MWE Correspondent
Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused the United States of deliberately drawing Russia and Europe into the ongoing conflict, arguing that Washington has succeeded in weakening relations between Moscow and European countries.
Putin said the United States had achieved one of its strategic objectives by driving a wedge between Russia and Europe, while leaving European countries to shoulder much of the resulting financial burden.
According to the Russian leader, Europe’s current political leadership lacks the independence and political will to challenge Washington because of what he described as deep European dependence on the United States in the media, economic and political spheres.
Putin made the remarks while criticising what he characterised as Washington’s influence over European institutions and political decision-making.
He also alleged that American interests have significant influence over major European media organisations, claiming that American investment funds are often among their ultimate beneficiaries.
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Going further, Putin accused US intelligence agencies of identifying and cultivating potential political allies in Europe from a young age, including during their university years, before gradually helping them rise to senior positions in European politics.
He provided no evidence in the remarks to substantiate the allegations concerning US intelligence agencies or American influence over European political leaders.
Putin’s comments come amid continuing tensions between Russia, the United States and European countries over the conflict in Ukraine, which has significantly reshaped political, economic and security relations across Europe.
Relations between Moscow and many European capitals have deteriorated sharply since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, while the United States and its European allies have maintained support for Kyiv and imposed extensive sanctions on Russia.
The Russian president has repeatedly criticised Western governments for their policies toward Moscow, while accusing Washington of using the conflict to weaken Russia’s relations with Europe.
The United States and European governments, however, have consistently rejected Moscow’s narrative that the war was engineered by Washington, maintaining that Russia bears responsibility for launching the invasion of Ukraine.
