Fantastic detailed report on the strange collusion between some Western reporters in Moscow & a small Navalny-linked band of medics to weaponize Russia’s Covid-19 battle. This small 'union' being misrepresented as the voice of Russian doctors. On @RT_com https://www.rt.com/russia/485386-western-media-weaponized-russia-covid19/

Last week, much US/UK media reported that the 'union's' Anastasia Vasilyeva had been arrested trying to deliver aid to Novgorod. However, what US/UK media didn't say is that a) Novogorod didn't need aid & b) Vasilyeva knew she'd be arrested: for breaking quarantine rules.

Novgorod authorities had publicly broadcast that the region was locked down for fear of infection (it has 12 Covid cases v Moscow's 6,000+). The intent was obvious, rather than bringing a team of doctors, she brought a lawyer, a camera crew & a foreign journalist.

Among the outlets to play along were @ap & @nytimes. I don't think there's ever been a better piece explaining the rot at the heart of how the Western media covers Russia. It's very long (over 2,000 words), but really worth reading, and I urge you to do so, if you have the time

Another very good article explaining why western media coverage from Moscow is so atrocious appeared in 2018. Written by @walterbragman. https://www.pastemagazine.com/politics/russia-collusion/the-butcher-builders-how-western-journalists-helpe/%3famp