The purpose of this article is to situate Europe and the European Union in Russian geopolitical thought. The role of disinformation in influencing European and EU states is outlined, the political and military factors conditioning Russian-European relations are presented, and attention is given to natural resources, which are currently one of the main tools shaping the policy of the Russian Federation towards Europe. It also presents in a synthetic way what consequences the Russian Federation suffered after its aggression against Ukraine, dated 24 February 2022. The hypothesis of the paper is that Europe and the European Union occupy an extremely important place in Russian geopolitical thought, in particular because of the market for natural resources and political spheres of influence in global competition. The secondary aim of the paper was to identify the characteristics of Europe and the EU in relation to Russian geopolitical thought. The following research methods were used in this paper: the theoretical research method - a critical analysis of the literature on the subject, which made it possible to systematise information on the Russian perception of Europe and the European Union, which has been shaped over the years. A definitional method was also used to clarify concepts related to the techniques used by the Russian Federation to manipulate the international arena. The hypothesis put forward was confirmed and the main conclusion of this analysis is that: Europe and the European Union pose a serious threat to the Russian Federation from the point of view of Russian geopolitical thought. Following the military aggression against Ukraine, Russia's relations with European states have changed significantly, with major shifts in Russian policy on the European continent. The country, despite losing its role as a world power, will continue to play a significant role in Europe, along with shaping the security architecture in the region.