DISINFO: Josep Borrell's visit to Moscow was an excuse for a new round of the sanctions' war with Russia
SUMMARY
The visit of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell to Moscow was conceived as an excuse for a new round of the sanctions war with Russia.
The contrast between the statements made by Borrell in Moscow and what he said on his return to Brussels is noteworthy. This behaviour suggests that fewer and fewer independent politicians remain in the EU’s governing structures, while the real centre of decision-making is, as in the United States, the “deep state” hidden from prying eyes, which from day to day only strengthens the course of confrontation with Russia.
RESPONSE
This article contains a mix of several disinformation narratives about Western aggression, the US presence in Europe and the Deep State controlling Europe along with a recurring pro-Kremlin narrative about Western sanctions imposed on Russia trying to imply that the sanctions are groundless and used to suppress Russia.
The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission (HR/VP), Josep Borrell travelled to Moscow with the intention of openning a dialogue on core issues in the relations between the European Union and Russia. The Kremlin answered the European Union’s invitation to dialogue with a shameless attempt to deflect attention from its violations of Russia’s international obligations and own laws.
In a statement after the visit, Josep Borrell reiterates his appeal for dialogue with Russia, but notes that the Kremlin refused an exchange on issues:
"The Russian authorities did not want to seize this opportunity to have a more constructive dialogue with the EU. This is regrettable and we will have to draw the consequences."
The EU, its member states and most of the world community demands that Russia fulfils its obligations as a member of the UN, the Council of Europe, the OSCE and other international organisations, as well as Russia's own legislation.
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.