DISINFO: Stoltenberg confirmed that NATO is seeking confrontation with Russia
SUMMARY
Preparations for the transfer of F-16 fighters to Ukraine indicate NATO's direct interest in the conflict with Russia... Jens Stoltenberg, who is looking after Ukraine from NATO, once again confirmed the direct interest of the United States and Western Europe in continuing the military conflict with Russia.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets, accusing Ukraine’s allies and partners of seeking a direct confrontation with Russia. This claim was made in the context of Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine and of announcements about the provision of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by its supporters. Also this is a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about an allegedly aggressive NATO.
The F-16 fighter jets that Ukraine will receive from Western countries are not an escalation of the war. The appearance of such aircraft in service with the Ukrainian army means a significant strengthening of the Ukrainian air defence system and, in fact, requires the adoption of NATO standards by the Ukrainian air forces. That is why Russia is so actively promoting the “danger” of the use of the F-16 fighter jets by Ukraine.
This is exactly what NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg spoke about in an interview with RFE/RL on February 23, 2024. The NATO Secretary General noted that Ukraine, when it receives F-16 fighters from its allies, according to international law, can strike military targets in Russia. However, Stoltenberg added, this issue will be resolved by the countries supplying F-16 fighters to Ukraine.
“Different allies have slightly different policies in this regard. But overall, this armed aggression of Russia against Ukraine is a gross violation of international law. And according to international law, Ukraine has the right to self-defence. And this also includes striking legitimate military targets – Russian military targets outside of Ukraine. This is international law,” Stoltenberg said.
According to the UN Charter, Ukraine on its sovereign territory can use any methods of self-defence against Russian aggression. Ukraine's international allies have repeatedly stressed that Ukraine has the right to carry out military operations aimed at de-occupying its territories.
Read similar disinformation cases claiming that Transfer of F-16 fighter aircrafts by Denmark to Ukraine is an escalation, that F-16 fighter jets to escalate Ukraine conflict, that the US and Ukrainian generals benefit from prolonging the war and that NATO is planning war against Russia.