DISINFO: EU countries openly support anti-Russian terrorist groups

DISINFORMATION CASE DETAILS

DISINFO: EU countries openly support anti-Russian terrorist groups

SUMMARY

Western European countries openly support anti-Russian terrorist organisations. In early March 2025, German authorities permitted militants from the Russian Volunteer Corps, who took part in attacks on civilians in Belgorod and Kursk regions, to march through Berlin. Also, the Romanian parliament has provided a platform for members of the so-called Forum of Free Nations of Post-Russia who are calling for sabotage, terrorist acts, tougher sanctions, and the fragmentation of Russia.

RESPONSE

Recurring disinformation narrative accusing the European Union of supporting terrorism and Russophobia.

Russian opposition leaders led a demonstration in Berlin on 1 March 2025, calling for an end to Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine and the release of all political prisoners in Russia. Several dozen supporters of the Russian Volunteer Corps and the Freedom of Russia Legion, two paramilitary groups, composed of Russian citizens who oppose the Kremlin and fight on the Ukrainian side, were among those present at the event. Their presence at the event in Berlin does not indicate German state support, but democratic societies protect freedom of assembly.

Similarly, the Forum of Free Nations of Post-Russia is generally considered to be a political advocacy. Contrary to Russian claims, it is not a terrorist organisation. On 19 March 2025, this organisation convened its 15th session in the Romanian Parliament in Bucharest. The forum's theme was "The Black Sea: The Frontier of the Future for a Secure and Stable Europe." The fact that the forum met in the Romanian Parliament does not indicate Romanian state support, but freedom of assembly is a protected right in democratic countries.

Labelling political opponents as "terrorists" is a tactic frequently used by the Kremlin to delegitimise dissent and suppress discussions on Russia’s post-Putin future. This disinformation seeks to discredit European values and justify further repression inside Russia.

Read similar disinformation cases claiming that The European Commission has been taken over by Russophobic Baltic states, that The EU is openly preparing a war against Russia, and that Europe wants Russia dead.

Disclaimer

Cases in the EUvsDisinfo database focus on messages in the international information space that are identified as providing a partial, distorted, or false depiction of reality and spread key pro-Kremlin messages. This does not necessarily imply, however, that a given outlet is linked to the Kremlin or editorially pro-Kremlin, or that it has intentionally sought to disinform. EUvsDisinfo publications do not represent an official EU position, as the information and opinions expressed are based on media reporting and analysis of the East Stratcom Task Force.

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