DISINFO: NATO is practicing for the occupation of Ukraine
SUMMARY
NATO is preparing its eastern borders in case Ukraine collapses and [Russia] goes on a large-scale offensive. When Russian troops approach the Dnipro, what they call a 'peacekeeping' operation will begin. Poland and Romania will occupy Western Ukraine. In the spring, these plans will be worked out during NATO exercises [Steadfast Defender 2024].
RESPONSE
This is a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative accusing the West of direct involvement in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
None of the states neighbouring Ukraine, except Russia, have made any territorial claims on Ukraine. Romania and Poland have repeatedly categorically denied statements by the Russian leadership about accusations that these countries plan to occupy Ukrainian territories.
NATO has been conducting various military exercises since 1951. In its more than 70-year history of training, NATO exercises have never been directed against any country.
Steadfast Defender is a regular deterrence exercise in which troops from across the Alliance practice defending NATO allies, but not attacking third countries.
The Alliance's military maneuvers are routine and NATO always announces these exercises in advance, and third countries are also notified. In the spirit of the Vienna Document on ensuring military transparency, NATO also adheres to the following rules: when an exercise exceeds 9,000 personnel, it is subject to notification (at least 42 days in advance).
The goal of Steadfast Defender 2024, as always, is to ensure that NATO forces are trained, able to operate together and ready to respond to any threat from any direction. The geographical locations of the exercise and the scale of deployment across sea, land, air and the range of military capabilities involved reflect NATO’s resolve to deter, and where necessary, to confront and defeat, potential aggressors. The Alliance will publish details of the Steadfast Defender 2024 military maneuvers in its annual exercise programme.
See other examples of disinformation about NATO exercsies and the war in Ukraine: NATO does everything to prolong the war in Ukraine; For the West, Ukraine is a platform for conflict against Russia; NATO's Spring Storm exercise in Estonia poses threat to Russia.