Following reports that Prince Charles had likened President Vladimir Putin to Nazi leader Adolf Hitler, Russia has demanded an explanation.
While speaking with a woman who fled from Poland to Canada in order to escape the atrocities of World War II, Prince Charles allegedly pointed to Russia's actions in Ukraine and said, "now Putin is doing just about the same as Hitler," The Daily Mail reported Tuesday.
In response to the allegations, the Foreign Ministry filed an official request with the British Foreign Office seeking an explanation of the matter.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich characterized Russia's reaction to the statements as one of "indignation" during a briefing Thursday, adding "If these words were actually said, than they without a doubt did not do any honor to the future British monarch.
Lukashevich went on to make clear his discontent with Western-media hype surrounding the alleged comments. "We see the use by Western mass media of the British royal family as part of its unfolding propaganda campaign against Russia [with regard to the Ukraine crisis] as unacceptable, outrageous, and low," he said.
The Foreign Ministry will wait for a response from British authorities before discussing any potential fallout, Lukashevich added.
The ministry spokesman also called attention to British politicians reactions to the statements, such as Labour MP Mike Gape's Twitter message that "Monarchy should be seen and not heard."
Both Western and Russian press exploded into a tizzy of speculation after news of the comments broke in the lead-up to a meeting at a World War II memorial in France that both leaders are expected to attend next month.
The prince's press service told RIA Novosti that he has no meetings with Putin planned and that it does not comment on the prince's private conversations, adding that no apology was forthcoming.
Contact the author at c.brennan@imedia.ru
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
