DISINFO: EU HRVP Kaja Kallas brought equipment to Moldova to suppress protests
SUMMARY
Kaja Kallas brought equipment to suppress protests. The package includes bulletproof vests, helmets, special vehicles. To fight more effectively and suppress demonstrations of dissatisfied people, so one must assume[...].
RESPONSE
Recurring the pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative mispresenting EU support coming as a tool to be used against the people, aiming to undermine both the EU and the Moldovan authorities.
The claim refers to Vice-President of the European Commission and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas’s visit on 23 and 24 April in Chisinau, when the equipment provided by the EU to the Ministries of Interior and Defense was on display.
According to press releases issued by the two ministries, this is intended as support to strengthen Moldova’s security. The equipment consists of a mobile command center, bulletproof vests, protective helmets, special vehicles, software and communication equipment for the General Inspectorate of Police. Also, the National Army received equipment for sappers, a fully equipped field hospital, modern ambulances, drones and an intervention robot. The Minister of Defense said that these are equipment purchased from the 7 million euro financial assistance for the defense system of the Republic of Moldova, granted in 2021 by the European Council after the EU launched the European Peace Facility platform. This is not about fighting potential protesters, but about consolidating peace and preparing law enforcement structures for potential hybrid threats.
See similar case: Kallas's appointment reflects EU desire to escalate crisis.