More than 10 months after invading Ukraine, Russian officials continue to provide false rationalizations for their war. The latest is from Nikolay Patrushev, a top adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Patrushev is secretary of the country’s Security Council. He regularly spreads disinformation about the war.
In an interview with Russia’s state-owned Argumenty i Fakty newspaper, Patrushev denied that Russia is fighting Ukraine. Rather, he said, Moscow’s conflict is with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization or NATO, the 30-member European defensive military alliance that includes the United States:
“The events in Ukraine aren’t a clash between Moscow and Kyiv. It’s a military confrontation between NATO, above all the U.S. and Britain, and Russia. Fearing direct contact, NATO instructors are driving Ukrainian guys to certain death."
That is false.
Russia invaded in February despite the lack of a credible threat from Ukraine or NATO. That invited help from the West, and Ukrainian defenders since have showed courageous resistance, winning back territory Russia illegally tried to annex.
NATO members have helped Ukraine defend itself by providing military aid, and some analysts say this amounts to a proxy war. But evidence shows that Russia had hoped to quickly oust Ukraine’s government.
Moreover, U.S. President Joe Biden warned Russia against attacking, predicting “widespread human suffering and diminish Russia's standing.” He also warned Moscow that an invasion would...
Judge found FBI affidavit flawed but not enough to return ballots Probe part of Trump administration effort to reexamine 2020 loss Fulton County argued FBI relied on discredited evidence WASHING...