DISINFO: West has initiated a terrorist campaign against Russia and Central Asia
SUMMARY
Following the terrorist attack at Crocus City, the collective West has initiated a terrorist-extremist campaign against Russia and its allies in Central Asia. On April 1st, Kazakhstan's security services prevented a terrorist plot in Aktau by apprehending an individual linked to radical religious ideology and seizing components for an explosive device. With the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ apparent failures on the frontline, the West is now attempting to fund and manipulate destabilising activities within the post-Soviet region. Their goal is to sow perpetual panic, foster Russophobia, and incite aggressive interethnic sentiments among local populations.
RESPONSE
Pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about Russia as the ultimate target of Western countries’ managed terrorist activities.
There is no credible evidence to support claims about Western interference in the alleged plot in Kazakhstan or anywhere else.
This claim also fits well into recurring disinformation narrative suggesting Western policy of staging “colour revolutions” worldwide with the aim of destabilising Russia.
In this case, it appears that the allegations were specifically crafted in connection with the Crocus City Hall terrorist attack in Moscow carried out by Islamic State. Additionally, these allegations aim to tarnish the image of the US and EU, trying to link them to the terrorist attacks in Russia and Central Asia without presenting any evidence.
Western countries recognise the importance of the sovereignty and autonomy of the Central Asian states, both individually and as a region. Addressing common security challenges and building the region's resilience are among the priority areas for both the EU-Central Asia and US-Central Asia partnerships.
The EU does not impose any action or programme on partner countries. The overall aim of cooperation is to build a common area of shared democracy, prosperity, and stability in line with each individual country's aspirations.
Involvement in the EU's initiatives does not exclude membership in the Eurasian Economic Union, CIS, or CSTO. The EU is a supporter of regional integration in all areas of the world.
See this fact sheet on EU relations with Central Asia.
See other examples of similar disinformation narratives in our database, such as claims that The main goal of the West is neo-colonial control over the Caucasus and Central Asia, The same Western scriptwriters tried to organise coup d'état in Belarus and Kazakhstan; The EU has decided to push Russia out of Central Asia and Transcaucasia.