Disinfo: The COVID-19 outbreak means the end of Europe; Russia and China will rise

Summary

The EU is at its end, which is painfully clear. Like in the old Roman Empire, the Vandalen brought upheaval to the Empire and eventually it broke down. This is what we see right now. The EU countries are unable to help each other, getting help from Russia and China instead, which the EU governments try to label as propaganda. The healthcare system has broken down a long time already. They don’t have masks, no electronic fever thermometers, and are imposing martial law. When they continue with the lockdown, it will be the end of Europe as we knew it. Russia and China will rise, and more and more EU countries know that “brotherhood” is non-existent.

Disproof

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the disintegration of the European Union. The European Union is supporting the Member States in addressing the crisis, and mitigating the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. To cushion the blow to people’s livelihoods and the economy, the European Commission has adopted a comprehensive economic response to the outbreak, applied the full flexibility of the EU fiscal rules, has revised its State Aid rules and proposed to set up a EUR 37 billion Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative to provide liquidity to small businesses and the health care sector. To support scientific research into the COVID-19, the European Commission earmarked 47,5 million EUR for shortlisted research projects that can improve epidemiology and public health, including preparedness and response to outbreaks. The EU has also created first ever stockpile of medical equipment. Read more about the EU's response here and here.

publication/media

  • Reported in: Issue 190
  • DATE OF PUBLICATION: 29/03/2020
  • Outlet language(s) English
  • Countries and/or Regions discussed in the disinformation: EU, China, Russia
  • Keywords: coronavirus, EU disintegration, Conspiracy theory
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Disinfo: US sends humanitarian aid to terrorists in Syria

The United States is planning to send aid to extremists in Syria under the umbrella of humanitarian assistance while the coronavirus crisis is spreading. The extremists are hiding among refugees in the Rukban camp, located in an area close to the US-run al-Tanf military base near the Jordanian and Iraqi borders despite Washington’s commitment to withdraw from Syria. US forces are still present in various parts of the country without permission by the United Nations or Damascus.

Disproof

Recurring disinformation narrative claiming that the US is supporting or working together with terrorists in the Middle East. The situation in the Rukban refugee camp has been deteriorating steadily over the last 5 years. The rapid deterioration in the lives of refugees is well documented. It has been at the centre of a geopolitical gridlock since Russia decided to intervene in Syria to assist the regime of Bashar al-Assad. The regime has placed the camp under siege as it considers it a safe haven for rebels and thousands of refugees have fled over the last few months.

Disinfo: One cause of Coronavirus: Gay marriage

One of the most egregious things that caused the spread of this [coronavirus] epidemic is the legalisation [of gay marriage].

Disproof

Conspiracy theory about the 2019-nCoV coronavirus mixed in with another popular pro-Kremlin disinformation theme of the moral degradation of the West.

See more examples of pro-Kremlin disinformatiomn about the coronavirus, including claims that Bill Gates and George Soros are sponsoring it, that it is a UK, US or NATO creation and that the Americans have its cure, that it is an artificial disease which specifically targets Chinese DNA, that it was created with economic goals while big pharma companies are spreading panic for their own profit, that it is a biological weapon against Russia and China, that it will wipe out Ukraine’s population in a few days or that it was predicted by Nostradamus and others.

Disinfo: US sanctions contribute to coronavirus pandemic

US sanctions against Russia and Iran contribute to the spread of coronavirus and create a humanitarian catastrophe. Coronavirus deaths are on the US’ conscience.

Disproof

Another pro-Kremlin narrative, which is not supported by facts. In a statement issued on March 23, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that such "fabrications" put Iranians and people around the world at greater risk. He also reiterated that US sanctions did not target imports of food, medicine, or other humanitarian goods. The United States imposed sanctions on Russian persons (individuals, entities, and vessels) in response to Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea, its invasion of eastern Ukraine, election meddling, malicious cyber-enabled activities, human rights abuses, use of a chemical weapon, weapons proliferation, illicit trade with North Korea and support to Syria and Venezuela. In the past six years, the United States has imposed more than 70 rounds of sanctions on Russian individuals and companies, but these sanctions, as well as sanctions on Iran, have nothing to do with the spread of coronavirus.