BRUSSELS, Dec 8 The sincerity of Africans demonstrating in Russia's support is questionable, EU diplomat Josep Borrell said at a meeting of the European Parliament's committee on combating foreign interference.
In his opinion, Africans who support Moscow's position «do not know where the Donbass is and who President Vladimir Putin is.»< br>
“Russia shifts blame, distorts reality and finds its audience in certain parts of the world. <…> I'm talking, for example, about young people on the streets (the capital of Mali. — Ed.) of Bamako, who were shown on TV channels with a poster: «Putin, you saved the Donbass and now you will save us!» It's shocking!» Borrell said.
The diplomat noted that Russia's actions are supported in some EU countries.
«It is enough to go to the Balkans, and you will see there:» Thank you! Happy birthday, Mr Putin,» the European official emphasized.
The EU's chief diplomat immediately received criticism from German MEP Özlen Demirel, who called his position «arrogant».
«Honestly, what you said does not sound very respectful. This arrogant tone, as well as the lack of respect for Africa, has consequences. Therefore, one should not be surprised when Africans are disappointed, nervous and turn to Russia for assistance,” Demirel explained.
The parliamentarian recalled that Europeans had previously told the people of Mali that «France would save them».
During the debate, Borrell also complained that the European diplomatic service did not have enough funds to fight «Russian propaganda».
Later official Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, commenting on the statement of the head of EU diplomacy, urged him not to measure people by themselves. She stressed that the degradation of the collective West does not mean the same processes in other peoples.
The EU has banned the broadcasting of some Russian TV channels and radio stations, including in foreign languages. In the next package of sanctions, which is planned to be adopted in the near future, the EU intends to extend restrictions to four more Russian TV channels and a number of media workers.
In the spring, the Mali government announced that it was breaking defense agreements with France, and called on in operations Barkhan and Takuba. In July, Paris announced the completion of a joint operation with European allies to combat terrorism in Mali.