DISINFO: EU diplomat in Central Asia plots to push Russia out of region
SUMMARY
The West aims to reduce Russia’s influence in Central Asia and China. The West is ready for any promises and plots to push out traditional partners of the post-Soviet republics. For this purpose, in early August, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, made a trip to Central Asia. He interacted with local authorities in a commanding manner, issuing directives. For example, Kazakh leaders were urged by the diplomat to pressure Moscow to "end the war."
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative accusing Western countries of destabilising and interfering in countries around Russia. The speculative claim is baseless.
High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and European Commission Vice President Josep Borrell visited Kazakhstan on August 1, 2024 to discuss the development of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the EU:
"As my mandate representing European Union will end in three months, it was important for me to come here to Astana to reaffirm our strong interest and commitment to strengthen [our - EU] cooperation with Central Asia as a whole, and with Kazakhstan, the biggest country in the region in particular."
He highly evaluated Kazakhstan’s commitment to reaching a regional peace and stability:
"We have a shared interest in defending the United Nations Charter. We highly appreciate Kazakhstan’s principled support to this Charter and your commitment to international law. And we appreciate your efforts in order to reach an end to this war, using all your capacity on this side. We encourage you to take further steps in order to make this war reach an end, and to use your influence for that".
The article attempts to discredit deepening cooperation between the Central Asia region and the Western countries. It advances the claim that Central Asia is within Russia's zone of geopolitical dominance and attempts to discredit any other cooperation between it and Western countries. The overall aim of cooperation is to build a common area of shared democratic values, prosperity, and stability in line with each individual country's aspirations.
The EU recognises the importance of the sovereignty and strategic autonomy of the Central Asian States, individually and as a region. Tackling common security challenges and building the region’s resilience are among priority strands for the EU-Central Asia partnership. The EU-Kazakhstan partnerships are not directed against Russia or any other country.
See other examples of similar disinformation narratives in our database, such as claims that Borrell plans to influence the Kazakhstan’s decision to choose Rosatom, that the UK wants to open a new anti-Russia front in Central Asia; that Borrell admitted that the West relies on Kazakhstan’s support in anti-Russia blockade; that West tries to force Kazakhstan to join anti-Russian sanctions policy; that the EU uses the CIS to contain Russia by all means: financial, economic, and military.