Ex-MP stirs storm with NATO missile claims

In an era rife with rapid information exchange, fact and fiction can often become entangled. A recent claim by former Member of Parliament, Matthew Gordon-Banks, is drawing attention online.

He propagated a theory suggesting that missiles were launched from Romanian territory against Russian Air Forces.

This claim, while initially emerging from Russian bloggers, has stirred controversy and could potentially escalate the tense situation between Russia and NATO if left unchecked. Many figures, including Mr. Gordon-Banks, have found it worth discussing, and our intention is to further explore and understand the basis of these claims.

Understanding the Claim

The claim was made here.

Sitrep Black Sea is indeed significant in recent hours; with missiles launched against Russian AF from the territory of Romania!
I've not seen a single Ukrainian video of drones from a swathe of the conflict line since 1st June. I suspect RuAF electronic jamming has felled them.

— Matthew Gordon-Banks (@mwgbanks) August 4, 2023

And here.

Black Sea events in the last few hours are significant, but one swallow does not make a summer. These missiles were almost certainly launched from NATO Romania; a very dangerous game of potential escalation.
In desperation, increasing direct US/UK action; eg Kerch Bridge.

— Matthew Gordon-Banks (@mwgbanks) August 4, 2023

The assertion made by Gordon-Banks implies that NATO has engaged in offensive actions against Russia. It’s essential to note that the source of Gordon-Banks’ claims does not have any supporting evidence that myself or my team can find.

Russian bloggers contend that Ukraine must be conducting missions from NATO bases in Romania because Russian cruise missiles have supposedly destroyed all of Ukraine’s airfields and their Storm Shadow missiles. These allegations are made despite satellite imagery suggesting otherwise.

Verifying the Facts

Any claim of such gravity necessitates rigorous examination. It demands consultation with multiple resources, including official government and NATO statements, interviews with military experts, independent news sources, and satellite imagery.

I have spoken to numerous Open Source Intelligence analysts, and the response was unanimous. It’s nonsense. So far, no credible evidence or official reports support Gordon-Banks’ claim or those made by Russian bloggers.

Neither NATO nor Romanian officials have reported any military actions against Russia from Romania’s territory. Similarly, Russian authorities have not reported any Romanian territory-origin missile strikes on their Air Force. Moreover, I am told that satellite imagery contradicts the bloggers’ narrative.

When I contacted Gordon-Banks about the claim, he said:

“Currently, currently, what I have said is not being publicly acknowledged by either the US or Russia. The US, has concerns about Polish & Lithuanian pressure. Russia wishes to avoid further domestic and military pressure to increase the tempo of its military action.

My comments about British direct ‘on the ground & air’ involvement in Ukraine, authorised in a manner where Parliament cannot have oversight, even if it was sitting, is unassailable. The Journal is at its best when highlighting Defence Equipment & training. 

Are you going to tell your Followers that hundreds of British service and other personnel and other NATO personnel are not directly involved ‘other ground/air’ in the conflict in Ukraine? Of course you are not. End.”

The Danger of Disinformation

Disinformation is a potent tool capable of exacerbating conflicts, damaging reputations, and fostering widespread misunderstanding. The allegations by Gordon-Banks, whether intentional or not, could inflame unnecessary panic and lead to an escalation of conflict. While we aim to clarify the facts surrounding Mr. Gordon-Banks’ claims, it’s essential to understand that the intention of presenting different perspectives is not to imply any deliberate dissemination of misinformation on his part.

In our information-laden era, it’s vital for all, including writers, politicians, and the general public, to critically assess claims and ensure they are rooted in fact. Mr. Gordon-Banks, as a public figure, no doubt understands the weight of his words and the significance of the sources he cites.

As it stands, the allegations about missile launches from Romania against the Russian Air Force remain unsubstantiated. It’s doubtful Gordon-Banks is purposefully spreading disinformation, but this incident does make clear the need to evaluate what is being published online.

As part of our commitment to fair and balanced reporting, we have given Mr. Gordon-Banks an opportunity to respond to these allegations, which he did in the quote included above. The ultimate objective here is not to accuse or exonerate but to critically examine information and engage in a discourse that serves the truth. We also remind our readers that the situation in question is fluid and subject to changes as more evidence may come to light.

This is our understanding based on the facts available at the time of publishing.