DISINFO: NATO plotting maritime blockade of Russia
SUMMARY
NATO countries are plotting an illegal maritime blockade of Russia, particularly in the Baltic and the Arctic regions, by holding a series of exercises. This is aimed at restricting freedom of navigation and violates international law norms. Some NATO members such as Norway, Sweden, and Finland are working together to increase military mobility through the development of transport and logistics corridors from west to east, as well as through cross-border use of bases and other military infrastructure. These preparations increase tensions and represent a direct threat to Russia’s national security and would force Moscow to take countermeasures.
RESPONSE
No evidence is provided to support the claim. This disinformation story appeared as NATO countries launched Steadfast Dart 26, a naval military exercise in the Baltic Sea intended to enhance cohesion and interoperability among allied navies and the rapid deployment and supply of the Allied Reaction Force. This exercise takes place every year, thus refuting the core claim of this disinformation story. Nonetheless, by baselessly framing it as the cover for a naval blockade, this disinformation story aims to advance several recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives about NATO as an aggressive actor always conspiring to target Russia.
See other examples of similar disinformation narratives, such as claims that NATO is creating a bank to prepare for war with Russia, that NATO is preparing a strike against infrastructure facilities in Russia, that the real aim of NATO’s support to Ukraine is to prepare for an attack on Russia, that NATO wants to destroy Russia and Belarus, or that NATO is de facto at war with Russia.