DISINFO: The West is trying to eliminate Russia as a geopolitical actor under the pretext of "human rights"
SUMMARY
The West is trying to eliminate Russia as a geopolitical actor under the pretext of “human rights”.
It is always breathtaking to see how many members of the European Parliament in Brussels are willing to take off their masks of alleged democrats when it comes to Russia. Even if the names of these ladies and gentlemen regularly appear on the lists of speakers in debates in which human rights and democracy in Russia are supposed to be discussed, but in reality they only complain that Russia refuses to dance to the tune of the West, the brutal honesty with which these “democrats” reveal that “human rights” are actually only a vehicle for them to force a change of power in Russia that corresponds to the transatlantic understanding of democracy is surprising, which de facto means eliminating Russia as a geopolitical actor so that the West can once again play its self-appointed role as the world’s hegemon, which is dressed up as the “export of democracy, the rule of law, and freedom”.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the West allegedly pursuing a belligerent and hostile agenda against Russia.
The West does not seek to eliminate Russia as a geopolitical actor. Neither NATO, the USA, or the EU wishes to force a change of power in Russia. Only Russian citizens should elect their president in fair and democratic elections.
Concerning the recent Navalny poisoning, criticism on the handling of the Navalny case is not tantamount to interfering in Russia’s domestic affairs but a legitimate stance in regard to human rights and the rule of law in the country. The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that the charges against Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny are politically motivated and arbitrary and manifestly unreasonable. As a signatory of the European Convention on Human Rights, Russia accepts the jurisdiction of the ECHR and is forced to comply with its rulings.
The European Union condemned the crackdown on Alexei Navalny's supporters, mass detentions and police brutality during the protests. The EU has repeatedly called on Russia for Navalny's immediate release.
Also, the EU imposed restrictive measures, including sectoral sanctions, as a result of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, while formats such as regular high-level dialogues and cooperation remain suspended in the absence of the full implementation of the Minsk agreements by Russia. A number of additional issues affect bilateral relations, including Russia’s actions in the EU’s Eastern Neighbourhood, Syria, Libya and elsewhere, and repeated malign activities including disinformation campaigns. The EU’s approach to Russia is guided by five principles agreed in 2016 and reaffirmed, most recently, by EU Foreign Ministers in October 2020.
At the same time, the West is trying to keep channels of communications and cooperation open with Russia. The EU and its member states have maintained a clear policy of reaching out to Russian society and youth, mainly through the Erasmus+ student exchange programme and other people to people contacts. The new US administration has signaled a willingness to extend the New START Treaty. NATO's approach to Russia is defence and dialogue. More about NATO can be read here and its relations with Russia here.
Read similar cases alleging that foreign diplomats interfere in internal affairs of Russia, that the West is trying to make Russia “obedient” and “comfortable” and that the goal of Western sanctions is to punish Russians.