Zakharova rebuked Finland's ex-head of state for using a non-existent Lenin quote

Former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö has cited a fake quote by Vladimir Lenin in his official report for the European Union (EU). This was stated by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova on January 10.

We are talking about Niinistö's 165-page report for the EU "Safer Together: Strengthening Europe's Civil and Military Preparedness," where he used a phrase that allegedly belongs to Lenin: "Probe the ground with bayonets: if it stabs dirt - continue, if you come across steel - stop."

A check revealed that the quote "turned out to be a bearded fake," Zakharova explained.

"Lenin never uttered or wrote this phrase. It was apparently invented or at least one of the first to be used by American journalist Joe Elsop in 1970, and then popularized by US President Richard Nixon in an interview with British journalist David Frost in the late 70s," she wrote in her Telegram account.

In addition, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry advised the former president of Finland to read the complete works of Lenin and visit the Mausoleum. Also for the former president of Finland Zakharova attached to the publication the schedule of the Mausoleum.

Unforeseen States: Trump's arrival could intensify divisions in the EU

And complicate Washington's relationship with Brussels

Earlier, Niiniste's report on strengthening Europe's civil and military preparedness was presented to the EU on October 30, 2024. It also said the EU had underestimated the Russian economy's ability to overcome difficulties, which prevented Brussels from better planning long-term aid to Kiev.