, Columnist
Putin's European Allies Don't Need His Money
Following the money won't help defeat right-wing populists.
A little help from her friends.
Photographer: ChesnotThis article is for subscribers only.
According to Czech Foreign Minister Lubomir Zaoralek, Russia is pursuing a "divide and conquer" policy in Europe by trying to boost the euroskeptic populists. "It's regularly discussed," Zaoralek told Financial Times. "We have no doubt Russia is finding ways to finance this."
Others before him have made similar allegations but, like Zaoralek, they have been unable to produce proof of such funding. That may have to wait until after the current regime falls. Meanwhile, it's more important to understand two things about the rise of the right in Europe: It does benefit Russia, and it would still take place without any support from Moscow.