Michael McFaul: Putin is the main winner in the Brexit vote
Former US Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul wrote on Twitter that the main winner of Brexit is Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Shocked by Brexit vote! Losers: EU, UK, US, those that believe in utility of a strong, united, democratic Europe. Winners: Putin,” McFaul tweeted.
The former Ambassador also congratulated the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin and the head of the Duma Committee on International Affairs, Alexei Pushkov, saying it was a great victory for Russia’s foreign policy objectives.
When responding to a Twitter using asking how this benefits Putin, McFaul explained “UK role in world diminishes, US is weaker because our closest ally is weaker, EU is weaker, Europe more divided [sic].”
The United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union through a national referendum on Thursday. 52% of voters wished to leave the EU, and 48% voted to remain.