Europe’s far-right politicians back Putin

Nationalist supporters of Russian president Vladimir Putin brought together controversial far-right politicians from across Europe yesterday to demonstrate international support for Russia and weaken EU commitment to sanctions imposed on Russia over its role in Ukraine.

Putin’s many critics pointed to the irony of St Petersburg, his hometown, welcoming neo-Nazis as Russia prepares to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

Nick Griffin, the expelled former leader of the anti-immigrant British National Party, accused the US of aggravating the Ukraine conflict

. He blasted the EU sanctions, as did Udo Voigt, a senior figure in Germany’s neo-Nazi fringe National Democratic Party.

Among the 200 participants were Roberto Fiore, leader of Italy’s far-right party Forza Nuova, and members of neo-Nazi Greek party Golden Dawn.

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