Nigel Farage and Russia

Overview

Nigel Farage’s political career has repeatedly intersected with debates about Russia, Vladimir Putin, and UK foreign policy. His public statements on Putin, NATO, and sanctions have drawn widespread criticism. While Farage denies being sympathetic to the Kremlin, his remarks have often echoed narratives promoted by Russian state media.

Praise for Vladimir Putin

Farage has made a number of remarks that appeared to express admiration for Vladimir Putin.

• In 2014, he described Putin as the world leader he most admired “as an operator”.
• That same year, he said Russia’s annexation of Crimea was “entirely understandable”.
• After Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, he attempted to distance himself from earlier comments, calling Putin “the devil we know”.

👉 Fact-check: Farage denies praising Putin despite 2014 comments — The Guardian

Russian-linked bribery case involving Farage ally Nathan Gill

In September 2025, Nathan Gill a long-time political ally of Nigel Farage, former Brexit Party MEP, and leader of Reform UK Wales pleaded guilty to eight counts of bribery connected to a Russian-linked influence operation. Prosecutors said the offences related to his time as an MEP between 2018 and 2019. There is no suggestion that Farage was personally involved, but the conviction shows how a senior figure from his political network became entangled in activity that benefited Russian interests.

👉 Read the full fact-check: Nathan Gill linked to Russian bribery — Fact-Checking Hub (2025)

NATO “provoked” Russia claim

Farage has argued repeatedly that NATO and EU expansion “provoked” Russia into aggression, framing Western policy as partly responsible for the war in Ukraine.

• This line dates back to his 2014 commentary on Crimea and has been repeated in interviews since 2022.
• Experts highlight that NATO is a defensive alliance, membership is voluntary, and Russia’s aggression predates many recent NATO expansions.

👉 Fact-check: Farage claims NATO provoked Russia — Reuters (2024) (Verdict: Misleading)

Sanctions on Russia

Farage has also claimed that sanctions against Russia “don’t work”, arguing they damage British households more than Moscow.

• In 2022 to 2023, he suggested Russia simply “found other buyers” for its energy exports.
• Independent analysis shows sanctions cut Russia’s oil and gas revenues, restricted access to Western technology, and reduced long-term economic growth.

👉 Fact-check: Impact of sanctions on Russia’s military industry — Chatham House (2025)

Russian Media Platforms

Farage has frequently appeared on Russian state-owned outlets such as RT (Russia Today). On these platforms he criticised the EU, NATO, and mainstream British politics. Critics argue these appearances legitimised Kremlin propaganda. Farage insists he was simply engaging with international audiences.

👉 Coverage: Farage’s appearances on Russia Today/RT — The Guardian (2014)

Russia and Brexit

Farage has denied receiving Russian funding, but his role in the Brexit campaign has been linked to broader concerns about foreign interference.

• Russian-backed disinformation campaigns promoted anti-EU narratives in 2016.
• Russian media regularly amplified Farage’s speeches and interviews.
• UK parliamentary inquiries noted the risk of Russian influence, though no direct financial ties were proven.

👉 Context: European Parliament (EPRS) — Foreign interference in EU democratic processes (2022, PDF)

Sources

• The Guardian — “Nigel Farage: I admire Vladimir Putin” (2014)
• The Guardian — “I have more respect for Putin than for ‘kids’ who run Britain” (2014)
• Reuters — Farage says the West provoked Putin (2024)
• PA Media Fact Check — Lord Robertson did not back Farage’s ‘provoked’ claim (2024)
• Chatham House — Impact of sanctions on Russia’s military industry (2025)
• IMF — The sanctions weapon (effects on Russia) (2022)
• The Guardian — Farage’s appearances on RT (2014)
• European Parliament (EPRS) — Foreign interference in EU democratic processes (2022, PDF)

Conclusion

Nigel Farage’s record on Russia has been marked by controversy, from remarks admiring Putin to claims that NATO provoked aggression and sanctions failed. His critics argue these positions echo Kremlin narratives, while Farage presents them as candid criticisms of Western policy. The 2025 Nathan Gill conviction adds a new dimension by showing how a prominent figure from Farage’s political network became involved in a Russian-linked influence case, even though Farage himself was not implicated.

👉 See other topics in our Nigel Farage Controversies index

👉 Explore more in the Fact-Checking Hub

Disclaimer

Farage Exposed is an independent, non-commercial project created for informational and public interest purposes. All content is based on publicly available sources, including verified news reporting, parliamentary records, and expert investigations. While we strive for accuracy, readers are encouraged to verify information and apply critical thinking. This site does not claim affiliation with or endorsement by any individuals or organisations mentioned.