This thesis was circulated on social networks, in particular on telegram channels broadcasting pro-Kremlin rhetoric. Reports say that Ukraine may engage in fake operations and shelling of nuclear facilities in order to blame Russia in the first place. The authors add that in the conditions of “lack of military progress” Ukraine will demand provocations.

Fact-checkers of the EU vs Disinfo project took up this case and determined that the propaganda thesis appeared against the backdrop of news from the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine that the Russians are preparing a large-scale provocation to simulate an accident at the ZNPP. Actually, as the GUR later stated, the Russian special services began provocations with the use of chemical weapons. Meanwhile, the fact-checkers explained that Russia is committing provocations in order to primarily blame Ukraine for this. And the real victims of the provocation will be the occupiers who then Russia will expose as victims of the “Ukrainian regime”. The Main Intelligence Directorate notes that the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine use exclusively conventional means in the course of hostilities with Russian troops. Conventional weapons are weapons that are subject to control in terms of international treaties. That is, Ukrainian troops use only permitted weapons and do not use others.

Russia simply reflects its actions and thus tries to present itself as a constant victim of Ukraine's “aggression”. Propagandists mirror their actions to divert attention from the current agenda.