The Claim:
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs falsely claims that the Russian government only deploys its military at the request of “host countries”, and that Russia abides by international agreements.
This statement is consistent with the Kremlin’s narrative that it does not pose a threat to “any country in the world” and that Russia has never instigated a military conflict. As part of this claim, Russia positions itself as an honest mediator, resolving intricate international issues, and always working for peace.
This statement directly contradicts facts and reality.
The Facts:
When Russian Armed Forces invaded Ukraine, in February 2022, it did not do so at the request of the Ukrainian government. When the Russian army invaded and occupied Crimea and eastern Ukraine, in 2014, it did not do so at the request of the Ukrainian government. In 2008, when Russian forces invaded an occupied South Ossetia and Abkhazia, it did not do so at the request of Georgia’s government.
The Russian occupation of Abkhazia and South Ossetia faced condemnation from various international organizations, as evident in statements from the OSCE, the European Parliament, and Canadian Prime Minister, Stephen Harper.
The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court found that the situation in Crimea and Sevastopol constitutes an international armed conflict between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. This conflict was initiated by Russia in February 2014, when the Russian Federation deployed its armed forces to forcibly take control over Ukrainian territory without the consent of the Ukrainian Government.
In March 2014, Canada and other G-7 leaders issued a joint statement condemning the Russian Federation’s clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. In addition, they announced that they will “suspend our participation in activities associated with the preparation of the scheduled G-8 Summit in Sochi in June, until the environment comes back to where the G-8 is able to have a meaningful discussion.”
