DISINFO: Ukraine is an integral part of the Russian World, only Russia can solve its domestic conflict
SUMMARY
In terms of Ukraine, we make a clear distinction between the leadership of this country, which is definitely not independent in its political activities, and the Ukrainian people, who are an integral part of the Russian World. It is very sad that the domestic conflict in Ukraine continues taking place and it may even go back to the active phase. In this situation, all the sides lose, particularly regular Ukrainian citizens. Only Moscow can solve this problem. The Russian Federation, as a superpower and a regional leader, must propose a strategic solution to this issue.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin narrative questioning Ukrainian statehood and existence of a separate Ukrainian nation – the Kremlin perceives a major part of the former USSR countries as a part of the “Russian World”.
The “Russian World” is a nationalist geopolitical concept justifying the Russian expansionism in the post-Soviet sphere.
Ukraine is a well-defined nation-state that has preserved language, literature and identity, despite foreign rule for long periods of time – a clear majority of Ukrainians do not see their country to be a part of the so-called “Russian World”.
There is no “domestic conflict” in Ukraine but an open Russian military aggression in Crimea and Donbas. This conflict will immediately end after the withdrawal of the Russian troops from Donbas and the return of Crimea under Ukrainian control.
See other similar narratives claiming that there is no Ukraine, that Belarusians, Russians and Ukrainians are the same nation, and that Ukrainians are Russians, not Ukrainians.
The disinformation message appeared in the same article as the claim that Poland will lose interest in Belarusian opposition once situation in Belarus stabilises.