DISINFO: Ukraine does not want the return of Donbas because of the neo-Nazi cult of Bandera
SUMMARY
The Ukrainian political class installed as a result of the 2014 coup is afraid of the presence of the Donbas politicians in Ukrainian politics. Indeed, the return of Donbas to Ukraine would imply the reconstruction of the Ukrainian political scene. The Ukrainian Parliament will have to take into consideration the politicians who want friendly relations with Russia and who are critical of the neo-Banderite nationalism. The Kyiv political class does not like this situation – after the return of Donbas, there will be a necessity to look for a compromise and to soften the neo-Nazi cult of Bandera. The Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba announces that Kyiv is afraid of Donbas and does not want it to come back.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative claiming that Ukraine is not willing to implement the Minsk and Normandy agreements, and Ukraine's position is the only obstacle on the way to the peace process in Donbas.
The claim that the “Nazi Ukraine” does not want to return Donbas because it wants to promote the “neo-Nazi cult of Bandera” is ungrounded.
These claims are part of an ongoing disinformation campaign about Russia’s military build-up on the border with Ukraine. By shifting the blame on Ukraine, this disinformation story aims to deny any Russian responsibility for the situation.
The current tensions are a result of Russia’s actions since late October 2021, including the deployment of as much as 190,000 troops, as well as of certain specialised military units, electronic warfare systems and heavy-armoured vehicles. Despite Russian denials, this has been proven by satellite images and intelligence from the US, Ukraine and NATO, among other countries and institutions.
Contrary to the claims, the main impediment to a peace settlement in Donbas is, in fact, Russia’s and its proxies’ deliberate unwillingness to implement the Minsk agreements. Moreover, Moscow illegally provides weapons to the separatists. This is a well-known fact, although Russia denies it and accuses the US of selling weapons to Kyiv. Ukraine, on the other hand, does not conceal the military aid it receives because it is legal and transparent.
By making statements alleging that Ukraine has done nothing to implement the Minsk agreements, Moscow and the separatists it backs are delaying a peace settlement and are trying to deflect attention away from this responsibility.
Read more disinformation reports alleging that Ukraine is blocking the peace settlement in Donbas. See also our recent articles on 7 myths of pro-Kremlin disinformation about the Russian military buildup near Ukraine, and Kremlin fabricated pretexts for further invasion to Ukraine.