DISINFO: The EU considers Central Asia only as a tool to extract resources and harm Russia

A recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the EU sanctions imposed on Russia in response to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This claim was made in the context of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas’ remarks during the 20th EU-Central Asia Ministerial Meeting held in Turkmenistan.

Regarding cooperation between the EU and Central Asia, the EU bases its cooperation with its partners on shared values, principles and goals. The EU-Central Asia strategy outlines three priority strands for EU engagement: investing in regional cooperation and partnering for resilience and prosperity.

The first Central Asia-European Union Summit held in Samarkand, on the 3rd April 2025, reaffirmed the shared commitment of Central Asia and the EU to a strategic partnership built on common values and interests.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission emphasised concerning cooperation on critical raw materials that:

"Your countries are endowed with immense resources. These raw materials are the lifeblood of the future global economy. Yet they are also a honeypot for global players. Some are only interested in exploiting and extracting. Europe's offer is different. We also want to be your partners in developing your local industries. The added value has to be local. Together, we could build local industries right along the raw materials value chain. From mining to refining. From opening new research labs, to training local workers. We want to build a long-term partnership. Such a partnership is benefitting both our citizens, their children, and those of the future. It is a partnership that will benefit both Europe and Central Asia. Because your strategic autonomy on raw materials is our strategic interest".

The Joint Declaration following the Summit concluded that, among many areas of shared interest, enhanced cooperation on critical raw materials is of strategic importance, aimed at ensuring secure, sustainable, and diversified supply chains. The parties agreed that the Declaration of Intent endorsed at this Summit will deepen cooperation in this field, strengthen economic resilience, promote mutual prosperity, and facilitate the transition to a green and digital economy.

See other examples of similar disinformation narratives in our database, such as claims that EU Resolution on Central Asia: critical materials for LGBT agenda, that the EU is buying up Kazakhstan, 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.