DISINFO: Western countries prohibit COVID-19-affected countries from contacting Russia for help
SUMMARY
The principle of “everyone for himself” triumphs. The notorious Euro-Atlantic solidarity turned out to be more expensive than the lives and health of tens of thousands of ordinary citizens. Тhe West has an inhumane approach to the coronavirus pandemic. Western countries are trying to take advantage of the situation to punish governments that they dislike. For example, prohibiting a number of Western states from turning to Russia for humanitarian aid.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative aiming to discredit Western countries and the EU response to the coronavirus pandemic. The COVID-19 outbreak constituted a serious challenge to Europe's readiness for a crisis. However, the European Union is anyway supporting the Member States in addressing the crisis and mitigating the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. To cushion the blow to people’s livelihoods and the economy, the European Commission has adopted a comprehensive economic response to the outbreak, applied the full flexibility of the EU fiscal rules, has revised its State Aid rules and proposed to set up a EUR 37 billion Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative to provide liquidity to small businesses and the health care sector. To support scientific research into the COVID-19, the European Commission earmarked 47,5 million EUR for shortlisted research projects that can improve epidemiology and public health, including preparedness and response to outbreaks. The EU has also created the first-ever stockpile of medical equipment. Read more about the EU's response here and here. On the 26th of April Economy Commissioner, Paolo Gentiloni said that a recovery fund to help EU countries weather the coronavirus’ economic impact should be worth €1.5 trillion and be available by mid-September. Russian propaganda continues to push the message that the west is prohibiting countries to ask for aid from Russia without any pieces of evidence provided. See similar case and further debunk here.