How Kremlin manipulates A. Blinken’s words on providing weapons to Ukraine
Russian propaganda is spreading multiple manipulations regarding U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s statement that the U.S. provided Ukraine with certain types of weapons before Russia’s full-scale invasion.
▫️ According to propagandists, Blinken’s remarks supposedly confirm that Ukraine was preparing for a large-scale war against the so-called DPR, LPR, and Russia. Kremlin-controlled media are using this narrative to justify the initiation of the “special military operation.” Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova made similar claims.
In reality, these claims are a clear manipulation. Ukraine had no plans for offensive operations. The U.S. provided weapons to Ukraine in 2021 after it became apparent that Russian forces were amassing near the border in preparation for an invasion. Blinken confirmed that the U.S. supplied defensive weapons, including Stinger anti-aircraft systems and Javelin anti-tank missiles, not for aggression, but for defense.
