We could not disregard the statements by the French Foreign Minister, Laurent Fabius, who announced on the air of France Inter radio station on the 11 March that the "Svoboda" party, which is represented in the Ukrainian government "is just slightly more to the right than other parties". It is known that the activities of this party are openly nationalistic. Moreover, it clings to racist, anti-Semitic and xenophobic views; its ideological arsenal includes, in particular, the appeal to ban the use of Russian in Ukraine.

It is not clear, why some of our western partners "adapt" their approaches for the sake of transitory geopolitical dividends. We are forced to point out that only recently they assessed this party and its leaders more objectively. Thus, the resolution of the European Parliament of 13 December 2012, following the entry of the "Svoboda" party into the Verkhovna Rada, contains a clear condemnation of opinions which are contrary to the EU's fundamental values and principles, as well as containing an appeal to the democratic parties of the Rada not to associate with "Svoboda".

Now the situation is that the leaders of "Svoboda", including the odious personality of Oleh Tyahnybok, have become quite respected persons in the West. In our opinion, such an erosion of the principled line of non-acceptance of any manifestations of nationalism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism, the leader of which is the Ukrainian party "Svoboda", is dangerous. We hope that responsible politicians will take heed and reach the proper conclusions.

13 March 2013