On Thursday, February 3, the United States accused the Kremlin of preparing an operation aimed at suggesting that Ukrainian forces would attack Russia. That was enough to spark outrage against the Ukrainian government and justify military action against Kiev.
“We believe Russia could make a very violent propaganda video showing corpses and actors in the role of mourners, and images of places destroyed by Ukrainian or Western military equipment”Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said at a news conference.
The U.S. has previously raised the possibility of Russia conducting a so-called “false flag” operation, in which a country uses an enemy’s identifying markings to confuse it, but this is the first time they have said such a precise video. “We have information that the Russians may want to make up an excuse for the invasion, which is very much in their way”Mr. Kirby said. “We believe that the Russian government is likely preparing a fake attack on Russian territory or Russian speakers by Ukrainian soldiers or intelligence agents [d’Ukraine] »he added.
The fake attack would give Russia, which amassed more than 100,000 troops on the Ukrainian border, an excuse to invade the country. “We’ve seen this kind of activity from the Russians in the past, and we think it’s important that when we have this kind of information, it’s public.”, the spokesman pointed out.He pointed out that this tactic generally “Approval at the highest level of the Russian government”.
This is not the first time Russia has been accused of preparing to act in Ukraine. At the end of January, Liz Truss, the UK’s foreign affairs chief, condemned in a press release “The extent of Russian activity aimed at sabotaging Ukraine”. According to the UK Foreign Office, “Former Ukrainian MP Yevgeny Murayev is considered an ally they want to see in power”but he’s not the only one: Russian intelligence maintains “Relations with many former Ukrainian politicians”.
Continue diplomatic efforts
In addition, French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian President Vladimir Poutine, then Ukrainian Volodymyr Zelensky (Volodymyr Zelensky) eased The approach to tensions around Ukraine was discussed and the Elysee Palace was announced in a press release.
“Discussions focused on two priorities. First, to take advantage of the recent positive developments in the ‘Normandy Model’ [Russie, Ukraine, France et Allemagne] A lasting solution in the Donbass”eastern Ukraine controlled by pro-Russian separatists, the French president said. “Second, to initiate a dialogue on the conditions for a strategic balance in Europe, which should observe a reduction in local risks and guarantee the security of the European continent”she added.
This is the third interview in a week between the French president and his Russian counterpart. The Russian president said they agreed to continue talks while envisioning Emmanuel Macron’s trip to Moscow next week.
For his part, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky tweeted after his meeting with Emmanuel Macron: “Continued dialogue with @EmmanuelMacron on addressing security challenges and accelerating the peace process within the framework of the ‘Normandy Model'”.
Continuing the conversation with @EmmanuelMacron on addressing security challenges and strengthening the internal peace process… https://t.co/r8HLTgTGp1