Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, has once again stirred controversy by blaming the West and NATO for the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In an interview with the BBC’s Nick Robinson, Farage reiterated his belief that the conflict was provoked by the “ever-eastward expansion of NATO and the European Union.”

Farage, a prominent figure in British politics known for his outspoken views, argued that since the fall of the Berlin Wall, he had foreseen a potential war in Ukraine. He claimed that NATO’s expansion gave Russian President Vladimir Putin a pretext to convince the Russian people that the West was threatening them, thereby justifying the invasion.

Despite his criticism of Western policies, Farage acknowledged that the responsibility for the war ultimately lies with Putin. “Of course, it’s his fault,” Farage conceded, though he maintained that Western actions provided the Russian leader with a rationale for his aggressive stance.

This isn’t the first time Farage’s views on Russia have sparked debate. During the interview, he confirmed his past admiration for Putin as a statesman, a sentiment that has drawn significant backlash.

Home Secretary James Cleverly condemned Farage’s remarks, stating, “Nigel Farage is echoing Putin’s vile justification for the brutal invasion of Ukraine.” Cleverly’s sentiment was echoed by Deputy Conservative Party chair Jonathan Gullis, who condemned Farage for admiring Putin. Gullis highlighted Putin’s use of chemical warfare on British soil, which endangered innocent lives, and underscored that Putin “is certainly not someone who should be admired.”

Labour’s shadow defence secretary, John Healey, was equally scathing in his response. “These are disgraceful comments, which reveal the true face of Nigel Farage: a Putin apologist who should never be trusted with our nation’s security,” Healey stated.

Farage’s comments come at a time when the West remains united in its support for Ukraine, following Russia’s 2022 invasion. The conflict has led to significant geopolitical shifts and heightened tensions between NATO and Russia.

As the debate over Farage’s statements continues, it remains clear that his views have struck a nerve across the political spectrum, highlighting the deep divisions over the causes and consequences of the war in Ukraine.