DISINFO: US Russophobic policies are to blame for deteriorating relations with Russia
SUMMARY
Relations between Russia and the United States have become more complicated, and the United States is to blame. The main reason for the aggravation of relations is Washington's desire to keep Moscow and Beijing in check at the global level. Because of the Russophobic policy of the United States, relations between the two countries can end at any moment.
RESPONSE
This claim is a mix of pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives claiming that the West is waging a hybrid war against Russia. This narrative fits into the broader disinformation theme about the West’s allegedly belligerent and hostile agenda against Russia, and about its alleged plans to destabilise and encircle Russia.
As has been pointed out by analysts, the term “Russophobia” is a Kremlin propaganda tool that identifies ordinary criticism and discussion of Kremlin actions with alleged enemies of Russia and actors who are responsible for intolerance and persecution of ethnic Russians.
The “fight against Russophobia” has been used to strengthen the internal control of the Russian authoritarian regime, to implement various foreign policy objectives, as well as to discredit NATO and EU enlargement in the eyes of the public. See similar cases Moldova gets rid of everything Russian and Zelenskyy is banning Russian language, culture and history in Ukraine.