Ukraine; Russia; NATO; Europe
NATO expansion is part of the history, but it does not change the fact that Russia chose to invade Ukraine.
Russia annexed Crimea and intervened militarily in eastern Ukraine in 2014, then launched a full-scale invasion on 24 February 2022.
NAR-20220224-001
Fact check: NATO expansion is part of the history of Russia-Ukraine tensions, but Russia initiated the invasions of Ukraine.
NATO started war Ukraine forced Russia invade Canada
NATO expansion and Russian security concerns are part of the conflict's background, but saying NATO or Ukraine 'started the war' by forcing Russia to invade reverses the factual sequence.
NATO expanded eastward after the Cold War, Russia strongly opposed that expansion, and security competition shaped the geopolitical environment.
The claim turns geopolitical context into literal initiation of Russia's military actions and strips Russia of agency for decisions to invade.
Canada is a NATO member and supports Ukraine militarily and financially, so this narrative directly affects Canadian debate over defence, sanctions, and aid.