiv region. There is no evidence presented that it is Russian soldiers in the mass graves. Additionally, the Ukrainian authorities did not systematically exterminate or abuse the people living in the conflict zone. The dead people – military and civilian alike - are the result of a war Russia has started in Ukraine. It was not an internal civil conflict but a well-documented act of aggression by Russian armed forces, ongoing since February 2014. The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine which has closely monitored the conflict has observed no such genocide.On the contrary, there is numerous evidence that Russia is committing war crimes in Ukraine, such as the shelling of shopping malls, killing civilians, raping, as well as using unprecise weapons.In the city of Izium, in the east of Ukraine, that was recently liberated, a mass grave with more than 440 bodies was discovered. It appears that some of them were Ukrainian soldiers who took part in defending the city in March. Izium was under occupation since 1 April 2022. Numerous Ukrainian and foreign investigative organisations try to establish the reason of the deaths in each case.Preliminary results, according to Ukrainian police, show that some people were victims of a Russian airstrike on an apartment block in March, in which 47 people were killed. They also found 20 soldiers, some with their hands bound and one with a noose around his neck.See more disinformation cases, alleging that Mariupol maternity hospital shelling and Bucha massacre are fakes, that Ukraine commits wild provocations and war crimes, that Bucha is a fabrication, or that Bucha is a cover up for Ukrainian fascists torturing Russian prisoners of war.

Invasion of Ukraine

03.10.2022

Western military aid to Ukraine only will cause more suffering

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/western-military-aid-to-ukraine-only-will-cause-more-suffering

sputniknews.lat

Ukraine, EU, US

Spanish

The US and NATO have actually launched an indirect war against Russia in Ukraine, which is also a threat to Europe. Those who think that US and NATO weapons supplies will help Ukraine simply aren’t thinking realistically and will eventually realise their mistake: Western military aid will cause a terrible human suffering, a worsening of the situation and countless human victims.

This disinformation story is part of a wider disinformation campaign to support Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, in this case aiming to portray Russia as as a victim and to undermine Western public support for arming Ukraine for its own defence. The Western weapons being delivered to Ukraine are intended for Ukraine to confront the military forces of Russia’s brutal aggression, so the allegation that they “will cause a terrible human suffering” is baseless. Contrary to the claim that “US and NATO launched and indirect war against Russia in Ukraine”, the fact is that Western nations did everything they could to prevent the war and have only been reacting to Russia’s full invasion. Arming Ukraine was a sovereign decision of each one of these countries, not the result of any US or NATO plot.See other examples of similar disinformation narratives in our database, such as claims that by arming Ukraine, the US and the UK want to push Russia against Europe, that Western weapons are stolen long before they reach the Ukrainian soldiers, that Syrian and Libyan terrorists have been spotted in Ukraine trading Western weapons, or that Western weapons supplies to Ukraine are exacerbating the conflict.

Invasion of Ukraine, Warmongering, War in Ukraine, Ukraine

03.10.2022

IAEA experts confirmed that Zaporizhzhia plant is under Ukrainian attacks

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/iaea-experts-confirmed-that-zaporizhzhia-plant-is-under-ukrainian-attacks

sputniknews.lat

Ukraine

Spanish

Experts of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) present at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant certified Ukrainian bombings. They confirmed that they are under Ukrainian attacks, according to local authorities.

The claim is demonstrably false. The IAEA did not report any “Ukrainian bombing/attack” in the days before this disinformation story appeared nor after it. Although IAEA experts on the ground reported recurrent shelling in the surroundings of the plant, they didn’t attribute it to any side. As the disinformation story itself explains, the claim came from a local official appointed by the Russian occupation authorities, not from this international body (IAEA), contrary to what this manipulative headline and introductory paragraph affirm.This is part of a wider pro-Kremlin disinformation campaign about the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, trying to lay the blame on Ukraine for the dangerous situation around this facility and thus deflect any Russian responsibility. In fact, Russia has adopted many reckless actions regarding this facility, including placing military equipment and troops inside its premises, using its surroundings as a base for rocket and missile attacks, and interrupting its power line. Besides, Russia rejected UN proposals to demilitarize the areas surrounding the plant, as it was deliberately waging a fear campaign about the risks of a nuclear disaster in order to advance its goals in Ukraine.See other examples of similar disinformation narratives, such as claims that the Kyiv regime actions around the Zaporizhzhia plant is nuclear terrorism, that Washington and the Kyiv regime’s actions pose a threat of nuclear catastrophe, that Ukrainian attacks on the Zaporizhzhia plant show that the US does not accept defeat, or that NATO may use Zaporizhzhia incident as a pretext to join combat in Ukraine.

