This thesis is spread by Russian propagandists. Like, because of the energy crisis in Europe and economic difficulties against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, the West is falling apart. Propagandists claim in their reports that the EU will become deindustrialized due to high energy prices caused by Russia's decision to cut gas supplies to Europe.

However, this is not true. After all, despite the Kremlin’s decision to limit gas supplies to Europe and other consequences of Russian aggression against Ukraine, the EU economy is recovering from the crisis caused by COVID-19. For example, according to a recent forecast by the European Commission, growth of 2.6% is expected in 2022. Inflation is also expected to average 7.6%.

According to EU vs Disinfo analysts, the EU statistical office Eurostat indicates that in the 2nd quarter of 2022, the eurozone GDP grew by 0.8%, employment grew by 0.4%. Compared to the same quarter last year, seasonally adjusted GDP grew by 4.1% in the euro area and by 4.2% in the EU in the second quarter of 2022. The European Investment Bank estimates that real economic growth in 2022 will be below 3%, 1% below the forecast at the beginning of the year. It also notes that EU member states will have to deal with rising prices for households and industry, disruptions in trade, and so on. However, the EU is in a good position to avoid recession.

This is not the first time Russian propaganda has been spreading the message that the countries of the West are "decaying" and will soon fall apart. Thus, the Kremlin puts pressure on Western governments and seeks to blackmail them by creating public panic over energy insecurity/cost of electricity, etc.