An RT article “Moscow mocks Canada’s pledge to deploy troops to Ukraine” contains multiple disinformation narratives that align with broader Kremlin propaganda efforts. These narratives aim to delegitimize Canadian support for Ukraine and discredit key Canadian political figures. Additionally, the article exploits tensions between Canada and the U.S., particularly leveraging Donald Trump’s criticisms of Canada, to foster division within NATO and most concerningly, to fearmonger about Canada’s inability to defend itself against an invasion by the United States.
The Claims:
1. Canada is Sending Troops to Ukraine, but It’s Futile
The article presents the idea that Canada’s potential military deployment to Ukraine is insignificant, mocking its effectiveness and suggesting it would have no real impact.
2. Canada is Infiltrated by Nazis
The article reinforces the long-running Russian disinformation narrative that Ukrainian Canadians, and by extension Canada itself, are sympathetic to Nazis. This claim is often accompanied by accusations that Canada harbours Ukrainian far-right groups and war criminals from World War II.
3. Chrystia Freeland’s Grandfather Was a Nazi
A frequently repeated Russian propaganda claim asserts that Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland is the descendant of a Nazi collaborator, which is used to discredit her vocal support for Ukraine.
4. US is Preparing To Invade Canada and Canada’s Militarily is Too Weak to Defend Itself
The article suggests that Canada is incapable of defending itself, especially against a hypothetical U.S. invasion, framing it as a dependent and powerless nation that should not be involved in international conflicts. It plays into fears that a second Trump presidency could cause a crisis for Canada.
The Facts:
1. Canada’s Military Support to Ukraine is Substantial, But No Confirmed Troop Deployment
While Canada has been one of Ukraine’s strongest allies—providing weapons, training, and financial support—there is no official confirmation that Canadian troops will be deployed in a combat role inside Ukraine. The Kremlin regularly distorts Western defense commitments to frame them as direct acts of aggression.
2. The “Ukrainian Nazis” Narrative is a Kremlin Fabrication
The claim that Canada harbors Ukrainian Nazis is a long-standing Russian disinformation tactic. It falsely equates Ukrainian nationalism with fascism to delegitimize Ukrainian sovereignty. Canada has a large Ukrainian diaspora that has been active in supporting Ukraine’s resistance against Russian aggression, but this does not equate to Nazi ideology.
5. Canada’s Defense is Built on Strong Alliances
The claim that Canada cannot defend itself is false. While Canada has a smaller military compared to global superpowers, it is a founding member of NATO, has strong defense agreements with the U.S. (NORAD), and has contributed significantly to global security operations. The suggestion that Canada is defenseless is intended to undermine public confidence in its military capabilities and international commitments.
6. Russia is Exploiting Trump’s Tensions With Canada
Trump has frequently criticized Canada, particularly on defense spending and trade. Russia is now amplifying these tensions, hoping to deepen rifts within NATO and cast doubt on whether the U.S. would support Canada in a crisis. However, Canada remains a critical partner in NATO and NORAD, and its security is directly tied to North American defense.
7. Fearmongering About Canada’s Security is a Kremlin Tactic
The idea that Canada would be left defenseless against a U.S. invasion is an absurd claim designed to sow fear and weaken Canadian confidence in NATO and the U.S. While Trump’s rhetoric has sometimes alarmed allies, U.S.-Canada military cooperation remains strong, and no credible security expert suggests the U.S. would ever threaten Canada’s sovereignty.
8. Chrystia Freeland’s Family History is Misrepresented
While Freeland’s grandfather, Mykhailo Chomiak, worked as an editor for a German-controlled newspaper during WWII, the Russian narrative deliberately omits key facts. There is no evidence that he was a Nazi or committed war crimes. The claim is used to personally attack Freeland and undermine Canada’s support for Ukraine.
Narrative Context:
This article fits within a broader Kremlin disinformation framework that seeks to:
1. Undermine Western Support for Ukraine
By mocking Canada’s military capabilities and its role in Ukraine, Russia attempts to weaken international support and discourage further aid.
2. Discredit Ukrainian Canadians and Canada’s Role
Framing Ukrainian Canadians as Nazis and linking Freeland to Nazi history is part of a systematic Russian campaign to delegitimize Ukrainians of Canadian heritage and incite hate towards them.
3. Exploit Trump’s Divisive Legacy to Undermine NATO
Russia benefits from Trump’s criticisms of NATO and his tense relationship with Canada. By amplifying his past comments, the Kremlin hopes to make Canada question its alliances and encourage skepticism toward continued support for Ukraine.
4. Promote Fear and Uncertainty in Canada’s Security
By suggesting that Canada is vulnerable or could be abandoned by its allies, the article plays on existing fears about Trump’s unpredictability and NATO’s unity.
RT’s coverage of Canada’s role in Ukraine is not just about questioning policy decisions—it is part of a calculated disinformation effort to erode support for Ukraine, discredit Canadian leadership, and create divisions within NATO allies. By repeating debunked narratives about Ukrainian Nazis, attacking Freeland’s heritage, questioning Canada’s military strength, exploiting Trump’s past rhetoric, and engaging in fearmongering, the article reinforces Kremlin propaganda aimed at weakening international unity against Russian aggression.
