Nigel Farage has defended his claim that Western actions provoked Russia's invasion of Ukraine, following condemnation from UK political leaders. Writing in the Daily Telegraph, the Reform UK leader clarified he was not supporting Vladimir Putin but warned against 'poking the Russian bear.' Prime Minister Rishi Sunak criticized Farage's comments as 'completely wrong and dangerous,' while Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey also condemned his stance.
Nigel Farage has defended his claim that Western actions provoked Russia's invasion of Ukraine, following condemnation from UK political leaders.
Writing in the Daily Telegraph, the Reform UK leader clarified he was not supporting Vladimir Putin but warned against 'poking the Russian bear.' Prime Minister Rishi Sunak criticized Farage's comments as 'completely wrong and dangerous,' while Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey also condemned his stance.
In a BBC Panorama interview, Farage reiterated his view that EU and NATO expansion gave Putin a rationale for the invasion.
Despite the backlash, Farage maintains his comments are a truthful assessment of geopolitical dynamics.