Misunderstood: This is Why Russia Does Not Want EU to Collapse

Russia has often been suspected, if not openly accused, of trying to drive a wedge between EU members, with some going as far as to say that the Kremlin supposedly wants the European Union to implode.

"Putin's aim is to foster the EU's disintegration," George Soros proclaimed earlier this year.

A closer look at Moscow's geopolitical priorities and concerns shows that it most likely wants the bloc to remain alive and well.

#Lavrov: Vladimir Makei and I discussed the situation in Europe. We have a common interest in ridding Europe of attempts to divide it

— MFA Russia (@mfa_russia) 16 мая 2016 г.

​It all comes down to Russia's view on national security, Mary Dejevsky, a well-respected commentator on Russia, the EU and the US, wrote for the Financial Times. In her opinion, Moscow is confident that regional stability is one of the key elements helping to keep Russia safe.

"The absolute priority for the Kremlin has long been Russia's security, and regional stability is seen as a condition for that," she noted.

Many Russians remember how the collapse of the Soviet Union and the breakup of Yugoslavia altered the social and political landscape in Eurasia, severing decades-long ties and throwing some regions in the post-Soviet space into chaos. It is highly unlikely that they want to experience the political upheaval of those days again.

Then there are more practical concerns.

"In practical terms, Russia appreciates the EU's solidity and the convenience of dealing with one trading area. Moscow was seriously rattled when the single currency appeared to be at risk – to the point of offering financial support to the European Central Bank. It saw a euro collapse as a danger to Russia, too," she explained.

The EU, the London-based writer added, has served as an inspiration for the Moscow-led Eurasian Economic Union that wanted to capitalize on the economic links established in the Soviet era. Established in 2015, the economic union comprises Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan.
"It was to be a partner for the EU, not a competitor," Dejevsky noted.

#Lavrov: There is no sensible alternative to mutually advantageous partnership between Russia and the EU – we have very strong links

— MFA Russia (@mfa_russia) 25 мая 2016 г.

​Since Russia does not want the EU to fall apart, it is most likely opposed to any major event that could shake the very foundations of the union, including Brexit. Despite popular beliefs that Putin would benefit from the UK leaving the bloc and taking into account that Moscow has not made an official statement on the looming referendum, it is concerned with the outcome of the vote, scheduled for June 23, she added.