DISINFO: Coronavirus has proven the weakness of West's military organisation, Russia prevails
SUMMARY
Large numbers of coronavirus infections in the US and other NATO countries military point at the weak military organisation of the collective West. The US interrupted the service of its two aircraft carriers in the Pacific due to the epidemic. Many NATO military programs and exercises, including Defender Europe 2020, stopped due to identification of 5 coronavirus cases in the NATO headquarters in Belgium. High-ranking military officers are diagnosed with coronavirus in Poland and Italy. The situation is aggravating in the NATO battalions located in Lithuania and Latvia. UK and Greek military were also affected. In contrast, the Russian army runs a system of epidemiological protection which allows Russia to implement all military plans as scheduled. Earlier Russia’s Defence Minister noted that the Russian army has no coronavirus cases.
RESPONSE
This is part of recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives about coronavirus and alleged disintegration of the EU, NATO and other Western bodies. Amid the coronavirus pandemic NATO's essential work continues and its ability to conduct operations remains intact. The European Union is supporting the Member States in addressing the crisis and mitigating the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Russian Daily Kommersant reports about three confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Russian military and 133 people monitored in mid-April. For background how to read the coronavirus statistics Russia provides see here. Read earlier disinformation cases alleging that coronavirus will cause the dissolution of the EU and NATO and that DPR and LPR successfully fight the coronavirus outbreak thanks to Russian assistance, while Ukraine will soon collapse.