Disinfo: EU findings on Russian disinformation about COVID-19 are Russophobia

Summary

Members of the European Parliament said that Russia is conducting a disinformation campaign about COVID-19. However, they do not refer to any specific case of the alleged disinformation. MEPs simply quote the so-called findings of the EU’s East StratCom Task Force and note that these findings reflect their views. Quarantine in the European Parliament cannot defeat the incurable disease, i.e. Russophobia. In this situation, only Russia and China are helping Italy, which has become the centre of the fight against coronavirus in Europe.

Disproof

The claim consists of multiple pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives. Also consistent with the narrative on Russophobia.

The EEAS issued a special report on narratives and disinformation around the COVID-19 pandemic, counting at least 150 cases of pro-Kremlin disinformation on novel coronavirus. The cases are public and can be accessed here in the EU vs Disinfo database.

The European Commission has approved a €50 million Italian aid scheme to support the production and supply of medical devices, as well as to help Italy provide the necessary medical treatment to those infected. On March 18, the European Union also received a Chinese aid package, including masks and 50,000 testing kits that were fully allocated to Italy, as Rome faces the most urgent needs among member states in the coronavirus crisis. On March 13, the European Union proposed a Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative, envisaging EUR 835 million for Italy. On March 26, the European Parliament unanimously approved the initiative. More on the EU's support can be read here.

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Reported in: Issue 191
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 30/03/2020
Language/target audience: Georgian
Country: EU
Keywords: coronavirus, Russophobia
Outlet: Sputnik Georgia

The West cannot resolve the coronavirus crisis without Russian help

The West cannot resolve the coronavirus crisis without Russian help. China set the standard in how they washed their streets and the way they fought this coronavirus in public places. It turned out that the West simply could not do anything like that. For example, in Bergamo, Russian help was required to achieve the same results.

April 06, 2020

Disproof

This claim exploits the coronavirus pandemic to push a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the EU's alleged imminent collapse. It also aims to pit EU member states against each other in an attempt to undermine European solidarity - another recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation tactic.

EU Member States are helping each other in this crisis; for example, German hospitals offered to treat critical coronavirus patients from France and Italy, as well as sending ventilators to Spain, whilst the Czech Republic sent masks to Italy.

Ukrainian reforms aim to reduce the country’s population by 15 million people

For the so-called agrarian superpower to be able to feed itself, it is necessary to reduce the Ukrainian population. Rough estimates show that its population should be around 20 million people. Therefore, it has 15 million more people [than needed]. It is already quite obvious how this will be achieved. There is healthcare reform, which is directly aimed at the destruction of the Ukrainian population. There is mass emigration. There is a drop in the birth rate. These are the necessary measures to bring the demographic balance to the [desired] economic model.

April 06, 2020

Disproof

Conspiracy theory with no evidence given. Pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about Ukraine losing its statehood. It is also consistent with a recurring pro-Kremlin narrative about the untenable requirements of the IMF and its work in Ukraine.

The reforms in Ukraine, including the controversial land reform, are aimed at improving Ukraine's economic and social conditions, as well as Ukraine's competitiveness on the world market. The land reform, according to the IMF, is among the reforms that can fundamentally transform the Ukrainian economy. The draft law, inter alia, excludes foreigners and foreign companies from buying land and limits the amount of land each person can buy and own.

Moldova is helped only by China and Russia in the fight with COVID-19

Death came from the West, and help – from Russia and China: the coronavirus showed who are the friends of the Republic of Moldova. Assistance to the Republic of Moldova was not offered by those, who are considered in the past three decades “development partners” and where Moldova holds the “integration path”, not by the EU and the US. But by Russia and China – those, who were collectively cursed all these years by various “eurointegrators”.

April 06, 2020

Disproof

Conspiracy theory with no evidence given. Since the first case of COVID-19 was registered, the Republic of Moldova has started receiving aid in the form of money and medical equipment from several European states, but also from the USA.

So far, Russia has donated 10 thousand tests for the detection of coronavirus. And China has provided Moldova with 2,500 tests and 3 tons of medicines, materials and medical equipment needed to stop the spread of COVID-19 virus, including 100 thousand protective respirators.