European Delegates Walk Out in Protest Against Russian Official in Geneva

Geneva - Tensions escalated at a parliamentary conference in Geneva as European delegates staged a walkout in protest against the attendance of Valentina Matwijenko, a prominent Russian official. Matwijenko, who serves as the chair of the Federation Council, the upper house of Russia's parliament, is recognized as one of the most influential women in the country. Her close ties to President Vladimir Putin and her outspoken support for Russia's military actions in Ukraine have placed her on various sanctions lists imposed by Western nations.

During the conference, which convenes every five years and is organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Matwijenko was scheduled to deliver remarks. However, as she arrived, representatives from EU member states demonstratively exited the venue in a show of disapproval against her presence.

Julia Klöckner, the President of the Bundestag and a participant at the conference, joined the protest. She expressed condemnation of Russia's actions, stating that the country is violating international law through its military aggression in Ukraine. Klöckner emphasized that the delegation would not engage with what she described as Russia's attempts to distort history and manipulate narratives of victimhood.

Matwijenko, who has previously claimed that her birthplace, the Ukrainian city of Shepetivka, has turned into a "Nazi state," has faced widespread criticism for her remarks supporting the ongoing conflict. Her participation in the Geneva conference sparked backlash even before her arrival, as she had made disparaging comments about Ukraine during a smaller event the day prior. This rhetoric was viewed by some in Russia as a successful propaganda effort.

Alongside Matwijenko, other sanctioned Russian officials, including Leonid Sluzki and Pjotr Tolstoi, were also part of the delegation to Geneva. In response to the controversy surrounding Matwijenko's participation, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs defended its decision to issue entry permits for the conference, highlighting its role as a host for international meetings.

The IPU aims to foster dialogue among parliamentary leaders globally, but this incident underscores the growing rifts and tensions between Russia and Western nations, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The walkout by EU representatives signifies a broader diplomatic stance against Russia's actions and its representatives on the international stage.