Invasion of Ukraine, War in Ukraine, Nuclear issues, Ukraine

03.10.2022

International observer certifies that people are voting freely in the Ukraine referenda

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/international-observer-certifies-that-people-are-voting-freely-in-the-ukraine-referenda

sputniknews.lat

Ukraine, Russia

Spanish

Participants in the Donbas referenda to join the Russian Federation are voting freely, Argentinian independent observer Lucas Adrián García said in Lugansk. “The role of an international referendum is to guarantee the process to be legitimate, and what we have seen those days is exactly that, totally different to what the media show. We could see people coming to vote freely, with a face of hope”, he stated to the Sputnik correspondent in the city.

All the claims in this disinformation story are false, aiming to portray the illegal annexation of Ukrainian regions by the Russian Federation as the expression of the free will of the population. In fact, those referenda don’t meet any international standard to be considered legitimate. Multiple testimonies show that many voters were coerced to take part in the false consultation, and eyewitnesses and footage in places like Enerhodar and Kherson proved that officials escorted by soldiers went door to door picking up votes. Pictures published by international outlets and agencies show that Russian soldiers were present everywhere, so the allegation that “there were no soldiers around” is a blatant lie.Not a single state in the world -including close allies of Russia such as Syria or Cuba, unlike in 2014 after Crimea’s illegal annexation- has stated its support or recognised the result of the referenda, despite Russia’s claims at the UN that the presence of over 100 observers from multiple countries recognised the outcomes as legitimate. Contrary to the claims in this disinformation story, these observers are not “independent” but sent by Moscow in a concerted effort to give cover to its pretensions of legitimacy.See other examples of similar disinformation narratives in our database, such as claims that “Referenda” in Eastern Ukraine are done with the same legal norms as in France, that Kherson residents want to join Russia in a referendum, that most people in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region identify as Russians or that the West is responsible for what happens after the Donbas referenda.

Manipulated elections/referendum, Referendum, Invasion of Ukraine, illegal annexation, War in Ukraine, Eastern Ukraine, Ukraine

02.10.2022

Four Ukrainian regions voted to join Russia by overwhelming majority

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/four-ukrainian-regions-voted-to-join-russia-by-overwhelming-majority

RT English

Ukraine, Russia

English

The people of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya Oblasts were asked one simple question: do you wish to become part of Russia? After five days of voting, the results from all four territories were clear – by an overwhelming majority, the participants in the referendums approved the proposition. Shortly thereafter, they were incorporated into the Russian Federation. What was once Ukraine has now become Mother Russia.

The claim is part of an ongoing pro-Kremlin disinformation campaign concerning Russia’s criminal invasion of Ukraine.The "referenda" were held illegally, under duress, and on territories which Russia does not even fully control. The results of these sham polls have been universally rejected by leading international and human rights organisations, including the United Nations, the OSCE, NATO, as well as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.On the EU's behalf, High Representative Josep Borrell said the following:“The European Union strongly condemns these planned illegal “referenda” which go against the legal and democratically elected Ukrainian authorities, are in violation of Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and in blatant breach of international law. The results of such actions will be null and void and would not be recognised by the EU and its Member States. [...]Therefore, these illegal “votes” cannot be considered under any circumstance as the free expression of the will of the people living in these regions under constant Russian military threat and intimidation."

Referendum, Manipulated elections/referendum, Elections, DNR, LNR, Kherson, Invasion of Ukraine, War in Ukraine, Russian world

02.10.2022

Only 5% of the grain that the West exports from Ukraine goes to the poorest countries

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/only-5-of-the-grain-that-the-west-exports-from-ukraine-goes-to-the-poorest-countries

lantidiplomatico.it

Ukraine, Russia

Italian

The West is favouring grain exports from Ukraine under the guise of “providing food security for the world's poorest countries” but everything goes to the same European countries. Only 5% goes to the poorest countries.

