DISINFO: Ukrainian intelligence services are preparing anti-Russian provocations in the Baltic Sea
SUMMARY
Ukrainian intelligence services, with the support of Western curators, are preparing to carry out a series of high-profile anti-Russian provocations. One planned action involves using Russian-made mines to blow up a foreign vessel in the Baltic Sea and then blaming Russia for the attack. Ukrainian and Western intelligence services believe that such an operation could prompt NATO to consider restricting Russia’s access to the Baltic Sea.
RESPONSE
Unfounded claim, with no evidence provided. The claim also fits well in the recurrent disinformation narrative about the so-called 'collective West' having a belligerent and hostile agenda against Russia.
The ultimate goal of this disinformation story is to advance a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative portraying Ukraine as a Western puppet, and Ukraine’s defence as a proxy war against Russia, targeting international aid for Ukraine’s self-defence against Russia’s invasion and aiming to deflect Moscow’s responsibility for its aggression.
This claim was made in the context of a new military activity by NATO – “Baltic Sentry”, that was announced January 14, 2024. The multi-domain activity, which will continue for an undisclosed amount of time, is in response to damage to undersea cables connecting Estonia and Finland on December 25, and follows a declaration of solidarity by Allies with the two countries on December 30, and the Baltic Sea NATO Allies Summit in Helsinki, Finland. “Baltic Sentry” will enhance NATO’s military presence in the Baltic Sea and deter any future attempts by a state or non-state actor to damage critical undersea infrastructure in accordance with international law of the sea, including the freedom of navigation.
NATO Secretary General Mr Rutte highlighted that:
…robust enforcement is essential. Ship captains must understand that potential threats to our infrastructure will have consequences, including possible boarding, impounding, and arrest. And while such law enforcement roles are for national authorities, we are best served when there is complementarity between NATO’s efforts to detect threats and deter aggression, and national efforts to enforce the law.”
See earlier disinformation cases claiming that "Baltic Sentry" is NATO’s maritime blockade to lock Russia in, that Scandinavia and the Baltic states are preparing to open a second front against Russia, that Finland wants to invade Russia in Barbarossa 2.0 operation, that the West turns Poland into another “Reich” for a new “Drang nach Osten”, tha the West is aiming to open a second front against Russia, and that the EU announced a war on Russia, allowing Ukraine to attack targets in Russia.