DISINFO: Russia is moving troops to defend against NATO
SUMMARY
The only reason that Russian troops are amassing on the borders with Ukraine is because NATO and the United States are planning to conduct military exercises on Russian borders and Moscow feels threatened.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about NATO, claiming that the alliance is preparing for aggression against Russia and wants to destabilise the Black Sea region.
NATO does not prepare for the war against Russia (or against any other country). The military exercises “Defender Europe 2021” are “defensive in nature and focused on responding to crisis if necessary”.
NATO is a defensive alliance, whose purpose is to protect its member states. The alliance announces its military exercises well in advance and they are subject to international observation. NATO strongly supports efforts to build confidence and transparency in military activities and exercises. NATO's purpose is to protect its member states. During the Warsaw summit in July 2016, NATO has made it clear that "The Alliance does not seek confrontation and poses no threat to Russia".
Read similar cases alleging that “Defender Europe 2021” exercises are destroying European security or that the NATO Sea Shield 2021 creates conditions for a real destabilisation of the Black sea region and that NATO needs Georgia as a military platform for a conflict potential with Russia.