Key Takeaway: The Kremlin is exploiting calls by the United Nations for limited sanctions waivers to combat COVID-19, to advance the Kremlin’s longstanding objective of removing international sanctions on Russia and its partners. The Kremlin has launched an information campaign on this issue and is leveraging its sanctioned allies around the world, alongside networks of Russia-amenable actors in Europe, to amplify the Kremlin’s message. The Kremlin is trying to position itself for a win-win scenario – either advancing its goal of sanctions relief or framing the US as inhumane for maintaining sanctions during a global pandemic.
Coronavirus
EXCLUSIVE
OP-ED
Clark, Zimnitca, Bugayova: Kremlin exploits COVID-19
French Ambassador to Russia Pierre Levy walks at the departure hall of terminal F of Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport as people gather for a repatriation flight to France for French and European nationals stuck in Russia because of the coronavirus crisis, April 4, 2020. (Photo by Yuri KADOBNOV / AFP)
