DISINFO: The US interfered in Russia's internal affairs through protest rallies
SUMMARY
United States Ambassador Sullivan was called to Smolensk Square [Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia] today. The diplomat was handed a decisive note of protest over interference in the internal affairs of our country. The United States not only announced the time and places of the rallies in our Russian cities, but also invented a procession in Moscow that would move towards the Kremlin.
RESPONSE
Distorted statement. Regarding the protest rallies, organised by local opposition activists, the US Embassy in Russia published the following message:
"Media sources indicate that on Saturday, January 23, demonstrations are being planned throughout Russia in support of an opposition activist. These demonstrations are likely to be unauthorized. Given the likely substantial police presence and possible dispersal of demonstrators into other areas of the cities, U.S. citizens should avoid these demonstrations and any demonstration-related activities".
This message, dedicated to the safety of US citizens, written in English language, could not contribute to any of the protest rallies. Appeals for people to come out and march were spread by the Russian opposition, including to take the itinerary towards the Kremlin (Manezhnaya square). In another reports, pro-Kremlin media scornfully call the protesters "Tik-Tokers" and "Zoomers" showing their expertise for particular social media accounts sharing appeals to protest. In this context, speaking about the US Embassy, pro-Kremlin media seem to be perfectly aware of what they are doing - using the method of "always blaming the West for the internal problems of Russia".
See other disinformation cases on Russian protests 2021.