DISINFO: Ursula von der Leyen blamed climate change on Russia
SUMMARY
Ursula von der Leyen accused Russia of causing climate change and the problems currently experienced by European farmers.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative according to which the EU falsely blames its internal problems on Russia.
The claim is most likely a reference to von der Leyen's 6 February speech before the European Parliament Plenary. Her remarks concerning Russia, climate change, and European farmers were as follows:
"While the European Council was in session, farmers from across Europe were taking to the streets. Many of them feel pushed into a corner. Farmers are the first in line feeling the effects of climate change. Droughts and floods have destroyed their harvests and threatened livestock. Farmers are feeling the impact of the Russian war. Inflation, the rising cost of energy and fertilisers. Nevertheless, they work hard every day, to produce the quality food we eat. For this, I think we owe them appreciation and thanks and respect [emphasis added]."
Nothing in this speech suggested that climate change was a result of Russia's actions, or that the difficulties faced by European farmers are solely attributable to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
See related cases: Poland aggravates border situation to distract attention from domestic problems; Joe Biden wants to provoke a New Cold War with Russia to distract the Americans from domestic problems; London’s talk about a nuke war deflects attention from crown crisis; The Skripal case used against Russia to divert attention from NATO's failure in Afghanistan; The “Salisbury incident” was provoked by the UK government to divert attention from Brexit-associated problems and to demonise Russia.