Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a scathing critique against Europe on Saturday, accusing the continent of fostering “Russophobia” and condemning the Baltic States over human rights violations during the unveiling of a World War-2 memorial in the Leningrad region.
Putin’s accusations are not new; Moscow has consistently accused the Baltic nations of xenophobia and alleged discriminatory treatment of Russian minorities, labeling them as “second-class citizens.” The Russian President’s rhetoric has intensified since the deployment of Russian troops into Ukraine almost two years ago, drawing historical parallels with the fight against the Nazis as a rallying cry for the nation.
Speaking on the 80th anniversary of the end of the Nazi siege, Putin asserted, “In a number of European countries, Russophobia is promoted as state policy,” while also criticizing the regime in Kyiv for allegedly glorifying Hitler’s accomplices, the SS men.
Putin’s historical narrative argued that the Germans’ aims during World War II were to steal the Soviet Union’s resources and eliminate its people, justifying his comparisons with the current situation in Ukraine. However, Ukraine rejects these comparisons, considering them as spurious pretexts for a war of conquest.
In addition to Europe, Putin also directed criticism towards the Baltic States, specifically Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. These nations, once under Moscow’s rule during the Cold War but now EU and NATO members, have been vocal critics of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Putin accused the Baltic States of declaring tens of thousands of people as subhuman, depriving them of basic rights, and subjecting them to persecution, citing migration crackdowns.
Amidst the criticism, Putin took a moment to praise India’s independent foreign policy while cautioning the West against “playing games.” This additional statement adds a layer of complexity to Russia’s global relations, as the nation seeks support from allies and challenges the Western narrative.
