Russian propaganda: "Russia is the world leader in gas production" meanwhile EU bans gas imports from Russia
Since the onset of the war in Ukraine, incited by Vladimir Putin, Russian propaganda has been disseminated at an unprecedented rate. Absurd declarations, made by self-proclaimed "experts" in pro-Kremlin media, seem to have no limits.
8:44 AM EST, February 13, 2024
Russian propaganda typically operates on a large scale. It twists information to convince Russian citizens of a reality that aligns comfortably with Putin's worldview.
Propaganda is not just a large-scale operation but also pervades smaller Russian cities. A prime example is Bratsk, a city situated in the Asian part of Russia, within the Irkutsk region, located on the banks of the Angara River.
A provocative billboard reading "Russia is the world leader in gas extraction" is displayed in the town. However, Anton Heraszczenko, an adviser to the head of the Ukrainian Interior Ministry, notes that the city itself... is devoid of gas.
This is far from a unique occurrence within Russian borders. Take Krasnoyarsk, a city with more than a million residents and the third-largest city in Siberia. It stands as a testament to the fact that survival through brutally cold winters without gas is feasible. This is because gas pipelines have never been laid in Krasnoyarsk.
Europe could strike a potent blow against Putin
Last Friday, the European Parliament and the European Union countries convened in Brussels to agree on the introduction of a gas-hydrogen package in the EU. This will provide a legal basis for member states to implement complete bans on gas imports from Russia, including LNG.
The package includes, among other provisions, legal frameworks for developing the hydrogen market in the EU. This consists of particular support for its progress within mining regions, tariff incentives for investing in biomethane, and the legal capacity for EU countries to stop importing gas from Russia.