Prominent UK Extreme Nationalist Activist Spoke at Moscow-Linked Far-Right Gathering

The leader of a prominent British far-right organization delivered a speech at a assembly of European far-right groups organized in Russia by an wealthy oligarch with ties to the country's leadership, according to reports.

This disclosure has prompted further concern among parliamentarians regarding the Russian state's links to radical movements and its perceived attempts to undermine democratic systems and sow societal divisions.

Forum Proceedings

The forum in St. Petersburg featured an address by Mark Collett, a veteran far-right activist and the founder of the group Patriotic Alternative, which has been active during periods of tension in Britain.

A number of groups from across Europe, including far-right ideologues from France and other nations, also attended the first-ever gathering of the Forum of the International Anti-Globalist League.

A key speaker at the event was Alexander Dugin, a ultranationalist Russian theorist whose writings are often cited as having informed the ideology behind the invasion in Ukraine.

“Russia sees itself at war with us. It absolutely wants to see societal disruption here and is looking to find ways of undermining the foundations of our nation,” commented a lawmaker who serves on the parliamentary defence panel.

“That fits with what the far right wants and what it believes. It’s not just about just groups and individuals on the far right being used as proxies. They are literally a vehicle for attacking the principles that support our democracy.”

Broader Concerns

Russian subversive activities have reportedly increased in recent years, alongside covert actions.

However, analysts have also highlighted about more subtle attempts to foment societal strife. Earlier this year, investigations indicated that online networks with suspected Russian links were encouraging hostile actions within the UK and promising payment in return.

There have been subsequent for a ban of Patriotic Alternative, which is considered as one of the UK's largest far-right groups, despite one facing competition from more recent organizations.

Activist's Response

Mark Collett, who established the group following schisms within earlier nationalist movements, confirmed his participation at the Russian event as an online participant.

He claimed he delivered a brief speech discussing demographics and immigration, arguing that white Britons could become a smaller proportion and that Eastern European nations should avoid a similar situation.

Collett asserted he was invited by a Russian nationalist student movement. He dismissed being a proxy for the Russian state.

“I do not believe that Russia seeks war with the west, or with Britain. What’s more, I have never received any contact or payment from anyone within the Russian state, so the idea that myself or Patriotic Alternative is being ‘used’ by the Russian state is ridiculous, and a groundless suggestion,” he stated. He contended the conflict in Ukraine was stoked by external powers seeking a proxy war.

Event Organizer

The primary organizer behind the event was Konstantin Malofeyev, a businessman with investments supportive of the Kremlin and the founder of the student movement that issued the invitations.

Malofeyev, described by some foreign authorities as a backer for Russian interests in Ukraine, celebrated the conference in an online post.

“Over 50 delegates from 15 nationalist organisations across three continents came to St Petersburg. Diverse, but united on key issues: a desire to defend traditional values, a fight for sovereignty, and resistance to our common enemy – globalism,” he said.

He noted the event opened with a religious observance and a moment of silence for a slain right-wing activist from the United States.

Other participants included notable figures from France and Switzerland, as well as a German politician.