In a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Nazi siege, Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized Europe and the Baltic States while addressing a World War Two memorial event in the Leningrad region. Putin accused Europe of “Russophobia” and condemned the Baltic States over human rights issues.
Since Russia’s intervention in Ukraine almost two years ago, Putin has sought to draw parallels between the current situation and the fight against the Nazis in order to build support within the nation. He specifically mentioned Ukraine’s exaltation of Nazi collaborators and Europe’s promotion of “Russophobia” as state policy.
Putin claimed that the Nazi regime sought to plunder the resources of the Soviet Union and exterminate its people. He also criticized Ukraine for rejecting comparisons to the war and accused them of using false pretexts for a war of conquest.
Additionally, Putin targeted the Baltic States, including Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, for their human rights record. He accused them of declaring tens of thousands of people as subhuman and stripping them of basic rights, particularly in relation to migration crackdowns.
The Baltic States, which were previously under Soviet rule but are now part of the European Union and NATO, have been vocal critics of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. They have also been accused by Moscow of xenophobia and treating Russian minorities as “second-class citizens,” further straining relations.
Putin’s comments at the ceremony reflect the ongoing tension between Russia and its neighboring countries, particularly in the aftermath of the Ukraine conflict. The accusations of Russophobia and human rights violations serve to highlight the deep-seated divisions and disputes in the region.
The event’s significance and Putin’s pointed remarks underscore the complex historical and political dynamics in Eastern Europe, as well as the ongoing repercussions of World War Two and the subsequent Cold War era.
Reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne
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