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative whose goal is to deny Russia's responsibility for growing food crisis and supply insecurity by stating that most of Ukraine's grain ships are sent to rich European countries and only 5% to the poorest. This false allegation goes in line with a wider pro-Kremlin disinformation campaign aiming to blame Western countries for a global food crisis engineered by Russia as part of its unjustified aggression against Ukraine.Russia is responsible of the global food crisis as this is a consequence of the unprovoked and unjustified Russian invasion of Ukraine: naval blockade of Ukrainian posts, bombardment of transport infrastructure and shelling of farming regions. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has destabilised global food markets and is driving food prices up due to increased cost of production, transport and freight insurance. Russia has destroyed substantial food stocks, production, as well as processing and transport capacities in Ukraine.If we look at the database of the UN Black Sea Grain Initiative, as of 23 September, out of the 203 shipments, less then half, only 92 - headed to EU countries. The majority headed for other countries like Turkey, Egypt, China, and India. Also this does not mean that these are their final destinations, as grain will be redistributed from some of these harbours to other countries.See also article 15. of the conclusions of the European Council of 20 and 21 October 2022 which states:Russia, by weaponising food in its war against Ukraine, is solely responsible for the global food security crisis it has provoked. Russia’s war of aggression has triggered disruptions of agricultural production, supply chains and trade that have driven world food and fertiliser prices to unprecedented levels. The EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes have made possible the export of significant volumes of Ukrainian crops, agricultural products and fertilisers to the countries most in need.See similar cases claiming that Western sanctions cause food crisis and price growth, that the food crisis has nothing to do with the Russian special operation, that Russia places no obstacles on the export of Ukrainian grain, or that EU is causing a global food shortage by keeping all the grain from Ukraine.

Invasion of Ukraine, food, West

30.09.2022

Southern Ukraine and the Donbas voted to join Russia in referendums

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/southern-ukraine-and-the-donbas-voted-to-join-russia-in-referendums

oroszhirek.hu

Ukraine, Russia

Hungarian

The Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics (DNR and LNR), as well as parts of the Kherson region and the Zaporizhzhia region in southern Ukraine, voted in favour of joining Russia in referendums held between 23 and 27 September.In Luhansk, more than 98% of voters supported the idea of joining Russia, according to official data after counting all ballot papers.In Donetsk, the results were similar, with more than 99% of voters in favour. In the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, all ballots were processed by the end of the day on Tuesday, with 93% and 87% of voters in favour of secession from Ukraine and unification with Russia respectively.

Pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative on the invasion of Ukraine and sham referenda on occupied Ukrainian territories aiming at justifying the annexation of Ukrainian territories.Russia has held illegal referenda on four occupied oblasts of Ukraine (Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson) on September 23-26. Russia does not fully control the territories where so-called referendums are taking place. As stated EU High Representative Josep Borrell:“The European Union strongly condemns these planned illegal “referenda” which go against the legal and democratically elected Ukrainian authorities, are in violation of Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and in blatant breach of international law. The results of such actions will be null and void and would not be recognised by the EU and its Member States. [...]Therefore, these illegal “votes” cannot be considered under any circumstance as the free expression of the will of the people living in these regions under constant Russian military threat and intimidation".See also this tweet by HR/VP Borrell stating that the announced annexation of Ukrainian territories by Russia is a major breach of international law and a violation of UN Charter.These parodies of democracy were also condemned by NATO, G7, US, as well as Russia’ partners like Serbia and Kazakhstan (a member of CIS and CSTO), which also mentioned that they will not recognise their results.See also a similar disinformation claims alleging that Kherson residents want to join Russia in a referendum.

Referendum, Manipulated elections/referendum, Invasion of Ukraine, Kherson, Donbas

30.09.2022

Russia will do anything to prevent Nazi Ukraine from getting nuclear weapons

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/russia-will-do-anything-to-prevent-nazi-ukraine-from-getting-nuclear-weapons

oroszhirek.hu

Russia, Ukraine, Europe

Hungarian

Russia is doing its utmost to prevent its hostile neighbours, such as Nazi Ukraine governed by NATO, from possessing nuclear weapons. It would be good if the authorities in Kyiv would at least partly recognise this sad conclusion. Unfortunately, this is almost unrealistic. They are in a constant state of war frenzy, with short breaks in which they have bizarre, narcotic dreams.

