EU politicians walk out on Putin’s ally at Geneva meeting
An appearance by a powerful Russian politician at an international event in Geneva prompted EU representatives including German parliamentary president Julia Klöckner to leave the hall in protest over the war in Ukraine.
The walk-out on Wednesday was in protest at an appearance by Valentina Matviyenko, chairwoman of the upper house of the Russian parliament, the Federation Council, who is considered the most powerful woman in Russia.
The 76-year-old is a fervent supporter of the war against Ukraine ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin and is on Western sanctions lists.
Switzerland points out that as the host of international conferences, it must grant exemptions for entry on such occasions.
Matviyenko was attending a meeting of parliamentary presidents of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) that takes place every five years, aiming to promote peace.
“With its barbaric war of aggression against Ukraine, Russia is trampling on international law,” Klöckner subsequently stated.
“We do not pay attention to the cynical attempts by the Russian delegation to distort history and reverse the roles of perpetrator and victim.”
Matviyenko had already used an appearance before a smaller audience on Monday to disparage Ukraine.
Her appearance in the West was partly recorded as a propaganda success in Russia.
Alongside Matviyenko, they also sanctioned lawmakers from the Russian lower house, or Duma, Leonid Slutsky and Pyotr Tolstoi were present at the event in Geneva.
(dpa/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Economy
CSCS declares N1 interim dividend after half-year earnings
The company noted that the interim dividend represented 56 per cent of the total dividend of N1.78 per share paid for the 2025 financial year.
Health
Mental health key to attaining excellence in children, says expert
He said children perform better academically and socially when the learning environment supports their emotional well-being.
States
Court dismisses Ned Nwoko’s suit challenging Okowa’s candidacy for Delta North senatorial district
The Federal High Court, Abuja, rejected Mr Nwoko’s suit seeking to void Mr Okowa’s emergence as the APC candidate for the Delta North senatorial district.
Heading 1
Reps begin review of state police bill
“The House and the Senate are working in tandem with each other to make sure that the significant amendments are achieved,” he said.
Economy
Nigeria’s $40 billion net foreign reserves validate Tinubu’s economic reforms: TSF
“The increase from about $3 billion to more than $40 billion within three years, therefore, represents a substantial strengthening of Nigeria’s financial buffers,” the group said.
Heading 4
Andy Burnham takes over as UK’s prime minister, vows to end homelessness
“On my first day as Prime Minister, I’m announcing this government’s commitment to finally end long-term rough sleeping across the UK at the earliest opportunity,” he said.
