Dozens Walk Out on Russian Federation Speaker at Geneva Conference

At the World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva, dozens of delegates staged a walkout in protest during the speech of Valentina Matviyenko, Speaker of the Federation Council of Russia, signaling strong opposition to Russia's war against Ukraine. Ukrainian officials, including Deputy Speaker Olena Kondratiuk, praised the walkout as a powerful demonstration of solidarity with Ukraine and condemnation of Russian aggression. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry condemned Matviyenko's presence at the event, labeling it disgraceful and asserting she belongs in the dock rather than at international conferences due to her support for Russia's military actions. EU representatives, including German parliamentary president Julia Klöckner, also left the hall, underscoring the widespread European condemnation of the invasion. Switzerland, as the host nation, allowed Matviyenko's participation due to its role in facilitating international diplomatic events despite her status on Western sanctions lists. The walkout highlighted the deep divisions and tensions surrounding Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine at global diplomatic forums.