Fact Check: NATO started the war with Russia

Fact Check: "NATO started the war with Russia"

What We Know

The claim that "NATO started the war with Russia" is rooted in a complex historical context involving Russia's geopolitical ambitions and its perception of NATO's expansion. According to Jeffrey Mankoff, a distinguished research fellow at the Institute for National Strategic Studies, the invasion of Ukraine by Russia is primarily driven by President Vladimir Putin's grievances regarding Ukraine's identity and statehood, rather than a direct response to NATO's actions (source-1).

Putin's speech on February 21, 2022, highlighted a range of grievances, including NATO's expansion, but fundamentally revolved around the legitimacy of Ukrainian identity. Mankoff argues that this reflects a long-standing Russian narrative that views Ukraine and Belarus as integral parts of a greater Russian identity, suggesting that the conflict is more about Russia's imperial ambitions than NATO's influence (source-2).

Additionally, political scientist Paul D'Anieri notes that the causes of the Russo-Ukrainian War are multifaceted, involving historical, political, and cultural dimensions that predate NATO's expansion (source-3).

Analysis

The assertion that NATO instigated the war oversimplifies a complex situation. While NATO's eastward expansion has been a point of contention for Russia, it is crucial to recognize that the conflict's roots lie in Russia's own strategic goals and historical narratives. Mankoff emphasizes that Putin's worldview includes a belief in the artificiality of Ukrainian identity, which he perceives as being manipulated by Western powers (source-1).

Furthermore, the narrative that NATO is solely responsible for the conflict has been critiqued as historically debatable. Barbara Zanchetta argues that while Russia has legitimate security interests, blaming NATO for the invasion ignores the broader context of Russian aggression and imperial aspirations (source-6).

The credibility of sources discussing NATO's role varies. Scholarly analyses, such as those by Mankoff and D'Anieri, provide a nuanced understanding of the conflict, while media narratives may sometimes lean towards sensationalism or oversimplification. Therefore, it is essential to approach claims about NATO's responsibility with caution, recognizing the broader geopolitical dynamics at play.

Conclusion

The claim that "NATO started the war with Russia" is False. The conflict is primarily driven by Russia's own geopolitical ambitions and historical narratives regarding Ukraine, rather than a direct instigation by NATO. While NATO's expansion has been a source of tension, it does not account for the fundamental issues of identity and statehood that underpin Russia's actions in Ukraine.