Nigel Farage’s controversial remarks on NATO and the EU’s role in the Ukraine conflict have left many questioning his incendiary allegations. Here’s the full story.
Farage Sparks Controversy Again
Nigel Farage, the self-proclaimed leader of a “people’s army” and the newly crowned leader of Reform UK, has sparked controversy once again by asserting that the West provoked Russia into invading Ukraine.
Kremlin’s Line Repeated
Farage made his remarks, which parrot almost exactly the Kremlin’s line on the “special military operation,” otherwise known as their invasion of Ukraine, during a BBC Panorama interview with Nick Robinson.
NATO Expansion Blamed
He asserted that the eastward expansion of NATO and the European Union (EU) provided Russian President Vladimir Putin with a justification for launching their unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
Russia Feels Encircled
Farage’s core argument hinges on the idea, often pushed by Putin, that the continuous expansion of NATO and the EU towards Eastern Europe led Russia to believe it was being encircled.
“A Reason to Go to War”
According to Farage, “It was obvious to me that the ever-eastward expansion of NATO and the European Union was giving this man a reason … to say: ‘They’re coming for us again,’ and to go to war.”
Nations Joined Voluntarily
Despite Farage’s assertions, each nation that joined NATO following the collapse of the Soviet Union joined the alliance voluntarily after Russia had invaded many of them.
Heavy Criticism Ensues
Farage’s controversial statements have been heavily criticised, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak dismissing the notion that the West bears responsibility for the conflict.
Sunak: “Clearly Ridiculous”
Sunak has previously stated that it was “clearly ridiculous” that the West was to blame for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
UK Stands With Ukraine
He added, “Russia conducted an illegal, unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. I’m proud that the UK has stood strongly with Ukraine from the beginning.”
“We Provoked This War”
Farage continued, “We provoked this war. Of course, it’s [President Putin’s] fault.”
Accused of Sympathizing With Putin
This sentiment is echoed by mainstream political parties in the UK, which have accused Farage of being overly sympathetic towards Putin and of undermining Western unity against Russian aggression.
Views Misunderstood, Says Farage
Farage maintains that his views are misunderstood and that his admiration for Putin is purely for his political acumen, not his policies.
Stands by Praising Putin
Farage, clearly not happy with only making one controversial statement in his desire to increase the visibility of himself and Reform UK, also stood by previous statements in which he praised President Putin.
Admired Putin’s Control
Farage, who had claimed in 2014 that Putin was the leader he most admired, stated, “I said I disliked him as a person, but admired him as a political operator because he’s managed to take control of running Russia.”
Brexit Benefits Unmet
Beyond his views on Ukraine, Farage reiterated his belief that Brexit has not delivered the anticipated benefits, partly because of what he sees as the failure of successive governments to capitalise on the opportunities it presented thoroughly.
Brexit: “Not a Failure”
When pressed on whether Brexit had failed as Farage had previously claimed, Farage stated, “No, it’s not a failure but we failed to deliver. It can’t be a failure. We’ve left the European Union. We’re now self-governing.”
Brexit Failed Immigration Goals
He continued, “Brexit has failed those who voted for it, believing that immigration numbers would be reduced.”
Brexit Under Farage
Farage also claimed that had he been in charge, Brexit would have turned out very differently, stating, “If you put me in charge, it would be very, very different. Of course, they didn’t do that. The Conservative Party never believed in Brexit.”
Conservative Party Blamed
He added, “They picked it up as a political opportunity, and they failed to deliver.”
Climate Catastrophe Overstated
In addition to his views on foreign policy and Brexit, Farage continued his previous arguments that the impending climate catastrophe was being overstated, implying that they were more helpful in spreading fear than offering practical solutions.
Broader Political Philosophy
Nigel Farage’s comments on Ukraine and Western policies reflect his broader political philosophy, consisting of an obsession with national sovereignty, deeply ingrained scepticism of international alliances, and a critical view of current political and economic policies.
No Stranger to Controversy
While his views continue to provoke controversy, Farage, as no stranger to using contentious statements to promote himself and whatever political party he is associated with at that moment, continued to stand by them.
Outcry and Discussions Rekindled
Farage’s remarks have led to an outcry but have also rekindled discussions about the role of Western expansion in global conflicts, the effectiveness of Brexit, and the economic implications of climate policies, precisely as he intended.
Future of Farage Uncertain
It remains to be seen whether these latest statements, which parrot the Kremlin’s line on the Ukrainian war, will sink the seemingly unsinkable Farage or whether they will propel him to even greater heights.
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The post Farage Says EU and NATO Provoked Putin’s Invasion of Ukraine first appeared on Edge Media.
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Grant Gallacher is a seasoned writer with expertise in politics and impactful daily news. His work, deeply rooted in addressing issues that resonate with a wide audience, showcases an unwavering commitment to bringing forth the stories that matter. He is also known for satirical writing and stand up comedy.