Europe edges closer to Putin amid rising East-West tensions
More European Union countries are beginning to echo Vladimir Putin's rhetoric. Russia's isolation on the international stage appears to be diminishing, largely due to a long-term propaganda strategy. Experts suggest that the rising cost of living and energy prices could be fuelling support for Russia.
Several European Union countries no longer conceal their backing for Russia. The Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, travelled to Moscow to "strengthen cooperation between Russians and Slovaks." The good relations between Vladimir Putin and Viktor Orban, as well as the politicians of the Freedom Party of Austria, which is poised to gain power in Austria, are well known.
On the horizon, more countries may "fall into the trap" of Russian propaganda. Good polling results are being recorded by, among others, AfD. Alternative for Germany is known for its anti-European and pro-Russian rhetoric.
Will Russian propaganda stop attacking the EU? The expert is candid
According to Kot, the rise in electricity prices, the migration crisis, and the challenges facing European economies are tied to the ongoing 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 view, European populists fail to recognise that Russia will continue to engage in, among other things, a hybrid war with EU countries.
From the Kremlin's perspective, the rivalry with the West is deep-rooted 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."
