Poland summons Russian ambassador over Zhirinovsky remarks
Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
Publication Date | 13 August 2014 |
Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Poland summons Russian ambassador over Zhirinovsky remarks, 13 August 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/54003eebb.html [accessed 1 June 2023] |
Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
August 13, 2014
The Polish Foreign Ministry on August 13 summoned the Russian ambassador to protest remarks by Russian nationalist politician Vladimir Zhirinovsky.
Speaking on state Rossiya 24 television last week, Zhirinovsky said that Poland and the Baltic states would be "wiped out" should a war break out between Russia and the West.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslav Sikorski said the remarks were "scandalous."
He said Zhirinovsky, a lawmaker and the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party, "is neither a backbencher nor a private person."
Zhirinovsky is known for his outrageous comments.
His latest remarks come with relations between Russia and the West strained over Moscow's annexation of Crimea in March and its perceived support for pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.
Based on reporting by dpa and AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website