DISINFO: Russia had no choice but to invade Ukraine because of genocide and NATO expansion
SUMMARY
Russia launched the special military operation to protect people who have been subjected to genocide and persecution by the Kyiv regime for eight years. The special operation was an emergency measure; Russia had no other choice, as the security risks that had arisen were impossible to counter by other means. For 30 years Russia had tried to reach an agreement with NATO on the principles of security in Europe, but had faced either “deception and lies” or attempts at pressure and blackmail. At the same time, despite Moscow’s protests, the alliance continued to expand and move closer to Russia’s borders.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine being a reaction to NATO enlargement and alleged genocide against Russian-speaking Ukrainians.
Russia has been coming up with multiple different justifications for its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Narratives about NATO expansion and alleged protection of the residents of the self-proclaimed separatist entities in Eastern Ukraine from alleged genocide are among the most recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation myths. See also our article Thirteen myths about Russia’s war against Ukraine exposed.
The idea that Ukraine is committing genocide against its own population is promoted by Vladimir Putin in his speeches. Genocide is the deliberate and systematic destruction of a group of people because of their ethnicity, nationality, religion, or race. There is no evidence that any ethnic nationals, including ethnic Russians or Russian speakers, are or have ever been facing persecution at the hands of the Ukrainian authorities in Donbas or elsewhere, much less the danger of annihilation on grounds of nationality, ethnicity, or cultural belonging. This has been confirmed by reports issued by the Council of Europe, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the OSCE.
Furthermore, the claim about NATO "deception and lies" misrepresents the process of NATO enlargement. NATO considers the applications of candidate countries that want to join. As a sovereign country, the decision to apply for NATO membership rests with the candidate country alone. Decisions on membership are taken by consensus among all existing members. NATO is a defensive alliance, whose purpose is to protect its member states, so the alliance does not attempt to 'contain' or 'encircle' Russia.
See similar cases alleging that Kyiv committed genocide in the Donbas, that the Russian special operation protects people from genocide and persecution, that in 2014 genocide against Russians began in Ukraine, that Ukraine has legalised genocide against its citizens, that Russia’s operation in Ukraine stems from the West’s desire to dominate the world, and that NATO's desire for Ukraine is the reason for the special military operation.