Farage Blames Western Provocation for Ukraine Conflict, Admits Admiration for Putin’s Political Skills

Farage claims Western actions incited Russia's attack on Ukraine due to EU and NATO growth

The head of Reform UK noted his disapproval of the Russian leader, yet expressed respect for his political skills.

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Friday, June 21, 2024, 10:

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Nigel Farage has once again stated that he holds the West and NATO responsible for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, while acknowledging his previous remarks expressing admiration for Vladimir Putin's leadership abilities.

In an interview with the BBC, the leader of Reform UK was questioned about his earlier statements regarding Russia and Ukraine.

In a discussion about Russia's invasion in 2022, Mr. Farage informed Nick Robinson that he had predicted a conflict in Ukraine ever since the Berlin Wall fell, attributing it to NATO and the European Union's continuous expansion towards the east.

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He mentioned that this was providing Mr. Putin with a justification to inform the Russian populace that "they're attacking us once more" and to engage in warfare.

The head of the Reform party asserted that the West "instigated" the dispute, yet he acknowledged that, "of course," the blame primarily lies with the Russian president.

Past remarks by Mr. Farage regarding Mr. Putin were brought up during the discussion.

He was questioned on his previous remarks from 2014, where he expressed his admiration for Mr. Putin as the statesman he respected the most.

Mr. Farage expressed his disapproval of the Russian leader, yet he acknowledged his respect for him as a political tactician, noting that he has successfully gained control over the governance of the country.

"He pointed out the absurdity, noting that one could select any person, whether from the present or the past, and debate whether they had positive traits."

"If you mention, 'they were exceptionally skilled in one domain,' then instantly, you're labeled the top advocate."

Candidates from the conservative party, sensing potential competition from a rising Reform party in voter surveys, swiftly criticized the leader of the Reform movement.

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Home Secretary James Cleverly accused Mr. Farage of parroting Putin's reprehensible rationale for the harsh invasion of Ukraine.

Deputy Conservative chair Jonathan Gullis stated that Putin is "definitely not a figure to be looked up to" – he also mentioned that Putin "initiated chemical attacks within our nation to carry out killings, risking the lives of more innocent Britons in the process."

Labour’s shadow defence secretary, John Healey, criticized remarks made by Nigel Farage, labeling them as "disgraceful" and stating that they expose Farage as an apologist for Putin, who is unfit to be entrusted with the country's security.

Until this point, the UK's political chiefs have shown a cohesive stance in backing Ukraine's citizens amid the unwarranted and indefensible attack led by Vladimir Putin.

"Nigel Farage has positioned himself against a unified stance, demonstrating a preference for appeasing Vladimir Putin over defending Ukrainian citizens. This renders him unsuitable for any political role within our nation, especially for leading a significant party in parliament."

Discover more: Parties amass £5.8 million in a week. Who is Reform UK? Are the numbers in Reform UK's 'manifesto' accurate?

Mr. Farage was questioned on the topic of Brexit and its effects on the UK.

They questioned him on earlier statements where he declared that Brexit was unsuccessful.

The ex-leader of UKIP commented, "This is the result of the Conservatives' handling."

"He asserted, 'If they had appointed me as the leader, things would have been drastically different. But, obviously, that didn't happen.'"

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Discussing his party’s approach to climate issues, Mr. Farage expressed his support for nuclear power and his intention to eliminate the current net zero initiative.

He denied that he was "debating the science" behind climate change, instead asserting that "we dedicate excessive time to overreacting about the issue, rather than considering in a practical and reasoned manner what actions we can take."

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Mr. Farage remarked that King Charles, who at the time was still a prince, made a "very stupid comment" regarding his statement that carbon dioxide is a pollutant.

The head of the Reform party stated that the reduction in industrial activity had merely shifted CO2 emissions to countries such as India, pointing out that "we've merely outsourced the emissions."

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