Putin condemns ’neo Nazi’ elements in Baltic states

  • 2014-10-15
  • By Rayyan Sabet-Parry, RIGA

Russian President Vladimir Putin (photo: RIA Novosti)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned the rise of neo Nazi elements in the Baltic States.

Speaking to a Serbian newspaper, Putin said the rise of nationalists and radical groups in the Baltics and the Ukraine was a cause of concern.

“Regrettably, the vaccine against the Nazi virus developed at the Nuremberg trials is losing its efficiency in some European state,” Putin told the Politika newspaper. 

“A vivid example of this is open manifestations of neo-Nazism, which have become routine in Latvia and other Baltic countries.”

“In this sense, the situation in Ukraine causes special worries. The February anti-constitutional coupe in that country was driven by nationalists and other radical groups,” he said.

The President's comments amid an official visit to Belgrade, Serbia, Russian news agency ITAR-TASS reports. 

Baltic, Russia relations have been on edge amid the crisis in the Ukraine. Baltic officials are worried a similar Ukraine style scenario could be repeated in their states.

However, Russia has sought to ease worries after Russian ambassador to the EU Vladimir Chizhov said tensions between the Baltics and Russia was 'artificially tense'

NATO, meanwhile, has agreed to boosting its presence in the three Baltic states. UK, US and European forces will rotate regularly around the Baltics in an effort to send strong signals to Russia that a similar Crimea style scenario is not welcome in the region.