EU, US move to counter Russian propaganda

EU, US move to counter Russian propaganda

New strategies aim to help countries feeling the pressure of destabilising actions by Moscow.

People gather at the Heavenly Hundred monument on February 20th in Kyiv to mark the first anniversary of the clashes that killed Maidan protestors. [AFP]

Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova will soon receive help in blocking Russian interference and misinformation.

The United States has allocated millions of dollars to help the countries counter Russian messaging. The EU is also working on ways to thwart Russian propaganda by supporting the development of independent media.

The US State Department, in early February, said that in order "to increase resilience within the governments and economies most targeted by Russian pressure," $514 million would go to Ukraine, $77 million to Georgia and $49 million to Moldova.

The financial support comes in response to "aggressive acts in Ukraine ? and destabilising activities in Moldova and Georgia," the US State Department said.

The money will be used to invest in international media activities that target vulnerable segments in peripheral countries, and increase support for independent journalism and freedom of speech in the region.

Apart from these funds, the White House also proposed $789 million for security across Europe.

"In response to the Russian Federation's aggressive acts, the budget includes proposals for political, economic and military support to NATO allies and partner states in Europe, including the governments most targeted by Russian pressure," the White House said in a statement.

"This includes funding to support efforts to bolster democracy and good governance, increase the capabilities of security...