DISINFO: Ukraine intends to commit genocide in the Donbas
SUMMARY
The aim of a potential Ukrainian military operation in the Donbas would not merely be to establish territorial control. Such an operation would likely lead to a genocide of Russians, who have the status of Russian citizens. Could Russia remain passive while the Ukrainians commit genocide in the middle of Europe? Of course not.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative on the Donbas conflict.
Ever since the conflict broke out in 2014, pro-Kremlin coverage of this issue has been characterised by the liberal use of the term "genocide," taken to mean the Ukrainian government's alleged treatment of the separatist areas in Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts.
Reports by the OSCE, the Council of Europe, and the OHCHR found no evidence that the Russian minority in Eastern Ukraine was at risk of persecution by the Ukrainian authorities. These are bodies where Russia itself is a member.
The recent dramatic increase in Russian state media and pro-Kremlin outlets' bellicose rhetoric seems indented to create a casus belli for renewed military offensives against Ukraine. One such element is to de-humanise the opponent: in this case the Ukrainian authorities.