Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has delivered a blistering condemnation of Nigel Farage, branding his recent comments on the Ukraine war as "disgraceful" and a dangerous gift to the Kremlin.
The fiery political clash erupted after the Reform UK honorary president claimed during a BBC Panorama interview that the West "provoked" Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine through NATO and EU expansion. Farage doubled down on his position, insisting he wouldn't retract his statements despite widespread criticism.
Speaking with fierce intensity during a campaign event in Wales, Starmer didn't mince his words: "It is disgraceful for Nigel Farage to parrot Putin's vile propaganda. To suggest that the West is somehow responsible for the Russian invasion of Ukraine is utterly unacceptable."
The Labour leader emphasized the devastating human cost of the conflict, stating: "We're talking about a Ukrainian people who have fought bravely for their democracy, their freedom, and their future. To suggest they are in any way responsible for the invasion of their country is wrong."
Starmer's condemnation adds to a growing chorus of criticism from across the political spectrum. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also slammed Farage's remarks as "completely wrong" and playing into Putin's hands.
The controversy comes at a critical moment in the general election campaign, with Farage's comments threatening to overshadow Reform UK's messaging and potentially alienate voters who strongly support Ukraine's resistance against Russian aggression.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps joined the criticism, calling Farage's statements "disgusting" and noting they align perfectly with the Kremlin's narrative. Even within Reform UK, some figures have distanced themselves from their leader's controversial stance.
As the political fallout continues, Starmer positioned Labour as the party of unwavering support for Ukraine, declaring: "There is only one side to be on here - it is with Ukraine, fighting for its future, fighting for its democracy, fighting for its freedom."
