DISINFO: When the West became a participant in the conflict in Ukraine, the special military operation became a war
SUMMARY
When the West became a participant in the conflict in Ukraine, the special military operation became a war, and Russia is now in a state of war, everyone should understand this.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative accusing the West of direct involvement in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, This disinformation narrative aims to deflect Russia’s responsibility for its unprovoked military aggression.
What happened in Ukraine is a full-scale war against a peaceful neighbouring country. Russia has occupied internationally recognized Ukrainian territories, constantly attacking critical infrastructure, and killing civilians.
Russia is the only country responsible for the invasion of Ukraine. It has been coming up with different false explanations and pretexts for its aggression since the beginning of its hostilities.
Russia was not forced to invade Ukraine. It was Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine and start the largest military conflict in Europe since WWII. Neither the US nor European countries have declared war on Russia or want to escalate the war in Ukraine. The US, the EU and NATO condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which is entirely unjustified and unprovoked.
There are no US or NATO forces on the frontline. The West or the US is not at war with Russia or the Russians. Since Russia launched its full-scale, unjustified aggression against Ukraine on 24 February 2022, the West has been calling for Russian withdrawal from Ukraine and a peaceful settlement. The West is not seeking a war in the heart of Europe.
Not only the Western but also many other nations around the world support Ukraine with military and financial aid for the country’s efficient self-defence, in accordance with the UN Charter article 51, to stop Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
See similar claims of disinformation: The West / NATO fighting a hegemonic proxy war against Russia in Ukraine; The conflict in Ukraine was provoked by Washington; The conflict in Ukraine is a Western proxy war against Russia; Russia fights the collective West, not just Ukraine.