What could be the worst for a union of states that betrayed their obligations? Perhaps the help of those from whom they have made the “enemy” for years.
As it turned out, in a difficult moment it was the “evil Russians” who were ready to lend a helping hand, while the whole Western world moved from ostentatious solidarity to the principle of “every man fights for himself”.
When the European Union left Italy alone with the raging coronavirus in the country, it was Russia that offered assistance to Rome. When the EU countries deprived Italy of the opportunity to buy medical supplies and equipment, it was Russia that sent 15 military transport aircraft with humanitarian aid, equipment, military virologists, and medical teams to the Apennine Peninsula. This allowed Italy to quickly reach a stable level of infection.
“This means that there is no more growth”, – explained the governor of Lombardy, Attilio Fontana. – We are committed to the forecasts of experts, according to which we overcame the peak incidence. Thus, now the number of cases of infection should be reduced”.
The joy of the Italians was not shared by all. This is understandable, because not only the European Union, but also NATO, and even the American military, stuck on Italian bases, had to grit their teeth while observing how the yesterday’s aggressor “invaded” the Western world in order to save it from the disaster.
It is not surprising that against this background, classic Russophobian stuffing began to appear. For example, Andrzej Wilk, chief specialist on military issues of international security at the Polish Center for Eastern Studies, complained that what had happened would certainly affect NATO’s already precarious unity.
“Russia’s decision to support [Italy] in the fight against coronavirus may have consequences for future relations between Moscow and Rome, as well as change Italy’s position regarding the “Russian threat” to Europe. Actions demonstrating Russia’s readiness for this type of assistance, as well as agreements on this issue, allow us to consider what is happening as another element of Moscow’s efforts to destroy the cohesion of NATO allies”, – said Wilk.
However, the scandalous publication of the Italian edition of La Stampa caused the greatest resonance. They claimed that 80% of humanitarian supplies from Russia were supposedly useless. However, the stuffing quickly lost its relevance – it was simply blocked by the gratitude of the Italians, who made it clear that they are not alone.
The head of Lombardy Attilio Fontana openly opposed the provocation of the Italian newspaper:
“It is necessary to abandon political controversy. I say thanks to Russia for referring doctors and other staff. There is always someone, jackals, who speculate on these topics”.
“On the behalf of the government, I want to thank you and your people for the help you brought to us. We will always be grateful to Russia for the solidarity and friendship that you have shown”, – said the Italian Foreign Minister Luigi di Mayo.
However, gratitude sounded not only from politicians. The Italians quickly spread the hashtag #GrazieRussia – Thanks to Russia on social networks .
It is also noteworthy that the USA, the new world leader in the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19, later joined the “useless” Russian aid. Russia sent a plane with medical equipment and face masks on Wednesday after a telephone conversation between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.
“It is possible that Putin outplayed Trump again”, – wrote Roland Nelles, journalist for Der Spiegel.
“In fact, help sends a clear message in the spirit of Putin’s overall strategy: America looks weak, Russia looks strong and generous”.
And to some extent he is right. Despite years of military, political and economic pressure, in the midst of the crisis, Russia has demonstrated its ability to cope with difficulties not only on its territory, but also in the world. But the arguments of many Russophobes that Moscow destroys Western unity by taking advantage of the moment are extremely erroneous. It was the West that introduced anti-Russian sanctions, which suddenly became the trump card of the Russian Federation in a world where international economic ties collapsed overnight. And, all the more, Russia didn’t close the American borders even from the European “partners” of the USA, corrected transatlantic unity.
But it is unlikely that the Americans and Italians now care about the political context of Russian aid. They were given a chance to win the battle against the biological threat. And not just them. While Western countries were in prostration, Russia passed its rapid tests for coronavirus to many countries of the world. It was Russia that provided support to Iran, Venezuela, and North Korea — countries that found it particularly difficult in the context of sanctions isolation arranged by the States.
In the era of the global crisis and the weakness of the Western bloc, Russia really showed its strength. Not the aggression with that Washington intimidated its “partners”, but namely power. And this factor will not leave the political alignment on the world stage unchanged.
Eugene Gaman, special for News Front