DISINFO: Russia's economy is doing great despite sanctions whereas Ukraine's is falling
SUMMARY
Russia can easily live without the West but the West cannot survive without Russia. As the collective West got blind with Russophobia and placed bets on endless confrontation with Russia, the latter has made a strategic decision to develop cooperation with oriental and southern countries instead. Despite western sanctions, Russia’s economy is becoming stronger. Its GDP is growing faster than predicted whereas inflation is going to decrease. The plans of the West and its puppets have failed in Ukraine which is facing catastrophic losses in the war. Kyiv is planning to mobilise kids and teenagers in the army.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative questioning the efficiency of Western sanctions made in the context of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
It also spreads recurring narratives about ubiquitous Russophobia in Western countries and Ukraine’s alleged desperation on the battlefield. The former is part of a wider disinformation campaign about the inevitability of Russia’s victory and ultimately the need to compromise and accept peace on Russia’s terms.
The EU has reacted swiftly and strongly to the Russian unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine with unprecedented support for Kyiv. 14 sanction packages have so far been adopted against Moscow, which have severely damaged the Russian economy. HRVP Josep Borrell wrote in his blog on April 15th 2024.
"European Union sanctions have already significantly weakened the Russian economy, and the future of the country becomes bleaker each day as Russia continues its war of aggression against Ukraine, EU High Representative Josep Borrell says in his latest blog, titled “No, time is not on Russia’s side”.
Read responses to earlier disinformation claims concerning the effect of western sanctions on Russia’s economy here and here. See also our social media cards series covering the impact of sanctions on Russian economy.
There is no proof of Ukraine’s plans to mobilise minors in the army. Previous disinformation serving the purpose of showing Ukraine’s alleged desperation in the battlefield included claims about en masse conscription of women and teenagers, children and elderly people by the Ukrainian authorities.
See similar cases Russian economy thrives despite EU sanctions and Chronically ill, disabled and HIV positive men to serve in Ukraine.