Russian foreign ministry says Boris Johnson 'poisoned with hatred and anger' over Nazi Germany comments

Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman called Boris Johnson "poisoned with hatred and anger", saying she found it "scary" he represented a country with nuclear weapons.

Maria Zakharova was responding to comments made by Mr Johnson earlier on Wednesday, in which he compared Russia's hosting of the World Cup to the 1936 Olympics in NaziGermany.

She wrote on Facebook: "British politicians seem to be determined to instate a full boycott of the World Cup in Russia. But at what price?

"At the price of provocation and insults, pushing countries and citizens, and undermining international peace and stability.

"If there is no clarity on the [Salisbury] poisoning, it is the case of Boris Johnson - it is clear he is poisoned with hatred and anger - [he is] unprofessional and rude.

"It is scary to remember [he is the] representative of a nuclear power."

The Foreign Secretary agreed with Labour MP Ian Austin on the comparison with Hitler's Germany in a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee.

Mr Austin had said: "Putin is going to use it in the way Hitler used the 1936 Olympics… I frankly do not think England should be participating in the World Cup.

“I don't think we should be supporting Putin using this as a PR exercise to gloss over the gross human rights abuses for which he's responsible."

He also questioned how England fans could be safe, particularly given the expulsion of British diplomats.

Mr Johnson responded: “I think the comparison with 1936 is certainly right. It is an emetic prospect to think of Putin glorifying in this sporting event."

The Standard approached the Foreign Office for comment.

Additional reporting by the Associated Press