Did Russia Declare War Against the USA?

The devastating Russian-Ukrainian war has been ongoing for several years, with the United States and NATO providing support to Ukraine. In this context, a significant amount of misleading information regarding the situation is being spread on social media.

Social Media Posts

Social media posts claim that Russia has declared war against the USA.

FB | Archived

We decided to do a fact-check on this.

Fact Check:

This claim is false. No mainstream media outlets have reported such a declaration, and no official statements from Russian or American authorities support this claim. The confusion may stem from a recent shift in Russian officials' rhetoric amid ongoing tensions over the Ukraine conflict.

Background:

Recent Statements by Russian Officials: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov referred to the United States as an "enemy" state in a recent press interaction. His comments were made in response to an incident involving former American intelligence officer Scott Ritter, who was prevented from travelling to Russia. Peskov's remarks were reported in the context of increasing hostilities and strained diplomatic relations. More details can be read here.

Misinterpretation: Peskov’s statement, “We are now an enemy country for them, just as they are for us,” has been misinterpreted on social media as a declaration of war. This is a significant escalation from the term “unfriendly states” that Russian officials have used previously to describe the United States and its allies.

Context: Peskov's comments followed actions by the Biden administration, allowing Ukraine to use American-supplied weapons to attack targets within Russia. This development likely influenced the change in rhetoric from Russian officials. Details can be read here.

Historical Rhetoric: Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously referred to the Western countries' elites as Russia's enemies while characterizing Ukraine as a tool used by the West. A report can be read here.

Clarification:

Peskov's Comments: It is important to note that Peskov’s remarks about the United States being an “enemy” were part of a broader narrative criticizing American policies and actions towards Russia. There was no official declaration of war.

Media Reports: Neither Peskov nor Putin has officially referred to the United States or other Western nations as enemies in any legally binding or formal context.

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Google News | TikTok

Conclusion:

The claim that Russia has declared war against the USA is unfounded and incorrect. The rhetoric from Russian officials reflects escalating tensions but does not amount to a declaration of war. Social media users should be cautious about misinterpreting or amplifying such statements without verifying the facts through reliable sources.