VOA常速英语:Russia Sees ‘Brexit’ Weakening European Resolve, Analysts Say

While pubs in Britain are buzzing with debate over whether to leave the European Union, at those in Russia, many locals support a Brexit.

“I think England is such a distinctive country that they really don’t need the European Union, because they are already distanced from those union governments. I think they’d get on wonderfully outside the European Union.”

Russians repeat Kremlin propaganda claiming [that] Britain aims to weaken Russia, regardless of the vote.

“Even if formally England exits the European Union, its connections will remain intact. It will still work and do everything it can to harm Russia.”

The Kremlin has been sowing anti-EU sentiments and calling the Russia friendly politicians in Europe.

“Less hostile mean(s) that it turning[turns] some blind eye(s) to some Russian ambitions, like integration of the poor post-Soviet space ... around Russia.”

A Brexit would mean the EU losing one of its strongest opponents of Russian influence in Europe, says analyst Peter Kreko via Skype.

“So it’s partially about disintegrating the European Union as a whole and destabilizing it. On the other hand, this is also about Great Britain, which is one of the fiercest critics of Vladimir Putin’s Russia.”

An EU without Britain might waver on sanctions against Russia and further embolden Putin’s ambitions.

Daniel Schearf VOANEWS Moscow.