DISINFO: The phantom 'Russian threat' is used to counter European disintegration
SUMMARY
Governments sometimes invent external pressure in order to counteract internal disintegration. A vivid example is the European Union and its member states. The phantom 'Russian threat' has become a kind of panacea for them, helping at least somewhat to contain the crisis of European integration and the collapse in popularity of European governments. Without the 'terrifying Russia', the Baltic states would practically lose their reason to exist.
RESPONSE
This claim was made in the context of the EU’s commitment to give Europe the military capability it needs to face today's threats, including Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and its repercussions on European security. To address this, the ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030 has been introduced as a strategic proposal to boost European defence spending through various financial mechanisms.
This disinformation article falsely claims that Russia does not present a threat to Europe. First, it was Russia which initiated the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. This claim was made in the context of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
On 24 February 2022, Russia launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine under several false pretexts, such as committing genocide against people residing in eastern parts of Ukraine. Putin’s and other Russian leaders’ numerous statements claiming that Ukraine is part of Russia are attempts to deny Ukraine the right to exist as an independent and sovereign state. The Russian war of aggression has been characterised by numerous war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The article also contains a narrative about the EU's alleged imminent collapse and disintegration. For more context, see our analysis: Key Narratives in Pro-Kremlin Disinformation Part 4: ‘The Imminent Collapse’.
The EU remains a significant global actor with 27 member states, a combined GDP of over $16 trillion, and a population of over 447 million people. The EU was created to foster economic cooperation, peace, and shared values among its member states, respecting their diverse cultures and histories. The EU's policies aim to create a sustainable future and promote economic growth, and member states retain significant sovereignty while benefiting from collective action.
According to the latest Eurobarometer survey released on May 28th 2025, 52% of Europeans trust the EU, the highest level of trust since 18 years. Three quarters of respondents (75%) - the highest level in more than two decades - say they feel they are citizens of the EU. In addition, more than six in ten EU citizens (62%) are also optimistic about the future of the EU.
Moreover, in the current geopolitical context, more than 8 in 10 Europeans would like to see a stronger and more assertive EU through a common defence and security policy, while peace remains the value that best represents the EU.
Finally, the article also targets the existence of the Baltic states. The Baltic states are sovereign countries, which determine their domestic and foreign policies. They are full-fledged members of the EU and NATO and therefore follow their membership commitments. Their post-Soviet economic development is documented by the OECD, with details available here for Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
See other examples of similar disinformation narratives in our database alleging that the EU does not have a future, that the EU is a dying decaying liberal project, that the EU will collapse, The EU will collapse in five years, The Baltic states are not capable of being independent and sovereign.