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative claiming Ukraine is a „Nazi” country, that is controlled by NATO.Ukraine is not a proxy for any foreign government or organisation. Ukraine is a sovereign and independent state with a democratically-elected president and parliament. Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity have been only violated as a result of continuous acts of aggression by the Russian armed forces since 2014, culminating with a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine starting on 24 February 2022.The US, the EU and some NATO member states provide Ukraine with military assistance to repel the unprovoked Russian aggression, but they are not involved in fighting. Ukraine receives weapons with the sole aim of restoring its territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. Western instructors are teaching Ukrainian soldiers how to use modern weaponry, but there are no Western troops fighting on the front. NATO as an organisation is not involved in war in Ukraine.As for the claim that Russia is fighting against Nazi/ Bandera Ukraine: One of the Kremlin’s most common disinformation narratives to justify its devastating war against Ukraine is the lie that Russia is pursuing the “denazification” of Ukraine. In reality, Ukraine is not a Nazi state, does not have a Nazi ruling elite and Nazism is not Ukraine’s ideology. For further debunk read here.Related to nuclear weapons: under the Budapest memorandum in 1994, Ukraine promised to remove all Soviet-era nuclear weapons from its territory, send them to disarmament facilities in Russia, and sign the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. Ukraine kept these promises. In return, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States promised that none of them would ever threaten or use force against the territorial integrity or political independence of Ukraine. They specifically pledged they would refrain from making each other's territory the object of military occupation or engage in other uses of force in violation of international law.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.See similar cases that NATO is at war with Russia with the hands of Ukrainians; that NATO was turning Ukraine into an enemy of Russia; that NATO has no interest in peace in Ukraine; and that the West is using Ukrainians to fight Russia in Ukraine.

NATO, Nuclear issues, Invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian statehood, Nazi/Fascist

30.09.2022

American mercenaries are recruited en masse and sent to Ukraine

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/american-mercenaries-are-recruited-en-masse-and-sent-to-ukraine

Ukraine, Russia, US

Countries and/or Regions discussed in the disinformation: Ukraine, Russia, US

American mercenaries are recruited en masse and sent to Ukraine.The USA is massively recruiting fighters to take part in combat operations in Ukraine. The average daily wage of the mercenaries is 1,000 to 2,000 dollars, according to the specialised website SilentProfessionals.org.

Pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative on the invasion of Ukraine, on Western involvement in the war and on foreign mercenaries fighting against Russia. The article misrepresents a job listing on the American website Silent Professionals, a recruitment agency for security and safety jobs. The vacancy involves work in Ukraine. However, it is not related to direct participation in combat operations. The job description, titled "Extraction/Protective Agents", states that the employer is looking for a specialist for operations to evacuate individuals and families from rural areas and major cities in Ukraine.Furthermore, foreign nationals who take direct part in combat operations on the side of Ukraine are not mercenaries. Unlike mercenaries, they join the Ukrainian Armed Forces and are subordinate to their command. Foreigners fighting for Ukraine receive the same salary as Ukrainian citizens. Those Legionnaires who do not wish to sign a contract with the Ukrainian Armed Forces join volunteer battalions. They do not receive material benefits - most of them have personal, ideological reasons to defend justice and the rights of Ukrainians.For more information read StopFake article about "American mercenaries" for Ukraine. See also a similar disinformation claims alleging that Russia presented evidence of US biolabs in Ukraine at the Convention on Biological Weapons, that NATO provocation and support for Kyiv forced Russia to introduce a partial mobilisation and that western arms are supplied directly to the black market, not Ukrainian army.

30.09.2022

Anglo-Saxons are behind the explosions of Nord Stream pipelines

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/anglo-saxons-are-behind-the-explosions-of-nord-stream-pipelines

US, UK, Europe

Countries and/or Regions discussed in the disinformation: US, UK, Europe

The Anglo-Saxons are behind the explosions that took place this week of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines. Sanctions [against Russia] are not enough for the Anglo-Saxons, so they have turned to sabotage; in fact, they have begun to destroy the infrastructure of the whole of Europe.

Disinformation alleging that the Anglo-Saxon countries, now often used by pro-Kremlin outlets to mean the US and the UK, are behind the recent leaks in Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines. This claim was neither counterbalanced nor critically challenged in the article.Denmark, Sweden and Germany have started investigations to establish the cause of the leaks. Denmark and Sweden, in whose exclusive economic zone the leaks took place, are going to inspect the sites of the leaks after the gas stops coming out into the sea. This is the first step in determining what caused the leaks. Anything before that would be mere speculation and conspiracy theory.In fact, the US and UK and are not interested in rising gas prices, and they both joined the oil price cap-initiative in order to drive down energy prices. See more disinformation cases related to Nord Stream: the US is instigating war in Ukraine to boycott the NS2 project; Nord Stream 2 is the only guarantee of Europe's energy security; the EU's gas problems are a result of its fight for "energy independence".

