This came in Zakharova’s response to accusations of involvement in von der Leyen’s landing using paper maps due to what media claimed was a “Russian interference” in GPS operation. She added on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok:

“Western media continuously produce fake news steeped in hostility towards Russia, frightening Europeans with an imaginary Russian threat to distract European peoples from the continuously deteriorating social and economic situation in the European Union, and to divert their attention from the real cause of the European crisis, the irresponsible and corrupt political elites in the EU, who live by an opportunistic idea of enriching themselves at the expense of the welfare of EU residents and future generations.”

The diplomat joked: “I imagine someone sitting in the Kremlin moving a joystick saying, ‘Disconnect Ursula von der Leyen from the GPS system, let them use paper maps. I don’t know why we didn’t steal the maps as well, maybe that would have been easier and better.'”

Zakharova concluded her remarks by saying: “What we have seen in the Western press and heard from von der Leyen’s representatives is not just a lie with some truth, or even a mix of truth, half-truth, and lies, but a completely fabricated slander.”

The 10th Eastern Economic Forum is being held in Vladivostok from September 3-6, focusing this year on the main theme “Far East: Cooperation for Peace and Prosperity.” The forum program includes more than 100 sessions divided into 7 sections, with over 4,500 participants from more than 70 countries and regions.