Europe's tilt towards Moscow: Rising costs and propaganda
More and more European Union countries are beginning to share Vladimir Putin's rhetoric. Russia's isolation on the international stage is weakening, especially due to its long-term propaganda strategy. Experts note that the rising cost of living and energy prices may fuel support for Russia.
Several European Union countries no longer hide their support for Russia. The Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, travelled to Moscow to "strengthen the cooperation between Russians and Slovaks." The good relations between Vladimir Putin, Viktor Orban, and politicians from the Freedom Party of Austria, which is set to take power in Austria, are well known.
More countries might soon "fall into the trap" of Russian propaganda. Good polling results are being recorded by, among others, AfD. Alternative for Germany is recognized for its anti-European and pro-Russian views.
Will Russian propaganda stop attacking the EU? The expert speaks bluntly
According to Kot, the increase in electricity costs, the migration crisis, and the challenging functioning of European economies are propaganda targets linked to the defence of Ukraine.
The expert also believes that the end of the Ukraine-Russia conflict will not resolve the issue of Kremlin propaganda in Europe. In Bartłomiej Kot's opinion, European populists do not understand that Russia will continue to conduct, among other tactics, a hybrid war with EU countries.
According to the Kremlin, the rivalry with the West is systemic and will persist as long as Russia views the EU and NATO as threats to its sphere of interests by offering Eastern European countries an alternative in the form of political and economic alignment with the West, said Kot in an interview with "Fakt."
