Disinfo: NATO and EU are actively fabricating Russophobia in the Baltic States to justify their anti-Russian policies

Summary

The interests of the NATO and EU powers in the Baltic States are determined by the geographical situation and the possibilities to use the Baltic States as a disruptive factor against peaceful conditions of cooperation and understanding in the region and in neighbourly relations with Russia. The powers of NATO and the EU are actively interfering in the shaping of internal relations of the Baltic States; their focus is on the creation of “fear of the Baltic towards the Russians”. This fear can be instrumentalised externally for the goals of the NATO and EU powers for the control of Baltic States against Russia. An enemy image of Russia is created. The effect on the cultivation of Russophobia is achieved through the systematic fomenting of internal political contrasts between different nationalities. The Western powers need this atmosphere of fear and instability to justify their anti-Russian policies. Especially after the accession of the Baltic states to NATO and the EU, the West has shown that it is determined to further develop this geographical area on Russia’s western borders and to actively use it for its geopolitical goals. The nature of these measures, as well as the military-political steps, show that its policy towards Russia is increasingly degenerating towards military confrontation. For the Baltic Sea and its neighbours and for Europe, this means increasing militarisation and the danger of war.

Disproof

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about Russophobia in Lithuania and the Baltic States. Also consistent with a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about NATO encircling Russia. For more than two decades, NATO has worked to build a partnership with Russia, developing dialogue and practical cooperation in areas of common interest. Cooperation has been suspended since 2014 in response to Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine but political and military channels of communication remain open. Concerns about Russia’s continued destabilising pattern of military activities and aggressive rhetoric go well beyond Ukraine. Read more about NATO - Russia relations here. See similar pro-Kremlin disinformation cases: "Russophobia is the main export of Lithuania", NATO is closing in on Russia's borders; The European foreign policy is determined by a group of Russophobes controlled from US.

publication/media

  • Reported in: Issue 177
  • DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16/12/2019
  • Outlet language(s) German
  • Countries and/or Regions discussed in the disinformation: Lithuania, Estonia, Russia, Latvia
  • Keywords: Encircling Russia, Russophobia, Warmongering
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Disinfo: OPCW report did not indicate use of chemical weapons in Douma

The Douma mission’s initial report questioned the source of the gas cylinders and was unable to explain the apparent minimal damage on it that was inconsistent with the allegations of the cylinders being dropped from the air.

The draft report drew attention to the inconsistency of the image of the victims with the chemical gas used in the alleged attack, and the samples did not indicate any presence of nerve gas or chemical weapons.

Disproof

Recurring disinformation narratives aiming to discredit the OPCW.

The alleged "initial report" of the Douma mission dates back to 22 June 2018 and therefore could not have been referring to the final OPCW report on Douma, which was released 1 March 2019.

Disinfo: For its fiftieth anniversary, NATO became an offensive organisation

A new strategy was adopted for the NATO’s fiftieth anniversary and a new phase began – NATO was transformed from a defensive player into an offensive one and expansion toward (south)east became indisputable.

Disproof

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative, portraying NATO as a threat to global peace because it has an aggressive agenda. NATO is a defensive alliance, whose purpose is to protect its member states. This disinformation message also exploits the narrative about NATO enlargement with an aim to encircle Russia. NATO does not "expand" in the imperialistic sense described by pro-Kremlin media. Rather, it considers the applications of candidate countries who want to join the alliance based on their own national will. As such, NATO enlargement is not directed against Russia. NATO's "Open Door Policy" is based on Article 10 of the Alliance's founding document, the North Atlantic Treaty (1949). The Treaty states that NATO membership is open to any "European state in a position to further the principles of this Treaty and to contribute to the security of the North Atlantic area". Every sovereign nation has the right to choose its own security arrangements. This is a fundamental principle of European security and one to which Russia has also subscribed. Read several other anti-NATO narratives such as NATO provoking Russia; NATO is fully subordinated to the USA; Eastern European countries such as Baltic states, Moldova, Poland are NATO's “hostages”.

Disinfo: US Russophobia driven by US internal political processes

The demonisation of Russia, which is growing, is not connected with Russia as such, it is connected with internal political processes in the United States.

Disproof

No evidence given. This is a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about alleged Western belligerence towards Russia and specifically US Russophobia, aimed at attempting to weaken and isolate Russia. Negative attitudes towards Russia are not simply driven by malicious "Russophobia", as pro-Kremlin media and officials often say, but often derive from assessments of the Kremlin's own policies. The US sanctions that have been imposed on Russia are a response on Russia’s illegal actions, specifically the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the war in Donbas that continues until today. The Special Council investigation concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 US Presidential election. This led to US senators' proposals to extend sanctions on Russia to deter it from further election meddling. See similar pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives alleging that aggression towards Russia derives from American culture and that Washington is likely to launch a war against Russia.