Statement by High Representative on Russia’s misuse of the Holocaust in its current aggression

Contemporary Europe was built on the ashes of the Holocaust; it is a defining, terrible legacy of European history. This is why next week, we will commemorate the annual International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Latest comments by Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov accusing "The West" of seeking a "final solution" for Russia are entirely misplaced, disrespectful and trample on the memory of the six million Jewish people, and other victims, who were systematically murdered in the Holocaust. This adds to previous antisemitic remarks of Minister Lavrov.

The Russian regime's manipulation of the truth to justify their illegal war of aggression against Ukraine has reached another unacceptable and despicable low point.

There is no parallel between the crimes of Nazi Germany and the international help for Ukraine in defending its territory and people against an unjustified aggression. Russia has invaded a sovereign neighbouring country, targets and kills civilians there on a daily basis, with the stated aim to destroy the country and the Ukrainian nation.

Holocaust denial, distortion and trivialization are against EU law and EU values. The EU made the unequivocal commitment to ensure that such atrocities never happen again.