30.09.2022

The Nord Stream explosions bear a Western mark

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/the-nord-stream-explosions-bear-a-western-mark

news.am,news.am,news.am

US

Armenian

The USA is the main beneficiary of gas pipeline explosions in the Baltic Sea. Moscow has data that points to a western trail of "North Stream" explosions. Western countries joined the investigation, the search for the real perpetrators of the terrorist act, almost the next day. The West will do everything to cover the real perpetrators and organisers of this international terrorist act.

Conspiracy theory and unsubstantiated claim from pro-Kremlin media accusing the West and US of sabotage and explosion of the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines.No evidence provided to support the claim. On 26 September 2022, the NS1 and the NS2 pipelines both ruptured. Denmark, Sweden view the Nord Stream pipeline leaks as 'deliberate actions'The sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines happened as the Baltic Pipe was being opened for natural gas to come in from the North Sea through Denmark to Poland.Тhe pro-Kremlin outlets' accusations that the West will do everything to hide the real perpetrators is groundless. Sweden, Germany and Denmark opened an investigation of the incident. This is the first step in determining what caused the leaks. Anything before that would be mere speculation and conspiracy theory.As High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell stated: "Any deliberate disruption of European energy infrastructure is utterly unacceptable and will be met with a robust and united response." The NATO called the incidents "deliberate, reckless, and irresponsible acts of sabotage. Joe Biden says Nord Stream leak is ‘Deliberate act of sabotage’.European Union at the moment did not name anyone who could be behind the incident. Pro-Kremlin media are promoting a number of different claims alleging that the leaks benefit the US, Poland and Ukraine, which is similar to the Kremlin's disinformation campaign in the situation of MH-17.

Nord Stream 2, Terrorism, West, Nikolay Patrushev, Secret services, Intelligence services

30.09.2022

The West wants to weaken and ruin Russia, make everyone a colony

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/the-west-wants-to-weaken-and-ruin-russia-make-everyone-a-colony

tlgrm.ru,trud.ru,life.ru,aif.ru,RIA,tvkrasnodar.ru

Russia

Russian

In the West they don't want freedom for Russia - they want to make everyone a colony. The West has been looking for and is looking for a new chance to weaken and destroy Russia, it haunts them that there is such a great country. Greed and the intention to retain power are the reasons for the hybrid war waged by the West against Russia. The West always says it stands for order and rules, but where did these rules come from? Solid double, and maybe triple standards, designed for fools.

Multiple disinformation narratives from pro-Kremlin outlets accusing the West of anti-Russian policies, colonialism, lack of democracy, aggressive Russophobia and allegedly belligerent and hostile agenda to contain, weaken and ruin Russia, aiming to portray Russia as a victim and deflect any responsibility for Moscow’s illicit actions.Before Russia launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, Kyiv and Western nations had been trying to conduct a dialogue with Russia on all disputed issues, including security guarantees. Russia cut short all attempts at achieving a compromise over security guarantees by attacking Ukraine.The West or the US are not in war with Russia or Russians. Since Russia launched its unjustified aggression against Ukraine on 24 February 2022, the West has been calling for Russian withdrawal from Ukraine and a peaceful settlement.Western governments have reacted to the actions of the Kremlin undermining international stability and security, such as illegal annexation of Crimea, the downing of flight MH17, interference in the US as well as in European electoral processes, poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the UK. The Kremlin has also been criticised and sanctioned for specific domestic policies that violate human rights in Russia, such as the poisoning of the opposition politician Alexei Navalny. Sanctions were implemented by the European Union as a reaction to the unjustified actions of Russia.The current deterioration in relations between the West and Moscow is the consequence of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. Judging by statements from some Russian politicians, lately confirmed by Putin's long speech 30 September announcing annexation of four more regions of Ukraine, it is Moscow who has hostile intentions against the West and makes no secret about it, while the West is compelled to deter such Russian actions. It is Russia who is waging a hybrid war, fusing soft and hard power to achieve Russia’s ends with both political and military means.Read our recent article: Putin scaremongering – a Quick Guide.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.

