Novak links Europe’s economic problems to rejection of Russian gas
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said that the economic deterioration in a number of European countries is linked to rejecting Russian gas supplies. He stated that many EU countries, especially Germany, have lost a significant portion of their industrial potential due to the closure of gas-dependent enterprises. Novak emphasized that Russia has consistently advocated for reliable and mutually beneficial cooperation in the energy sector and is ready to increase gas supplies to Europe upon receiving a formal request. He added that Moscow continues to consider the energy dialogue with Europe a priority (TASS).
Intended effect: The statement aims to demonstrate the European economy’s dependence on Russia and justify Russian energy policy. It emphasizes the idea that the West is to blame for its own economic difficulties, and that Russia is willing to help if Europe changes its political stance.
RIA Novosti: Africa is betting on Russia
In his article on RIA Novosti,Russian academic and businessman Vladimir Litvinenko writes that African states are actively seeking institutions and partners capable of accelerating their industrialization and social development, adding that these states are increasingly looking to Russia as a key partner. He notes that although the African continent has large mineral reserves, most countries remain dependent on external actors and are unable to independently control the extraction and export of raw materials. Litvinenko also notes that Africa loses huge sums of money due to illegal mining, capital flight, and environmental problems. He states that African representatives have proposed cooperating with Russian universities to create joint training programs that would prepare their own specialists for the mining industry and strengthen partnerships with Russia (ria.ru).
Intended effect: The narrative portrays Russia as a “stable” partner for Africa and illustrates how geopolitical influence can be achieved through education and cooperation in the natural resources sector.
Manastyrly criticizes Moldovan government for statements on EU, Transnistria
Sergey Manastyrly, a political analyst and the director of the Balkan-Centre research, analysis and forecasting center, told RIA Novosti that Moldovan Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu’s statements about the possibility of the country joining the EU without Transnistria demonstrate the current leadership’s diplomatic weakness. Grosu presented two scenarios for integration – one with immediate participation of the PMR and the other with participation in stages, emphasizing the region’s economic dependence on the European market and asserting that Transnistria’s economic model has collapsed. Manastyrly stressed that the authorities are avoiding real dialogue with Tiraspol and Moscow, and that the willingness to give up the region for the sake of EU integration contradicts the current article on separatism. Transnistria, where most residents are considered Russian-speaking, has not been under the control of Chisinau since 1992 (ria.ru).
Intended effect: The statement aims to discredit the Moldovan authorities by emphasizing their weakness regarding the Transnistria issue and criticizing their desire to integrate into the EU without considering the region’s interests. This reinforces the pro-Russian narrative about the need for dialogue with Moscow and support for independent territories.
