United Nations diplomats turned their backs on a Russian representative and walked out of the conference room during a human rights meeting.
In an astonishing and surprising moment, dozens of delegates from countries including France, the USA, and Britain walked out of the room when Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov began his speech at a session of the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva.
While Lavrov was set to appear in person, he pulled out the last moment after Moscow blasted sanctions imposed on Russia by the West.
In his prerecorded speech, Lavrov slammed Ukraine and blamed them for the Russian invasion saying their aim to obtain nuclear weapons pushed Russia into “real danger” that resulted in the war.
“Today the dangers that Zelensky’s regime poses for neighboring countries and international security in general have increased substantially after the authorities set up in Kyiv have embarked upon dangerous games related to plans to acquire their own nuclear weapons,” Russia’s foreign minister said.
“Ukraine still has Soviet nuclear technologies and the means of delivery of such weapons. We cannot fail to respond to this real danger.”
His speech, however, wasn’t received by many, whereas the majority of delegates walked out of the room when the video began playing.
These delegates also showed their support for Ukraine outside the council room by standing together and hoisting a Ukrainian flag throughout Lavrov’s speech.
One of the delegates who stood up to Russia was Ukrainian Ambassador Yevheniia Filipenko who thanked fellow representatives for “this wonderful show of support to Ukrainians who are fighting for their independence.”
Meanwhile, French Ambassador Jerome Bonnafont said: “Any invasion constitutes a violation of human rights… massive violations and civilian losses. It is important that the Human Rights Council shows with this walkout that it is united with Ukraine and with the people of Ukraine.”
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