DISINFO: The EU supports fascists in Ukraine and threatens war against Russia
SUMMARY
The EU is fraternising with fascists in Ukraine, constantly tightening its sanctions and is threatening Russia with war.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin narratives about western support of Ukrainian authorities as part of anti-Russian policy, about the West preparing a war against Russia, about Nazi Ukraine, and the Russophobic and Nazi collective West.
The EU neither supports fascists in Ukraine, nor threatens to go to war against Russia.
There was in fact a clear record of strong cooperation between the EU and Russia, dating back to 1994, when the two sides negotiated a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. Russia was identified as a strategic partner for the EU, and was the only country with which the EU held summits not once, but twice a year.
A new EU-Russia agreement was being negotiated up until 2014, at which point talks were suspended due to Russia's involvement in the Ukraine conflict. Negotiations were also in train on visa facilitation. There was also cooperation between the EU and Russia on a number of foreign policy issues, some of which continue to this day. The EU and its Member States have maintained a clear policy of reaching out to Russian society and youth, mainly through the Erasmus+ student exchange programme and other people to people contacts.