Rishi Sunak Accuses Nigel Farage of ‘Appeasement’ in Sharp Critique of Comments on Ukraine Conflict

Rishi Sunak accuses Nigel Farage of inadvertently supporting Putin through his 'entirely incorrect' statements about the conflict in Ukraine. Sunak compared the Reform UK leader's comments to condoning Russia's aggression in Ukraine.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Saturday, June 22, 2024, 12:

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Rishi Sunak has stated that Nigel Farage's remarks suggesting the West instigated Vladimir Putin are "entirely incorrect" and benefit the Russian leader.

The leader of Reform UK is encountering widespread criticism from various political groups after claiming that the enlargement of NATO and the European Union "provoked" Moscow into invading Ukraine.

Stay informed with the most recent developments in the general election campaign.

Mr. Sunak informed journalists, "His remarks were totally incorrect and merely serve to benefit Putin."

"This individual utilized chemical weapons in British cities and engages in agreements with nations such as North Korea."

"This type of conciliation poses a threat to the security of Britain and our allies who depend on us, and it only serves to further encourage Putin's aggression."

Speaking to BBC Panorama, Mr. Farage expressed that he has been cautioning since the Berlin Wall's collapse that a conflict in Ukraine was inevitable, attributing it to NATO and the European Union's continuous expansion eastward.

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He stated that this was providing Mr. Putin with a pretext to inform the Russian populace that "they are targeting us once more" and to engage in warfare.

The head of the Reform party stated his opinion that the West "instigated" the dispute, while also acknowledging that it was clearly the fault of the Russian president.

When questioned about his 2014 remarks where he praised Mr. Putin as the statesman he admired the most, Mr. Farage clarified: "I mentioned that I personally disliked him, however, I respected his capabilities as a political leader due to his success in gaining control over Russia's governance."

Since 1999, Mr. Putin has held the roles of Russian president or prime minister without interruption, participating in elections often criticized as being manipulated.

Prime Minister Sunak joins other Tory leaders in denouncing the remarks, following Home Secretary James Cleverly, who criticized Mr. Farage for parroting Putin's reprehensible rationale behind the harsh assault on Ukraine.

In a recent statement, ex-defense secretary Ben Wallace referred to the leader of Reform UK as a "pub bore," criticizing him for frequently claiming he could run the country better and offering overly simplistic solutions to what are, in reality, complex issues of the 21st century.

Explore further: Has Farage committed his initial campaign blunder? What is Reform UK?

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Mr. Farage's campaign has progressed with relative ease, as his party gains traction and, in some surveys, surpasses the Conservatives in popularity.

Several high-ranking Conservatives, eager for Mr. Farage's support against Reform UK's rising influence, have so far avoided the personal criticisms they have directed at Sir Keir Starmer.

Cabinet ministers have only gone as far as to claim that supporting him equates to granting Labour a substantial majority in Downing Street.

Labour chief Sir Keir criticized Mr. Farage's comments, labeling them as "shameful."

"He emphasized that Putin alone is accountable for the Russian acts of aggression in Ukraine."

"Anyone aspiring to serve as a member of our parliament must unequivocally oppose Russian hostilities, whether they occur on the battlefield or in the digital realm."

Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey stated, "The responsibility for this lies solely with Putin and Russia, and no one else."

He also stated, "I have no common values with Nigel Farage."

In response to the criticism, Mr. Farage issued a tweet late at night that seemed to clarify his earlier statements.

The ex-leader of the Brexit Party stated: "I am among the rare personalities who have remained steady and truthful regarding the conflict with Russia. Putin’s decision to invade an independent country was incorrect, and it was also a mistake for the EU to extend towards the east.

"Recognizing this quickly will bring us nearer to concluding the conflict and achieving peace."

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