The president of Russia’s state-run rail corporation has accused the West of imposing “pure propaganda” on Europe after Austria’s victory at this year’s Eurovision song contest.

Vladimir Yakunin, a firm supporter of President Putin, attacked Western values and their effect on Europe. The Russian rail boss has previously said that he is flattered to be on a US sanctions list in response to the crisis in Ukraine.

During a conference in Berlin, Mr Yakunin stated that the US want to inflict their values onto others and described Conchita Wurst’s Eurovision win last weekend as “vulgar ethno-facism.”

Wurst, revealed that her performance and success “showed that we are a unity full of respect and tolerance.”

“The ancient definition of democracy had nothing to do with bearded women but with the leadership of the people,” said Mr Yakunin at the German-Russia Forum.

The drag artist’s win has also been labelled “the end of Europe” by Russian MP, Vladimir Zhirinovsky.

Wurst’s selection had caused considerable backlash, with Russia considering dropping out of next year’s contest and making a ‘straight’ rival show.

“Why is it that everything that comes from across the ocean is good – even the Iraq war?” said Mr Yakunin. “But any attempt by Russia to make a proposal is viewed negatively.”