DISINFO: The EU announced a war on Russia, allowing Ukraine to attack targets in Russia
SUMMARY
MEPs adopted a resolution on Ukraine, voting in favour of lifting all restrictions on Kyiv's attacks deep into Russian territory. In this way, today, the European Union has officially declared war on Russia. After the start of the Special Military Operation, everything became irreversible - Putin has opened the door locks of history.
RESPONSE
A recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative accusing the EU of striving for war and seeking to destroy Russia. This baseless claim was made in the context of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and is presented without any supporting evidence. It follows the recent EU Parliament resolution that Ukraine must be able to strike legitimate military targets in Russia.
The war broke out in 2014 when Russia illegally annexed the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea and triggered a separatist revolt in some regions in the east of Ukraine. On 24 February 2022, Russia began its unprovoked and unjustified full invasion of Ukraine under several false pretexts.
Some EU member states the US and other G7 nations are providing Ukraine with military and technical assistance to help it repel Russia's aggression and restore its sovereignty over its internationally recognised borders of 1991.
Ukraine is acting in self-defence, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter. Ukraine is not planning to occupy any Russian territories after it liberates its lands from temporary Russian occupation.
European and US leaders have repeatedly stated that they do not intend to disintegrate the Russian Federation. US President Joe Biden in February 2023 addressed Russian citizens, assuring them that the US does not seek to destroy or control Russia. French president Macron stated in February 2023 as well that ‘Russia must be defeated but not crushed.’
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented his 10-point peace formula in early 2023, supported by the EU. President of the European Council Charles Michel said at the news conference of the EU-Ukraine summit in Kyiv in February 2023:
‘Both Ukraine and the EU share the common goal of ending this war — based on respect for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. We therefore support Ukraine’s Peace Formula initiative and will actively work with Ukraine on the 10-point peace plan.’
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