Propagandists, including Russian government officials, are spreading information in the media that Russia does not threaten other countries, unlike NATO. This message has been refuted by experts from the Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security.

In recent years, Russia has not only waged military campaigns against its neighbors, but also resorted to direct and indirect aggression against Western states. Sabotage in Poland and the Baltics, poisoning in Salisbury, cyber attacks and election interference are evidence of Russia’s active aggressive policy. It also tries to divide Western society by promoting narratives about NATO’s alleged provocative role. In parallel, threats to use nuclear weapons are voiced, such as plans to strike Poland or London, in order to sow fear and reduce support for defense strategies.

Such statements are aimed at presenting Russia as a state provoked by Western countries, thus justifying its own aggressive actions in Ukraine and other regions. This is aimed at easing international sanctions and renewing business ties with Western companies. In this way, propagandists are also trying to convince European society that aid to Ukraine and support for NATO are economically disadvantageous and provoke conflicts. This message is aimed at reducing the level of support among citizens of European countries. And these information operations are aimed at weakening international support for Ukraine, isolating the country in the diplomatic arena and forming mistrust of Western defense initiatives.