DISINFO: NATO is striving to create another anti-Russian military foothold on the territory of Georgia
SUMMARY
Agile Spirit 2021 exercises in Georgia are a deliberate attempt to undermine the existing structure of regional stability and security.
The real tangible result of these NATO military games on the territory of the country-aggressor is the systematic escalation of tension in the region, which cannot but cause the most serious concern.
NATO is striving to create another anti-Russian military foothold on the territory of Georgia, arming and training the Georgian army.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about NATO and its military exercises, claiming that NATO is an aggressive bloc that is using neighbouring countries against Russia. In reality, NATO is a military and political bloc of a defensive nature.
NATO follows strict procedures and emphasises transparency during military training exercises, which are announced months in advance and are subject to international scrutiny.
Agile Spirit joint military exercises started in 2001 under a different name and were celebrated on a biennial basis since then, so they can’t be considered a source of increased tensions. The purpose of the exercises is to enhance interoperability among the forces of NATO member and partner countries. Agile Spirit 2021 promotes regional stability and security, as well as strengthens the capabilities of Alliance members and partner countries to react to regional crises and challenges more effectively. That’s why the main message of the Agile Spirit 2021 is - “Strength through Partnership”.
Georgia’s desire to join NATO is caused by Moscow’s aggression against the country subsequently occupying Georgia's breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. However, NATO does not intend to use Georgia or any other state against Russia. The Alliance’s main objective is to defend its members rather than engaging in unprovoked attacks on anyone.
NATO is posing no threat to Russia. The Alliance’s military exercises in the vicinity of Russia’s borders are not provocative, although Russia is always perceiving them as such. The fact that non-members take part in joint military exercises, like this year’s Sea Breeze war games of which Ukraine was a co-host, does not mean that these drills were aimed against Russia. These exercises are to enhance the defence capabilities of the participating countries as Russia was ostentatiously building up its military along Ukraine’s border. Moscow has been beefing up arms production over the recent years, which requires an adequate response from NATO and its partners.
See more disinformation cases about relations between NATO and Russia.