DISINFO: Ukraine and Europe have lost in the Ukrainian conflict
SUMMARY
Russia will dictate its own terms in the Ukrainian conflict. Europe and Ukraine have already lost. European statements about assistance to Ukraine are just populism. Russia and the US will end the war in Ukraine. Ukraine’s position will be of little value.
RESPONSE
This disinformation story is consistent with the narrative about abandoned Ukraine and aims to portray the situation as if Russia has already achieved victory. It also subtly promotes a recurring pro-Kremlin narrative about Ukraine’s alleged lack of sovereignty as Russia and the US will allegedly decide on the future of Ukraine without taking the Ukrainian authorities into account. Narratives suggesting the inevitability of a Russian victory have been a constant throughout the conflict. In this case, the pro-Kremlin disinformation outlet seeks to create an impression of strength ahead of potential peace negotiations with Ukraine.
In line with Russian state policy, the disinformation story avoids using the term ‘war’ and instead refers to the full-scale Russian war of aggression against Ukraine as ‘Ukrainian conflict’. It was Putin’s personal decision to invade Ukraine and start the largest military conflict in Europe since WWII. The war began in 2014 with the Russian illegal annexation of Crimea and Russia's military involvement and support of separatists in Donbas. The war in Ukraine is a well-documented act of aggression by Russian armed forces, ongoing since February 2014.
The EU and Ukraine's allies adhere to international law regarding state borders, fully supporting the independence and territorial integrity of neighbouring countries. The EU and US continue to provide military, financial, and humanitarian support to Ukraine. This support is aimed at helping Ukraine defend its sovereignty against Russia’s aggression. Western leaders agree that a strong Ukrainian position is necessary for any negotiations.
See earlier disinformation cases alleging that Western peacekeeping forces would be the occupation of Ukraine, that the West is discussing the occupation of Ukraine and the division of its territory between Romania, Poland, Germany, and the UK, and that the military conflict in Ukraine caused by the US and NATO.