Putin Criticizes ‘Russophobia’ in Europe at World War Two Memorial, Reports Reuters

MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized Europe on Saturday for what he termed "Russophobia" and specifically called out the Baltic States regarding human rights issues during the unveiling of a World War II memorial.

Since the deployment of Russian troops to Ukraine nearly two years ago, Putin has drawn parallels between the current situation and the fight against the Nazis to galvanize support within Russia. He stated, "The regime in Kyiv exalts Hitler’s accomplices, the SS men… In a number of European countries, Russophobia is promoted as state policy," while addressing the audience in the Leningrad region to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Nazi siege.

Putin claimed that during the war, Germany aimed to exploit the Soviet Union’s resources and eradicate its population. In contrast, Ukraine, which was once part of the Soviet Union and experienced significant devastation from Nazi forces, dismisses these comparisons as unfounded justifications for what it views as an invasion.

In his address, Putin also criticized the Baltic States—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—over human rights concerns. These nations, formerly under Moscow’s control during the Cold War, are now part of the European Union and NATO and have been vocal opponents of Russia’s actions in Ukraine. He accused these countries of declaring "tens of thousands of people as subhuman, deprived of their most basic rights, and subjected to persecution," referencing their clampdowns on migration. Moscow has consistently asserted that the Baltic States exhibit xenophobia and treat Russian minorities as "second-class citizens."