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Putin 1st world leader to congratulate King Charles despite past Hitler comparison
Russian president wished ‘success’ and ‘good health’ to new British monarch, who compared Putin to Nazi leader following 2014 Crimea annexation
Russian President Vladimir Putin became the first world leader on Saturday to congratulate newly proclaimed King Charles III, despite the British monarch having compared him to Hitler eight years ago.
Shortly after Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, King Charles told a Canadian Jewish WWII survivor who had lost family members in the Holocaust “now Putin is doing just about the same as Hitler.”
In response, Russia demanded an explanation, charging that the comments were not befitting a future monarch.
“He has been to our country more than once. If he made such a comparison it is unacceptable and I am sure he understands that as a man of manners,” Putin said at the time.
King Charles was also publicly critical of the Kremlin’s decision to invade Russia in early 2022, labeling the move “unconscionable” and “an attack on democracy.”
Despite the strained personal history, the Kremlin nonetheless released a statement on Saturday following the proclamation of the new king at St James Palace in London, the Daily Mail reported.
The letter, published by the Russian Embassy in London, read: “Your Majesty, please accept my sincere congratulations on Your Accession to the throne. I wish Your Majesty success, good health and all the best.”
In an earlier statement, released on Friday, Putin addressed the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
“The most important events in the recent history of the United Kingdom are inextricably linked with the name of Her Majesty,” the statement read.
“For many decades, Elizabeth II rightfully enjoyed the love and respect of all her subjects, as well as stature in the international arena,” Putin said.
The Kremlin has said Putin will not be attending Queen Elizabeth’s funeral on September 19.
