Senior Russian TV Host Irada Zeinalova: Don't Blame Putin for Brexit

Senior Russian TV host Irada Zeinalova said that while it is flattering to think that Russia is capable of dismantling the EU, Putin should not be blamed for Brexit. Speaking on the flagship weekend news show on Russia's Channel 1 on June 26, Zeinalova criticized Obama for raising the issue of anti-Russian sanctions with Cameron following the referendum. "Really, there's nothing else to discuss in this situation?!" she asked cynically.

Irada Zeinalova: "Here is a non-trivial twist: British Foreign Secretary Hammond and McFaul, the former U.S. ambassador to Russia, have made similar comments on Brexit, saying that it is 'Putin's victory.' It's just like the rhyme: There is hail and rain - Putin is to blame. FM Lavrov called Hammond's reaction a 'clinical case.' C'mon, there is a psychological term for this - fixation.

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"Obama after talking to Cameron following the referendum, said: 'It was good working with him. We discussed the main issue: the sanctions against Russia. On this issue, London will continue to cooperate with us.' Really, there's nothing else to discuss in this situation?!

"It's flattering to think that Moscow is capable of causing millions of Africans to invade Europe, to cause football fans to have a fight, or to dismantle the EU. It even gives us a strange feeling of pride: What a long arm Russia has. Previously, they used to blame others and now they blame our guys.

"On the one hand, these statements are an insult to the British, as throughout history, they have stood alone, in keeping with Churchill's words: 'There are no friends or enemies, only national interests.' On the other hand, a weak EU and a Britain that has lost its grip are not profitable and not desirable to Moscow. Moscow said a long time ago that the EU may fall apart, but always stressed: 'We don't want that. Listen to one another, and solve your own problems.'"