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Russia Criticizes UK's Boris Johnson For Comparing Putin To Hitler

Johnson said he agreed with a lawmaker's suggestion that Vladimir Putin wants to use the World Cup to gloss over a "brutal, corrupt regime."
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U.K. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and the Kremlin are at it again. This time, it's over Russia hosting the 2018 World Cup soccer tournament.

During a meeting with the Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday, Johnson said he agreed with a lawmaker's suggestion that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to use the World Cup to gloss over a "brutal, corrupt regime."

The lawmaker compared Putin's intentions to Adolf Hitler's use of the 1936 Olympics in Berlin.

"I think the comparison with 1936 is certainly right. I think it's an emetic prospect, frankly, to think of Putin glorying in this sporting event," Johnson said.

A spokesperson for the Kremlin shot back at Johnson's comments Thursday. 

He told reporters, "This is a completely disgusting statement, and it does not fit the foreign minister of the country, of any country. Undoubtedly, it is offensive and unacceptable."

Johnson has repeatedly criticized Russia over a nerve gas attack that left a former spy and his daughter in critical condition. Russia has denied any involvement in the attack.

Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.