Topic: Svoboda Party

A story involving stolen Dutch paintings in Ukraine allegedly links the Ukrainian government to the far-right Svoboda party. Critics argue that Western media outlets have suppressed the story to avoid complicating the diplomatic relationship with the current Ukrainian administration.

The hosts discuss the Svoboda party, a right-wing nationalist faction in the Ukrainian coalition. They play a clip of leader Oleg Tyahnybok being questioned about past anti-Semitic and anti-Russian remarks. Tyahnybok dismisses the quotes as "Russian propaganda" and "twisted words," despite the party's well-documented extremist roots.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov criticized the West for supporting a Ukrainian coalition that includes the "neo-Nazi" Svoboda party. Lavrov questioned why the U.S. and EU are cooperating with groups they previously condemned for anti-Semitic and anti-Russian rhetoric.

Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland admitted during a congressional hearing that "ugly colors," including neo-Nazi groups, were present among the Maidan protesters. The U.S. support for the transitional government is criticized for empowering these radical elements, such as the Svoboda party, who are known for their extremist views.