Embassy comment on the UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s anti-Russian statements

The Embassy strongly rejects UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy's derogatory remarks articulated on September 15 during an interview with a British TV channel when he went so far as to accuse the leadership of the Russian Federation of "imperialist fascism".

We took note long ago of the current Foreign Secretary's propensity for inappropriate and provocative statements, which he had been known for even before assuming office.

The Labour politician's fixation on indiscriminately labeling ideological opponents as "fascists" had previously bewildered many, including among Britain's allies.

Such provocative behaviour might have been forgivable if David Lammy was an opposition politician with an insatiable penchant for commentary. However, holding the position of Foreign Secretary generally entails special responsibility and duty to adhere to standards of diplomatic ethics.

David Lammy's remarks mainly offend not the leadership of our country but rather the memory of those who fought against the "brown plague" during World War II, including his own compatriots.

At the same time this is by far not the first time when doubts arise about his actual understanding of the terminology he uses. It is worth recalling that the ideology of "fascism," which relies on theories of racial superiority, is closely associated with the crimes of German Nazism. These are the very crimes that our people and the citizens of other former Soviet republics put a stop to through their unparalleled heroism.

In this context David Lammy, acting consistently, should have taken note that Ukrainian militants, which London supports, funds and arms, are fighting under Nazi banners and with fascist chevrons, including in the Kursk region, something even The Times freely admits.

Ultra-nationalism is increasingly defining daily life in Ukraine. The Ukrainian armed forces comprise a number of units adherent to fascist ideology. Laws are enacted that suppress the Russian language and the rights of national minorities. Total eradication of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church is underway.

Meanwhile, the leaders of the Kiev regime, which David Lammy wishes to furnish with long-range missiles, have stated on record that "there will be no civilisation" in Crimea and Donbass without Ukraine and demand that local residents of these regions forget the word "Russians".

As for accusations of "imperialism," they sound quite awkward coming from the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom that has a rich history and experience in this field.

Overall, it seems that a cavalier approach to diplomatic language and interpretation of historical events is becoming a "trademark" of the head of the Foreign Office.