Protests Erupt in Geneva as EU Officials Walk Out During Russian Delegate's Speech

In Geneva, significant protests unfolded at an international conference when several European Union representatives, including Bundestag President Julia Klöckner and Bundesrat President Anke Rehlinger, walked out in response to the appearance of Valentina Matviyenko, a prominent ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Matviyenko, who serves as the chairwoman of the Federation Council, Russia's upper house of parliament, is known for her staunch support of Russia's military actions in Ukraine, which have drawn widespread condemnation and resulted in her being placed on various Western sanctions lists.

The conference, organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), aimed to foster dialogue and peace and is held every five years. Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Switzerland, as the host nation, provided an exception for Matviyenko's attendance, prompting outrage among EU members.

In a statement after the walkout, Klöckner emphasized that Russia's military aggression constitutes a blatant violation of international law. She criticized the Russian delegation for attempting to distort historical narratives and shift blame, stating that such actions would not receive any acknowledgment from the EU representatives.

Rehlinger reinforced this stance, asserting that European unity would not be undermined by Russian propaganda. She highlighted the meeting with her Ukrainian counterpart as a gesture of solidarity with Ukraine amidst the ongoing crisis.

Matviyenko had previously spoken to a smaller audience, during which she disparaged Ukraine, with her involvement in the conference being perceived in Russia as a propaganda victory. Alongside Matviyenko, other sanctioned Russian officials, including Duma politicians Leonid Slutsky and Pyotr Tolstoy, also attended the event.

The situation in Geneva underscores the deep divisions between Russia and the West, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as diplomatic tensions continue to escalate. The walkout by EU representatives is indicative of the broader international response to Russia's military actions and the ongoing challenges in achieving peace in the region.