Russia's baseless claims: Germany accused in disinformation war
Russia accuses Germany of training "Nazi units" to occupy Ukraine, as reported by the German "Bild." This claim is part of Russian disinformation ahead of the German elections.
4 December 2024 07:18
Many pieces of information provided by Russian media or government representatives are elements of propaganda. Such reports are part of the information war conducted by the Russian Federation.
Russia accuses Germany of preparing "Nazi units" to occupy Ukraine. According to the German "Bild," these reports originate from the Russian foreign intelligence service (SVR). The portal notes that this is part of the Kremlin's disinformation campaign aimed at influencing German public opinion before the upcoming elections.
The main goal of this campaign is to discourage the public from any peaceful resolution in Ukraine. "Bild" emphasises that the Kremlin also wants to derail plans for deploying peacekeeping forces that could protect Ukraine from further Russian attacks.
Military historian Soenke Neitzel from the University of Potsdam described these accusations as "pure disinformation." According to him, the notion that NATO countries could participate in the occupation of Ukraine is "impossible and grotesque."
Kremlin propaganda
SVR suggests that the "occupation" of Ukraine would take place under the pretext of sending a peacekeeping contingent. The Russian intelligence service indicates alleged areas of division: the Black Sea coast for Romania, the western regions for Poland, the centre and east for Germany, and the northern areas, including Kyiv, for the United Kingdom.
Experts point out that the aim of this disinformation is to portray Germany as a "Nazi power." These actions are intended to mobilise pro-Russian circles in both Russia and Germany.
"Bild" notes that the only Western company mentioned in this story is the German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall, which has already been targeted by Russians. The mention of Rheinmetall is seen as a threat to its facilities in Ukraine, neighbouring countries, and Germany.