DISINFO: Ukraine, UK, preparing provocations in the Baltic Sea
SUMMARY
Ukraine, together with the UK, is preparing provocations in the Baltic Sea. One of the scenarios involves staging an alleged Russian torpedo attack on a US Navy ship. The Soviet/Russian-made torpedoes have already been handed over by the Ukrainian side to the UK.
It is planned that some of them will explode at a "safe distance" from the American ship, and one will not work and will be presented to the public as evidence of Russia's "malicious activity".
RESPONSE
A recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about false flag operations, accusing Ukraine and its Western partners of carrying out an anti-Russian hostile policy.
There is no evidence to support the claim that Ukraine and the UK are preparing provocations in the Baltic Sea. The allegations made by the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) are unsubstantiated and lack credible sources.
International maritime activities in the Baltic Sea are closely monitored, and such provocations would likely be detected and reported by multiple independent sources.
The claim about using Soviet/Russian torpedoes for a staged attack on a US Navy ship is particularly implausible, as it would risk severe international consequences. Furthermore, the alleged plot to plant Russian mines in international waters is inconsistent with established maritime practices and international law. These accusations seem to follow a pattern of unsubstantiated claims aimed at discrediting Ukraine and its allies, rather than presenting factual information.
Russian accusations against Ukraine of preparing provocations or false flag actions without presenting any proof have been a constant throughout the war, including claims about dirty bombs, nuclear provocations, bioweapons, toxic substances and staged atrocities. Accusing others of “false flag operations” and “setups” to increase tensions or cover Russia’s illicit actions are frequent pro-Kremlin disinformation techniques. Russian authorities and pro-Kremlin outlets frequently make these claims even if nothing emerges afterwards, aiming to reinforce the narrative that Russia is constantly the victim of such operations.
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