FACT CHECK: About Those Kremlin Claims of ‘Never Attacking’ Ukraine

Just a day before Russia formally recognized the independence of two territories it nurtured in eastern Ukraine and then sent in tanks and troops, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov made an extraordinary claim. Speaking to Russian state TV, Peskov said: “We remind you that Russia, throughout all of its history, has never attacked anyone.” That is false. Russia's long history of attacking neighbors extends back to the Middle Ages, when it was still only the Grand Duchy of Moscow. But there’s no need to go back that far to show that Russia, including post-Soviet Russia, has indeed attacked or at least engaged in military aggression against its neighbors. The most notable targets have been Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine. The initial aggression against Moldova and Georgia began in the early 1990s, just as the former Soviet republics were establishing their independence. Sort of like what we’re seeing now in Ukraine, Russia supported a separatist uprising in Moldova that led to the creation of the unrecognized state of Transnistria, a strip of land between Ukraine and the rest of Moldovan territory. Russian troops remain there. LINK: https://www.polygraph.info/a/fact-che... » Subscribe to VOA News: https://bit.ly/3KIPysi » Watch more VOA News video:    / voanews   Voice of America (VOA) is the largest U.S. international broadcaster, providing news and information in more than 40 languages to an estimated weekly audience of 236.8 million people. VOA produces content for digital, television, and radio platforms. It is easily accessed via your mobile phone and on social media. It is also distributed by satellite, cable, FM and MW, and is carried on a network of approximately 3,000 affiliate stations. Since its creation in 1942, Voice of America has been committed to providing comprehensive coverage of the news and telling audiences the truth. Through World War II, the Cold War, the fight against global terrorism, and the struggle for freedom around the globe today, VOA exemplifies the principles of a free press. Connect with VOA News: » VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://www.voanews.com/ » LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE:   / voiceofamerica   » FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:   / voanews   » FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:   / voanews