As public support for the continuation of the war drops to a historical low, the Kremlin intensifies its propaganda. Vladimir Putin and Sergey Lavrov are trying to rewrite reality, presenting NATO and the European Union as aggressors, while Russia declares itself a victim, reports Politico.
In recent weeks, Poland, Lithuania, and Estonia have reported incursions of Russian drones and aircraft, which NATO has described as “an increasingly irresponsible pattern of behavior”. However, Moscow turns the situation around, arguing that it is Europe that is provoking a larger conflict, even suggesting that it could shoot down Russian planes in the future.
Just like in other controversial episodes with the downing of MH17 or the large-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was sent to deliver a parallel reality to the international community, notes the publication. Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Lavrov accused the West of “escalatory rhetoric”, stating that there is open talk “about preparations for an attack on the Kaliningrad region and other Russian territories”.
He added that “Russia has never had and does not intend to attack NATO or the EU. Any aggression against my country will be met with a decisive response.”
Who are Russia’s “enemies”
Lavrov’s statements reflected the position expressed by President Vladimir Putin at the Russian Security Council. Accusing the West of “destructive actions”, Putin warned that Russia will respond to any escalation “not with words, but with concrete technical-military measures.”
The tone was picked up by the state agency RIA Novosti, which headlined: “NATO is preparing to shoot down Russian planes. Putin has accepted the challenge.” Moreover, state television, the main source of information for the Russian population, attacked NATO and the EU, presenting their reaction as “hysterical” and fragmented.
“The EU’s reactions seem extremely fragmented, you can immediately tell which party each one belongs to. The war party is the most prominent and aggressive,” said Olga Skabeieva, host of the “60 Minutes” show. She directly targeted Ursula von der Leyen, Kaja Kallas, and Emmanuel Macron.
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