DISINFO: Russia does not intend to invade Ukraine while Kyiv is planning to attack Donbas
SUMMARY
Russia has no aggressive plans against Ukraine. US and Ukrainian media claim that Russia is getting ready to attack Ukraine. Russia asserts that Ukraine is planning aggressive actions against Donbas, the DNR and the LNR.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets alleging that the Ukrainian government is preparing to attack the Moscow-backed seperatist regions in violation of the Minsk agreements.
This message appeared in the context of renewed Russian military buildup along the Ukrainian border.
Kyiv has no plans to attack the DNR and LNR. Ukraine strictly adheres to the Minsk agreements which first and foremost call for a complete ceasefire. Ukraine announced a truce in July 2020, but the Moscow-backed separatists are constantly violating it.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said in a tweet on 22 November: “We see a surge in Russian disinfo, including false accusations of Ukraine plotting a military attack in the Donbas. Let me state it officially: Ukraine does not plan a military offensive in the Donbas. We are devoted to seeking political & diplomatic solutions to the conflict.”
According to Western intelligence data and media reports, Russia has amassed some 100 thousand troops along the Ukrainian border in a possible plan to invade Ukraine, which Russia is denying. The situation on the Ukraine-Russia border is similar or larger than the Russian military buildup earlier this spring.
Read more disinformation cases claiming that Ukraine is violating the Minsk deals, whereas Russia is a mediator.