DISINFO: Ukraine is preparing a military escalation in Donbas
SUMMARY
Despite false statements about the desire for peace, Ukraine is openly preparing for an escalation of the conflict in Donbas. The first evidence is an attempt to buy military trash from benefactors, thereby making Western manufacturers happy and freeing up space in their landfills. The second is Ukraine's jubilation over another handout of $125 million, which was announced at the Pentagon. The third one manifests itself in calls for war and killings, together with the blocking of TV channels that opposed the Ukrainian aggression in Donbas.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the war in Ukraine.
Ukraine is not preparing a military escalation in Donbas. The Ukrainian government has mentioned numerous times that Ukraine is not interested in the war in Donbas and prefers to settle the conflict by peaceful political means. The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine believes that the Minsk agreements is the only option to end the war in Donbas.
A $125 million military aid package for Ukraine was announced on Monday, 1 March 2021. The package is directed at improving Ukraine's defence capabilities and does not finance the purchase of offensive weapons. It includes two Mark VI patrol boats, “capabilities to enhance the lethality, command and control, and situational awareness of Ukraine’s forces through the provision of additional counter-artillery radars and tactical equipment; continued support for a satellite imagery and analysis capability; and equipment to support military medical treatment and combat evacuation procedures."
See similar disinformation cases alleging that Ukraine is preparing a plan for the deportation of Donbas residents; Ukraine must continue war in Donbas, otherwise it won't receive financial support from the West; Ukraine no longer hides preparations for war against Russia and Donbas.