Russian Diplomat Resigns from U.N. in Opposing War in Ukraine

A senior Russian diplomat stationed at the United Nations in Geneva issued a resignation statement on Monday in protest of President Vladimir Putin’s “aggressive war” in Ukraine, describing himself as never more ashamed of his country.

Bondarev, 41, said he had handed in his resignation. In a statement to his colleagues at home, he confessed that what the Russian government is doing now is intolerable and as a civil servant, he has to shoulder part of responsibility for it.

Bondarev criticized the Russian Foreign Ministry for having degenerated into an organization that disseminates lies and hatred. He noted that in his twenty-year diplomatic career, he has witnessed different turns of Russian foreign policy, but never has he been so ashamed of the country than on February 24 of this year. However, Bondarev stressed that not all Russian diplomats are belligerent, and some are rational. Unfortunately, they are forced to remain silent.

In his statement, Bondarev also scathingly rebuked Putin, saying that “Those who conceived this war want only one thing — to remain in power forever” and to “possess and enjoy their glory and unlimited wealth” for eternity. “The aggressive war unleashed by Putin against Ukraine, and in fact against the entire Western world, is not only a crime against the Ukrainian people but also, perhaps, the most serious crime against the people of Russia.”

In addition, Bondarev said in a media interview that resignation is the last choice without other options. He has not yet received any response from the Russian officials, but he is ready for the Russian authorities to make an example of him.