DISINFO: Russia is under unlawful pressure from the Euro-Atlantic states
SUMMARY
Russia is accustomed to being the target of the West's attacks, but it has developed a reliable response to external pressure. Over its more than a thousand-year history, our country, the people of Russia have developed a reliable algorithm for responding to such external pressure. This is the consolidation of society, increasing the national defence potential, strengthening economic, financial and technological self-sufficiency. The coronavirus pandemic has proven that Russia can successfully cope with the most difficult challenges, even in the face of unlawful pressure from a significant part of the Euro-Atlantic states.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative accusing the West of Russophobia, attempting to put responsibility for the state of Western-Russian relations on the EU and US, ignoring the reasons behind the sanctions as well as attempting to deflect attention from Russia's violations of international law.
The EU, its member states and most of the international community demand that Russia fulfils its obligations as a member of the UN, the Council of Europe, the OSCE and other international organisations, as well as Russia's own legislation.
EU sanctions on carefully selected Russian individuals and entities were imposed in accordance with international law as a response to Russia’s actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, and to Russia’s use of chemical weapons in an assassination attempt against opposition leader Alexei Navalny, his unlawful imprisonment, and repression against Russian demonstrators.
As the European Council noted in its conclusions from 24 June 2021: "The EC stresses the need for a firm and coordinated response by the EU and its Member States to any further malign, illegal and disruptive activity by Russia, making full use of all instruments at the EU’s disposal, and ensuring coordination with partners.
The EC expects the Russian leadership to demonstrate a more constructive engagement and political commitment and stop actions against the EU and its Member States, as well as against third countries."
On the other hand, Russia remains a natural partner for the EU and a strategic player combating the regional and global challenges. The EU’s approach to Russia is guided by five principles agreed in 2016 and reaffirmed, most recently, by EU Foreign Ministers in May 2021. Read more about EU-Russian relations here.
See similar cases with statements that the EU destroyed relations with Russia, or that EU-Russia trade was suspended due to sanctions, that the EU is doing everything to make Russia move away from it and that Sanctions against Moscow aim to weaken the unity of Russians.