Russian propaganda spreads fake claims about 'NATO military activity'
Illustrative photo: Russian propaganda circulates fake claims about 'NATO military activity' (Getty Images)
Russian propaganda is spreading claims alleging that NATO is preparing to take part in a war against Russia, according to Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation under the National Security and Defense Council.
Kremlin-affiliated outlets are amplifying a statement by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service claiming that "French troops are deploying to Poland."
These reports are further accompanied by assertions about a "growing NATO presence in Romania and the Baltic states," allegedly "on the brink of escalation."
In reality, according to Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, these are routine and publicly announced allied military exercises.
Analysts at Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation noted that the Kremlin is attempting to portray NATO’s routine activities as "preparations for war" in order to justify its own aggression.
According to the CCD, the purpose of such disinformation is to spread fear, discredit defense cooperation among allies, and create an informational cover for potential Russian provocations along the Polish-Ukrainian, Romanian-Moldovan, or Baltic borders.
Kremlin propaganda targeting Ukraine
As RBC-Ukraine previously reported, Russian propaganda has circulated false claims about the alleged "cancellation of local elections" in Ukraine and the supposed "loss of legitimacy" of the government, narratives promoted by Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.
In reality, this is a manipulation, as Article 19 of Ukraine’s Law on the Legal Regime of Martial Law explicitly prohibits holding any elections during wartime. Zakharova also distorted an appeal from the Association of Ukrainian Cities, which referred only to Kyiv, not to nationwide elections.
Thus, Russia’s attempt to present a lawful Ukrainian decision as an "usurpation of power" is yet another example of propaganda-driven disinformation.
Russian media have also been spreading fake videos of alleged pro-Russian protests in Ukraine, claiming that Ukrainians are demonstrating against the continuation of the war and calling for Russian "assistance."
The CCD explained that such fabrications rely on real footage of past demonstrations held years ago in Ukraine, some more than a decade old, with newly added audio tracks featuring chants about seeking help from Russia.
The goal of this campaign, the center noted, is to create the illusion of widespread pro-Russian sentiment in Ukraine and to portray the public as allegedly "tired of the war."
