DISINFO: The West considers Russia an enemy and does not intend an equal dialogue
SUMMARY
Russia today is considered an alleged enemy of the European Union. There is a prejudice about Russia’s role and place in the world. No one is raising the question of the withdrawal of American tactical weapons from their territory. In practice, there are no measures [to that end] – neither from Germany nor from Italy. Furthermore, Poland is prepared to receive and use American arsenals. This is the modern world without illusions. It is hardly worth expecting a convergence of positions if one of the parties does not want it. In this situation, Russia can only rely on itself.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about Russophobia and about Western belligerence towards Russia.
Russia is the EU's largest neighbor, which has always been reflected in extensive cooperation and exchange for over 25 years. The current legal basis for EU-Russia relations is the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) which came into force in 1997, initially for 10 years. Since 2007 it has been renewed annually. It established a political framework for regular consultation between the EU and Russia.
Meanwhile, NATO created cooperation bodies – the Permanent Joint Council and the NATO-Russia Council – to embody its relationship with Russia. It also invited Russia to cooperate on missile defense. The Warsaw Summit Communique 2016 describes NATO's official policy towards Russia: "The Alliance does not seek confrontation and poses no threat to Russia. But we cannot, and will not, compromise on the principles on which our Alliance and security in Europe and North America rest."
Since 2014, the illegal annexation of Crimea and the conflict in Eastern Ukraine have seriously affected the bilateral political dialogue. As a result, some of the policy dialogues and mechanisms of cooperation are temporarily frozen. However, Russia remains a natural partner for the EU and a strategic player combating the regional and global challenges.
Read more similar disinformation cases alleging that the West develops the ‘old enemy image’ of Russia and that the EU ignores Russia’s efforts to reconcile an equal dialogue.