West, Imperialism/colonialism, Sovereignty, Anti-Russian, Encircling Russia, Democracy, Destabilising Russia, Hybrid war, War in Ukraine

30.09.2022

The US blew up Nord Stream 1 and 2 to sell more gas to Europe

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/the-us-blew-up-nord-stream-1-and-2-to-sell-more-gas-to-europe

asd.news

Russia, US, EU

Russian

The main suspect and beneficiary is Washington. The U.S. has massively increased its LNG supplies to Europe this year. I also recall the words of American President Joe Biden who said that “Russian aggression” against Ukraine will lead to the fact that “NS2” simply will not exist. Now the threat appears to be materialising. [...] People across the ocean have already decided everything for the EU.

Disinformation alleging that the U.S. is behind the recent leaks in Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines. Denmark, Sweden and Germany have started investigations to establish the cause of the leaks. Denmark and Sweden, in whose exclusive economic zone the leaks took place, are going to inspect the sites of the leaks after the gas stops coming out into the sea. This is the first step in determining what caused the leaks. Pro-Kremlin media are promoting a number of different claims alleging that the leaks benefit the U.S., Poland and Ukraine, which is similar to the Kremlin's disinformation campaign in the situation with MH-17. The claim that Europe/the U.S. might benefit is speculation. European gas prices went up 12% the days after the leaks. Gazprom has been reducing the supply of gas to Europe since spring 2022, blaming Europe and calling for sanctions to be lifted. In early September. Gazprom announced an indefinite shutdown of NS1 after days and weeks of scheduled repairs. NS2 has never been operational. It was sanctioned after Russia launched its military aggression against Ukraine. The U.S. is not interested in rising gas prices. Washington joined the oil price cap-initiative in order to drive down energy prices. See more disinformation cases related to Nord Stream: the US is instigating war in Ukraine to boycott the NS2 project; Nord Stream 2 is the only guarantee of Europe's energy security; the EU's gas problems are a result of its fight for "energy independence".

Nord Stream 2, gas, US presence in Europe, European Union, Baltic sea

30.09.2022

The US is probably behind the explosion of NS-1 and NS-2

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/report/the-us-is-probably-behind-the-explosion-of-ns-1-and-ns-2

livenews.am

US, UK, Ukraine

Armenian

The explosion of Russian gas pipelines could be beneficial only to three states: the United States, Great Britain and Ukraine. It is difficult to say which of them carried out the terrorist attack, but most probably it was the US, which has been pursuing the goal of destroying energy cooperation in Europe for many years.

Conspiracy theory and unsubstantiated claim from pro-Kremlin media accusing the US of sabotage and explosion of the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines. No evidence provided to support the claim.On 26 September 2022, the NS1 and the NS2 pipelines both ruptured. Denmark and Sweden view the Nord Stream pipeline leaks as 'deliberate actions'.Sweden, Germany and Denmark opened an investigation of the incident. This is the first step in determining what caused the leaks. Anything before that would be mere speculation.As High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell stated: "Any deliberate disruption of European energy infrastructure is utterly unacceptable and will be met with a robust and united response." NATO called the incidents "deliberate, reckless, and irresponsible acts of sabotage. Joe Biden says Nord Stream leak is ‘Deliberate act of sabotage’.The claim that the US might benefit is speculation. European gas prices, which had been going down in recent months, went up 12% the days after the leaks. Gazprom has been reducing the supply of gas to Europe since spring 2022, blaming Europe and calling for sanctions to be lifted. In early September. Gazprom announced an indefinite shutdown of NS1 after days and weeks of scheduled repairs. NS2 has never been operational. It was sanctioned after Russia launched its military aggression against Ukraine. The U.S. is not interested in rising gas prices. Washington joined the oil price cap-initiative in order to drive down energy prices.Pro-Kremlin media are promoting a number of different claims alleging that the leaks benefit the US, UK, Poland or Ukraine, which is similar to the Kremlin's disinformation campaign in the situation of MH-17. Read more about the similarities from our recent analysis, and check also our full account on MH17 disinformation here.This statement also advancing a recurring pro-Kremlin narrative about the US having malicious intentions towards Europe. Pro-Kremlin disinformation outlets and their amplifiers have heavily focused on the Nord Stream gas pipelines sabotage issue. They have continued to sow doubt and float various conspiracy theories, most of which heavily imply that the US, Poland, or the wider West are to blame for various reasons.

Terrorism, Nord Stream 2, Josep Borrell, NATO, gas, Conspiracy theory, Energy, US presence in Europe