Factors of Russia's image attraction for eurosceptic political forces

The article analyzes the aspects of attraction of the image of Russia for Eurosceptic political forces. With the current precipitous deterioration of relations between Russia and the European Union and the upsurge in Brussel’s accusations regarding Moscow’s allegedly unfriendly policy, anti-European propaganda and sponsorship of Eurosceptics, it seems as ever timely to examine the real reasons for the growing leaning of the latter towards the Kremlin. The author proceeds from a theoretical premise that the main factors of Eurosceptics’ turn to Moscow are their ideological proximity and common geopolitical interests. After analyzing political programs, documents, official speeches and media information, the author concludes that Brussel’s accusations are unfounded and the EU makes use of its official position based upon them. According to the result of the research, the author concludes that the growing mutual interest of Eurosceptic political parties and the Kremlin is a consequence of a credibility gap in the EU rather than its motive.