Disinfo: US pushes Belarusian authorities towards talks over split from Russian Orthodox Church

Summary

Alyaksandr Lukashenka instructed Belarusian foreign minister Uladzimir Makey to start talks with the Patriarch of Constantinople over a possible split from the Russian Orthodox Church. This is a condition voiced by American diplomats for further progress in Belarus’ relations with the West and IMF. Such a move would be political suicide for Alyaksandr Lukashenka. However, it is supported by a pro-Catholic clan in the Belarus’ ruling elite and by pro-western Foreign Minister, Uladzimir Makey, who is ready to replace Lukashenka.

Disproof

No proof given. Western countries and institutions, including the above mentioned IMF, do not give any preconditions for cooperation with Belarus linked to the status of its Orthodox Church. Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation on alleged western plans tear away Belarus from Russia.

publication/media

  • Reported in: Issue 136
  • DATE OF PUBLICATION: 06/02/2019
  • Outlet language(s) Russian
  • Countries and/or Regions discussed in the disinformation: Belarus
  • Keywords: West, Orthodox Church, Anti-Russian
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Disproof

Recurring pro-Kremlin narrative about Euromaidan and alleged coup d'etat in Ukraine. The spontaneous onset of the Euromaidan protests was a reaction of numerous parts of the Ukrainian population to former President Yanukovych’s sudden departure from the Association Agreement with the European Union in November 2013. There were democratic Presidential elections held on 25 May 2014 in Ukraine. The OSCE characterised the elections as showing the "clear resolve of the authorities to hold what was a genuine election largely in line with international commitments and with a respect for fundamental freedoms." According to the OSCE, the only areas where serious restrictions were reported were those controlled by separatists, who undertook "increasing attempts to derail the process." This fact was reconfirmed by the parliamentary elections of 26 October 2014. The OSCE characterised the vote as "an amply contested election that offered votes real choice, and a general respect for fundamental freedoms".

Disinfo: Terrorists preparing a chemical attack in Idlib supported by the White Helmets

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Disproof

No evidence given. Recurring pro-Kremlin narrative about the involvement of the White Helmets in planning chemical attacks, in cooperation with the al Nusra group, against civilians in Idlib in order to blame the Syrian government for such attacks. The White Helmets, a search-and-rescue organisation based in opposition-held areas in Syria, have been one of the main target of disinformation campaigns orchestrated by the Kremlin. Since they have documented some of the worst atrocities carried out by the Syrian government and the Russian military, Russian media have been trying to portray them as “terrorists”. Some pro-government supporters in Syria claim they are “legitimate targets”. This article attempts to associate the White Helmets with chemical attacks in Idlib: a pro-Kremlin narrative which began to circulate in early 2018. See other cases about White helmets here.

Disinfo: Latvia instigates EU quarrel with Russia

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Disproof

No evidence given. Pro-Kremlin conspiracy theory about Baltic states and Russophobia. The draft report on the state of EU-Russia political relations takes into consideration the previous European Parliament resolution, Foreign Affairs Council conclusions, the Minsk agreement and the current situation.