The founder of a major British nationalist organization addressed attendees at a conference of European far-right groups hosted in Russia by an powerful oligarch linked to the country's leadership, according to information.
This news has prompted further unease among lawmakers regarding the Russian state's ties to radical movements and its alleged efforts to undermine democratic processes and exacerbate societal divisions.
Event Details
The event in St. Petersburg featured an address by Mark Collett, a experienced far-right activist and the creator of the group Patriotic Alternative, which has been active during periods of public protest in Britain.
A range of groups from across Europe, including activists from France and other nations, took part in the inaugural gathering of the Forum of the International Anti-Globalist League.
Central figure at the event was Alexander Dugin, a noted Russian ideologue whose views are often cited as having influenced the ideology behind the invasion in Ukraine.
“The Kremlin considers itself at war with us. It actively seeks to see societal disruption here and is looking to find ways of undermining the structure of our nation,” stated a parliamentarian who serves on the parliamentary defence panel.
“That fits with what the far right wants and what it believes. It’s not just about just groups and individuals on the far right being used as tools. They are in effect a vehicle for attacking the principles that support our democracy.”
Wider Implications
Russian influence operations have reportedly been ratcheted up in recent years, alongside espionage operations.
However, analysts have also expressed worry about more subtle efforts to foment societal fragmentation. Earlier this year, it was revealed that online networks with alleged Russian links were inciting violent attacks within the UK and providing payment in return.
There have been subsequent for a outlawing of Patriotic Alternative, which is seen as one of the UK's most significant far-right groups, despite one facing challenges from emerging organizations.
Participant's Account
Mark Collett, who founded the group following internal splits within earlier nationalist movements, stated his attendance at the Russian event as an online participant.
He claimed he delivered a brief speech addressing birthrates and immigration, expressing concern that white Britons could become a demographic minority and that Eastern European nations should avoid a similar outcome.
Collett asserted he was invited by a Russian nationalist student movement. He dismissed being a proxy for the Russian state.
“I do not believe that Russia seeks war with the west, or with Britain. What’s more, I have never received any contact or payment from anyone within the Russian government, so the idea that myself or Patriotic Alternative is being ‘used’ by the Russian state is ridiculous, and a groundless suggestion,” he stated. He contended the conflict in Ukraine was stoked by external powers seeking a indirect conflict.
Key Backer
The key figure behind the event was Konstantin Malofeyev, a banker with investments supportive of the Kremlin and the founder of the student movement that issued the invitations.
Malofeyev, described by some foreign authorities as a financier for Russian interests in Ukraine, hailed the conference in an online post.
“More than 50 delegates from 15 conservative organisations across three continents came to St Petersburg. Varied, but united on key issues: a desire to defend traditional values, a fight for national identity, and resistance to our common enemy – globalism,” he proclaimed.
He noted the event opened with a religious observance and a moment of silence for a slain right-wing activist from the United States.
Other speakers included well-known figures from France and Switzerland, as well as a German politician.
