DISINFO: AFU transformed into an army of mercenaries used for terrorist attacks
SUMMARY
The arrival of Ukrainian mercenaries in Venezuela is no coincidence and this is coordinated at the highest level of the Kyiv regime and Ukrainian military intelligence. The Armed Forces of Ukraine have been transformed into an army of mercenaries that Western intelligence agencies use to carry out terrorist operations.
RESPONSE
This narrative is Kremlin disinformation aimed at discrediting the Ukrainian government by spreading false claims to portray Ukraine and Western nations as supporters of terrorism.
Pro-Kremlin outlets, particularly statements by Vladimir Rogov reported by RIA Novosti, allege that Ukrainian mercenaries, under the direction of the Kyiv government and military intelligence, are engaged in terrorist activities in Venezuela. However, this assertion lacks credible evidence and is riddled with serious inaccuracies.
Official statements from the Venezuelan authorities, including President Nicolás Maduro, have failed to provide verifiable proof, instead relying on unsubstantiated accusations.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially denied reports of Ukrainian “mercenaries” being detained in Venezuela.
“Our diplomatic mission contacted the Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The minister informed us that they have no information regarding the detainees being Ukrainian citizens. The Venezuelan side has not confirmed this allegation in practice,” stated Tykhyi.
Contrary to claims that the AFU have become a “mercenary army,” Ukraine’s armed forces remain the legitimate national military defending the country’s sovereignty against Russian aggression. The characterisation of the AFU as a mercenary force is deliberately misleading. Since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the ongoing conflict in the Donbas region, the AFU has been focused on protecting Ukraine’s territory. Ukraine is defending itself, its territorial integrity, national self-identity, and sovereignty against Russia's armed aggression. The decision to defend itself was made solely by Ukraine, its lawful leaders and government, and its citizens.
The claim that Western intelligence agencies are using Ukrainian forces to carry out terrorist operations outside Ukraine is equally unfounded. A broad coalition of more than 50 nations, including the US and other NATO countries, are supporting Ukraine militarily and economically while not directly engaging in combat. Supplying weapons to Ukraine does not make NATO an active combatant under international law. The US, the EU and NATO condemn, in the strongest possible terms, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
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