Disinfo: It was EU that suffered the most from anti-Russian sanctions

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the US presence in Europe, “lost sovereignty” and Russophobia. Eastern European countries are often presented as “puppet-states” of the United States by the pro-Kremlin media. The claim comes after Bulgaria expelled two Russian diplomats on suspicion of espionage. According to state prosecutors, the two suspects collected secret state information on Bulgaria’s military modernisation plans and preparedness. Bulgarian investigators said the espionage, which took place between 2016 to date, included the use of financial inducements to recruit Bulgarian nationals with access to sensitive information Regarding the comments on Europe being under America's thumb, the European Union is a sovereign entity, created by the voluntary initiative of European nations, and it has its own, independent foreign policy. Its citizens are directly represented in the European Parliament and Member States are represented in the European Council and the Council of the EU. The United States of America is not part of these institutions. The US had no role in the creation of the EU and has no say in its decisions. In addition, the EU Member States are sovereign countries and make their own sovereign decisions about their own security and policies. The US is an important ally to the EU but EU policy is not determined by the US. See other examples of this message claiming that Polish policy towards Ukraine is shaped by the Americans, that the US keeps Poland on a short anti-Russian leash, and Poland is a Trojan Horse of the United States, or that Lithuania is NATO’s dog barking at Russia and Belarus, that Foreign powers command political parties in Romania or Czechia is US’s puppet.

The article's allegation that the USA is controlling the electoral processes in Moldova is blatant misinformation. In fact, on October, 9, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, David Hale spoke with Moldovan President Igor Dodon and former Prime Minister Maia Sandu about the November 1 presidential election in Moldova. He did not say that he "will take under personal control Moldova's presidential elections", but in separate calls, Under Secretary Hale noted the "importance of a free and fair electoral process that respects the will of the Moldovan people, including a level playing field for all candidates, the elimination of illegal foreign support for political campaigns, and unbiased access to mass media in accordance with Moldova’s laws." Additionally, US Ambassador to Moldova Derek Hogan said that Regardless of what choice the Moldovan people make on Election Day, "the United States will remain a faithful partner to the Moldovan people and this country’s sovereign right to choose its own path. We support and join in your struggle to build a bright, prosperous, and democratic future for yourselves and your children." Presidential elections will take place in Moldova on 1 November 2020. See earlier disinformation cases alleging that the US is involved in Moldovan political life, including elections.