DISINFO: Belarus-EU migration crisis caused by the West's Middle East policy
SUMMARY
The West is sabre-rattling and threatening Minsk with sanctions because of the migration crisis. But it should stop shifting responsibility and help the refugees. The migration crisis on the Belarusian-Polish border was caused by the years-long policy of the EU and the US concerning the Middle East. We cannot hear condemnation of such radical actions. What is it, if not double standards?
RESPONSE
This is a recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets about the migration situation at the EU-Belarus border.
The border crisis was caused by Belarus as a response to EU sanctions imposed on Minsk for its oppressive measures against the political opposition. There is plenty of evidence that the Belarusian authorities have instigated the ongoing migration situation at the EU borders.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in November 2021 that the situation on the EU-Belarus border is "the attempt of an authoritarian regime to try to destabilise its democratic neighbours". Similarly, The EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell highlighted in November 2021 that the Lukashenka regime is weaponising human beings as a tool for political purposes by giving migrants false expectations and putting them in a situation of extreme vulnerability.
Investigations have revealed that the Belarusian regime is encouraging people from conflict zones in Africa and the Middle East to come to Minsk. They are driven to border countries such as Lithuania and Poland after that and left there to ask for asylum status.
Read more disinformation cases about the migration crisis on the Belarus border.