Maduro called Western attacks on Russian culture and sports “pure fascism.”

According to Fars News Agency’s International Service, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro called the attack on Russian culture and athletes by Western countries under the pretext of military operations in Ukraine pure fascism.

“This is pure fascism,” Maduro was quoted as saying by Venezuelan MP Tanya Diaz, who said Russia had fallen victim to “global censorship” and that its sport and culture were under Western attack, according to the Tass news agency.

Nicolas Maduro made the remarks at an international conference on the fight against fascism marking the 20th anniversary of a coup attempt against former President Hugo Chاvez.

Maduro had previously warned of hostile Western actions against Russia.

“The West is coordinating efforts for a major economic, diplomatic and political war against Russia,” Maduro said.

“We say this from Venezuela: they (Westerners) are looking for a war to divide Russia and end the hope for a multipolar world,” he said.

Since the start of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine, Western countries have imposed heavy sanctions on the country’s financial system, energy and even cultural organizations, including sports federations, and banning international sporting events.

Western officials have repeatedly acknowledged that sports are not political, and federations, athletes and sports coaches have boycotted other countries on the smallest issues related to politics from sports competitions.

End of message / m