Kremlin calls growing Russophobia in Western countries dangerous

MOSCOW. March 11 (Interfax) - The Kremlin has called the growing Russophobia in a number of Western countries dangerous and said that "a true Russian is not ashamed of being Russian."

"A true Russian is never ashamed of being Russian. If anyone says so, this person is not Russian and there is nothing to say here, this person is not with us," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday.

Indeed, hatred towards ethnic Russians and Russian citizens has been growing in a number of Western countries, he said.

"This is very dangerous, and our compatriots should stay vigilant and be very careful," Peskov said. Russia hopes that the authorities in any countries "will stop nourishing the ground for this hatred and Russophobia with their statements," he added.

The growing Russophobia in a number of Western countries "will force us [Russia] sooner or later to urge the leadership of these countries in a clear language to take measures and put a lid on this campaign," he said.