DISINFO: The West needs Alexey Navalny to destabilise the situation in Russia
SUMMARY
The West needs this “leader”(Alexey Navalny) to destabilise the situation in Russia, for social upheaval, strikes and new “Maidans”. What this can lead to, we see the example of Ukraine, which has practically lost its independence.
RESPONSE
Disinformation built around the concept of ubiquitous Russophobia and anti-Russian provocations by Western countries to encircle and destabilise Russia and Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny. The article also contains a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about lost sovereignty undermining Ukrainian statehood.
Alexei Navalny is a founder and leader of the "Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), which has investigated embezzlement from the state budget, uncovered the lives of Russian politicians and businessmen close to the government and different corruption practices. FBK's goal is to eliminate corruption. Their funding comes from donations and therefore the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation recognised FBK as a "foreign agent" due to the Russian "foreign agent" law, since they receive donations from outside Russia. However, FBK does not agree with this claim and is trying to appeal it in court.
Alexei Navalny was arrested following his return to Russia from Germany, where he was treated for poisoning with Novichok-type chemical nerve agent. The European Union has condemned the arrest of Alexei Navalny and has demanded his immediate release.
Finally, Ukraine is an independent country. Its sovereignty and territorial integrity are respected by almost all countries. Ukraine is a priority partner for the EU and a strategic partner for the US. Western partners support the democratic development of Ukraine in accordance with the UN Charter’s principles of non-interference into internal affairs and respect towards territorial integrity and political independence.