Kremlin spreads gas and blackmail lies in sweeping anti-Ukraine campaign across Europe
The Kremlin launches a large-scale campaign against Ukraine (photo: Getty Images)
A large-scale disinformation campaign has been launched in Europe aimed at discrediting Ukraine through false accusations of "energy terrorism," according to the Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD).
Blackmail, pipeline blockage fakes
Russian resources spread manipulative claims alleging that Kyiv plans to halt energy supplies to the European Union.
In particular, propaganda outlets push narratives that Ukraine's alleged "energy blackmail threatens Europeans" and that the Druzhba oil pipeline and gas transit routes are at risk of being blocked by the Ukrainian authorities.
The CCD stressed that these claims have no evidence to support them.
"The Kremlin's goal is to sow distrust between Ukraine and its European partners, portray Kyiv as an unreliable ally, and weaken the level of international support," the Center said.
Real threat to energy
Analysts note that it is Russia that uses energy resources as a weapon and a tool of geopolitical pressure. In addition to information attacks, Moscow continues to physically destroy energy infrastructure.
"It is Russia that refuses to end the war and is responsible for strikes on energy infrastructure that affect European countries," the CCD concluded.
Druzhba pipeline controversy
In recent weeks, tensions around oil transit through Ukraine have escalated due to Budapest's position. Earlier, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban issued a fuel ultimatum to Ukraine, demanding uninterrupted supplies.
Later, it was reported that Hungary had given Ukraine three days to restore the Druzhba pipeline to full operation. In response to the crisis, the European Commission expressed its readiness to help repair the pipeline to address the parties' technical concerns.
However, experts and politicians say Budapest's actions appear to be a form of pressure, as Orban is effectively trying to leverage the issue of oil transit to push for the unblocking of financial loans for Kyiv.
