The Head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC), Lieutenant Andriy Kovalenko, has responded to recent statements from Poland regarding Ukraine’s involvement in the war with Russia.
The NSDC’s Center for Countering Disinformation was established in 2016 to combat the spread of false information and propaganda aimed at destabilizing Ukraine. Andriy Kovalenko, a decorated officer with over 20 years of experience in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, was appointed as the Head of the Center in 2019.
Recently, Poland’s Minister of Defense, Mariusz Blaszczak, accused Ukraine of “dragging” Poland into the war with Russia. This statement was met with a swift response from Andriy Kovalenko, who emphasized that Ukraine has always been a victim of Russian aggression and has never sought to involve other countries in the conflict.
In his statement, Kovalenko highlighted that Ukraine has been fighting a war against Russian-backed separatists in the eastern regions of Donbas for over seven years. This war has claimed the lives of over 13,000 people, including civilians, and has displaced over 1.5 million Ukrainians from their homes. He also reminded that it was Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 that sparked this conflict.
Kovalenko firmly rejected the accusations made by the Polish Minister, stating that they were based on false information and aimed at damaging Ukraine’s reputation. He also stressed that Poland and Ukraine are strategic partners, and their cooperation is crucial for the security of both countries and the region as a whole.
The Head of the Center for Countering Disinformation also pointed out that Russia has been actively spreading disinformation about Ukraine’s involvement in the war to justify its actions and distract from its own aggression. He urged the international community to remain vigilant and not fall for these manipulations.
In response to Kovalenko’s statement, the Polish Defense Ministry issued a clarification, stating that Minister Blaszczak’s words were taken out of context and that Poland fully supports Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
This exchange of statements between the two countries highlights the ongoing information war being waged by Russia against Ukraine. The NSDC’s Center for Countering Disinformation plays a crucial role in exposing and countering these efforts and promoting the truth about the situation in Ukraine.
In conclusion, the Head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the NSDC, Andriy Kovalenko, has firmly rejected the accusations made by the Polish Minister of Defense and emphasized Ukraine’s role as a victim of Russian aggression. His response reaffirms Ukraine’s commitment to peace and stability in the region and highlights the importance of international support in countering disinformation.
