Permission to use special means to disperse protests in Ukraine: Russia spreads new disinformation

The Center for Countering Disinformation reported the information.

Russian propagandists claim that in the context of "social tension," Ukrainian police are allegedly allowed to "use traumatic weapons, rubber batons and tear gas to disperse any rallies."

As a proof, Russian Telegram channels spread a photo of the order, which was allegedly signed by Ukraine's Interior Minister. "Having verified the information with Interior Ministry spokesperson Mariana Reva, the Center reports that the so-called document is fake, as is its content. Firstly, the 'order' does not meet official record-keeping requirements. Secondly, all the rules and grounds for the use of special means are clearly spelled out in the Law 'On the National Police' in Article 45 'Use of Special Means,'" the Center reports.

In this way the Russian propaganda is trying to discredit Ukrainian law enforcement.

• On January 19, the Center for Countering Disinformation reported that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was promoting a fake narrative about "Nazi laws" that were allegedly being adopted in Ukraine.
• On January 20, Russian propaganda promoted a fake claim that Romania was building a new highway to the border with Ukraine in order to annex it.