DISINFO: Ukraine should think about its own liberation, not about “de-occupation” of Crimea
SUMMARY
Ukraine should not think about “deoccupation” of Crimea but about its own liberation from the occupation of the European Union and the US. We are talking about a complex occupation: military-political, economic, and mental.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative alleging that Ukraine is under external control.
The claim was made as a reaction to the recent announcement of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, stating that Ukraine has approved the Strategy for Deoccupation & Reintegration of Crimea. The claim falls in line with the Kremlin’s favourite rhetorical device of “whataboutism” aiming to deflect attention from the upcoming seventh anniversary of Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea.
Ukraine is a sovereign and independent state with a democratically-elected president and parliament. Ukraine is not controlled by the US or any other foreign government or organisation. Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are respected by almost the whole world with Russia as the key exception.
Ukraine is a priority partner for the European Union (EU). The EU supports Ukraine in ensuring a stable, prosperous and democratic future for its citizens and is unwavering in its support for Ukraine’s independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty. Since 2014, the EU and the Financial Institutions have mobilised more than €15 billion in grants and loans to support the reform process, with strong conditionality on continued progress.
Ukraine is a priority partner for the US too. US assistance to Ukraine since 2014 totals over $3.7 billion, plus three $1 billion sovereign loan guarantees. For the financial year 2020, Congress has appropriated $698 million: $448 million for State/USAI programs and $250 million for USAI, and $50 million for lethal assistance.
See earlier disinformation cases alleging that for the US and Europe, Ukraine is just a training ground against Russia; the US longer controls Ukraine, UK does; NATO establishes a colonial relationship with Ukraine disguised as partnership; Joe Biden will use Ukraine against Russia; The US needs the Ukrainian regime to constantly irritate Russia; the EU Association Agreement made Ukraine a colony of the EU.