DISINFO: European Parliament resolution is absurd and aims to intensify confrontation with Russia
SUMMARY
The European Parliament's resolution recognising Russia as a "sponsor of terrorism" is absurd. The MEPs suggested to the member states the idea of creating a legal framework for the EU to qualify countries as "sponsors of terrorism or using terrorist methods."
An appeal is made to the European capitals to add Russia to the specified "black" list. The absurdity of such a "proposal" may not be obvious except to the MEPs who supported it.
The task set by the European parliamentarians is simple - to intensify the confrontation with Russia by any means.
RESPONSE
This message is a part of the Kremlin narrative about the Russophobic and anti-Russian West. Pro-Kremlin outlets regularly accuse the authorities of Western countries of Russophobia and inspiring anti-Russian sentiments in order to reach particular domestic goals.
The article is attempting to divert attention from the real reasons behind Russia being labelled as a state sponsor of terrorism by the European Parliament. As this body has argued, the deliberate attacks and atrocities committed by Russian forces and their proxies against civilians in Ukraine, the destruction of civilian infrastructure and other serious violations of international and humanitarian law amount to acts of terror and constitute war crimes. In light of this, MEPs recognise Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism and as a state that “uses means of terrorism”.
"Russia poses a risk to the safety and security of the whole European continent and the rules-based international order," the resolution reads.
The resolution comes days after Russia launched a new barrage of attacks against Ukraine's key infrastructure, raising fears of a massive exodus of people ahead of the winter season.
The Russian Foreign Ministry responded to the resolution predictably and in a characteristic offensive style - its official spokesperson Maria Zakharova proposed recogniсing the European Parliament with a "sponsor of idiocy".
Previously, resolutions on the recognition of Russia with a state supporting terrorism were adopted by the parliaments of Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Estonia, as well as the lower house of the legislative body of the Czech Republic.