Nigel Farage, facing accusations of backtracking, is under scrutiny for his recent remarks regarding Russia and Vladimir Putin. The leader of Reform UK dismissed claims of being soft on Russia in a recent interview, asserting his stance against the country.
Criticism towards the rightwing politician has intensified due to his previous admiration for Putin and controversial statements on the Ukraine conflict. In an effort to refute doubts about his commitment to national security, Farage suggested shooting down Russian aircraft entering NATO airspace and utilizing frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine.
During an interview on Bloomberg’s The Mishal Husain Show, Farage emphasized that he does not sympathize with Putin and acknowledged the need to confront Russian aggression. However, he also reiterated his belief that Western actions, such as NATO expansion, played a role in provoking the Ukraine war.
Reform UK has faced pressure following the admission of Nathan Gill, the party’s former leader in Wales, to accepting bribes for pro-Russian endorsements while serving in the European Parliament. Farage condemned Gill’s actions, claiming it was an isolated incident within the party.
Critics, including Labour chair Anna Turley and Keir Starmer, have accused Farage of aligning too closely with Putin and spreading Russian propaganda. The Defence Secretary John Healey cautioned against trusting Farage and his party on matters of national security, citing their perceived admiration for Putin.
In a past interview with GQ magazine, Farage praised Putin’s strategic prowess but distanced himself politically, acknowledging the authoritarian nature of Putin’s regime and the suppression of journalists in Russia.