Story perspectives

SNP Candidates Under Fire for Pro-Putin Remarks

4/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

The SNP faces scrutiny as Robert Leslie, SNP candidate for Holyrood in Orkney, and Glen Reynolds, SNP candidate for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, made pro-Putin remarks.
Leslie questioned Russia's involvement in the Skripal poisoning and expressed skepticism about Assad's chemical attacks.
Reynolds promoted a Putin speech that criticized the West.
Experts warn that Russia seeks to exploit divisions in the UK, potentially undermining national security.

History

Historical Context

The 2018 poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury, England, marked a significant escalation in tensions between Russia and the West. Following the attack, which utilized a Novichok nerve agent, the UK expelled 23 Russian diplomats, reflecting deepening geopolitical rifts. Today, pro-Putin remarks from SNP candidates highlight ongoing divisions in UK foreign policy regarding Russia's influence.

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Story summary

The SNP faces scrutiny as Robert Leslie, SNP candidate for Holyrood in Orkney, and Glen Reynolds, SNP candidate for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, made pro-Putin remarks.
Leslie questioned Russia's involvement in the Skripal poisoning and expressed skepticism about Assad's chemical attacks.
Reynolds promoted a Putin speech that criticized the West.
Experts warn that Russia seeks to exploit divisions in the UK, potentially undermining national security.

1 / 2