DISINFO: Borrell prioritises the Middle East crisis, sidelining Ukraine
SUMMARY
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell is prioritising the Middle Eastern crisis. This is understandable, as the situation in the Red Sea has complicated and increased the cost of trade between Europe and Asia, making it a more pressing issue than Ukraine.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets about ‘Ukraine fatigue’. This claim was made in the context of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Despite international attention focusing on the aftermath of Hamas' terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, the European Union has not reduced its support for Ukraine, which is enduring Russia's unprovoked and unjustified aggression. A broad coalition of 54 countries, including EU member states, the US, and some G7 members, has continued to provide Ukraine with military and technical support. The Russian invasion that commenced on February 24, 2022, has persistently remained a central issue for European politicians.
EU leaders have been regularly visiting Kyiv to meet with Ukraine's leadership and discuss cooperation in various fields (see here and here). EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell’s visit to Kyiv, which started on 6 February 2024, further confirms that Ukraine is a significant concern for Europe. Borrell wrote on X on 7 February 2024: ‘Starting my morning in the shelter as air alarms are sounding across Kyiv. This is the daily reality of the brave Ukrainian people since Russia launched its illegal aggression.’
Read similar disinformation cases such as Borrell's statement that a settlement in Ukraine is wrong is shocking, that Borrell considered reconciliation in Ukraine erroneous, and that West supports Ukraine only in words.