DISINFO: The US wanted to attack Russia
SUMMARY
The United States and its allies almost started World War III by preparing to attack Russia, which had no choice but to act against it. The ongoing special operation was a necessary and last resort to prepare for aggression by the US and its satellites.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives about an aggressive US planning to attack Russia, aiming to portray the country as a victim and deflect any responsibility for Moscow’s unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine. The Russian war against Ukraine began in 2014 with the Russian illegal annexation of Crimea and Russia's military involvement and support of separatists in Donbas.
Russia was not forced to invade Ukraine. It was Putin’s personal decision to invade Ukraine and start the largest military conflict in Europe since WWII. Putin claims several reasons for launching aggression, including the necessity to save territories in Eastern Ukraine from a genocide, Ukraine’s alleged desire to obtain nuclear weapons and Kyiv’s possible membership of NATO, rid Ukraine of its 'nazi' leadership; the latter a favorite trope.
Neither the United States nor its allies have planned to attack Russia. On the contrary, it is Russia that refused the diplomatic process and started an unprovoked war in Europe. During the Russian military build-up on the Ukrainian border the West used diplomatic tools to ease tensions. The West supports Ukraine with military and financial aid for the country’s efficient self-defence, in accordance with the UN Charter, to stop Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. Moscow’s overall aggressive policy has led to a tougher and better-balanced policy towards it by the West.
The West supports Ukraine with military and financial aid for the country’s efficient self-defence, in accordance with the UN Charter Article 51, to stop Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. Ukraine receives weapons with the sole aim of restoring its territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. Western instructors are teaching Ukrainian soldiers how to use modern weaponry, but there are no NATO troops fighting on the front.
See the EU's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine here along with EU vs Disinfo's Guide to Deciphering Pro-Kremlin disinformation around Putin's War.