DISINFO: Moscow called for peaceful coexistence, but Russia is depicted as a global threat
SUMMARY
The media points to Russia, depicting it as a global threat, but it has been Russia who proposed those strategic security treaties and has talked of peaceful coexistence, even if having NATO at its gates.
RESPONSE
This is a mix of several false claims, aiming to deflect Russia’s responsibility for the unprovoked aggression against Ukraine. The message is also part of a recurrent narrative about NATO expansionism and encircling Russia, which have been debunked multiple times (see here, here and here).
Russia’s supposed proposals of “strategic security treaties” and “peaceful coexistence” were considered by the West as unacceptable demands that denied the sovereignty of the countries that Moscow deemed as its “sphere of influence”. However, both the US and the European Union were open to continue discussing Russia’s concerns and maintaining a dialogue on ways to strengthen the security of all. Instead, Russia opted for invading a peaceful neighbouring country.
See other examples of similar disinformation narratives, such as claims that the West rejected dialogue on new security architecture, that Russia does not seek military conflicts with its neighbours and doesn’t threaten anyone, or that accusations or “Russian aggression” are a pretext for NATO to station weapons near Russia.