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Protest Erupts During Russian Speaker Matviyenko’s Speech at World Conference of Speakers in Geneva
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![Photo of Maryna Kulakova]( "Photo of Maryna Kulakova")
During the speech by Russian Federation Council Chairperson Valentina Matviyenko at the World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva, delegations from several countries left the hall in protest against the Russian representative.
The video of the protest was shared on Facebook by Ukrainian Vice-Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, Olena Kondratyuk, on July 30.
In the video, dozens of delegates can be seen walking out of the hall during Matviyenko's address.
🔴 During the speech of Russian politician Valentina Matviyenko at the World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments in Geneva, some attendants walked out of the room in protest, according to the deputy speaker of the Verkhovna Rada.pic.twitter.com/8Fir9ndOMm
— UNITED24 Media (@United24media) July 30, 2025
"A walkout during Matviyenko's speech at the World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva! I am proud of all our partners and colleagues! This protest is against the aggressor, and it's a strong show of support for the people of Ukraine!" Kondratyuk remarked.
In an interview on a national telethon, the Vice-Speaker explained that the walkout was primarily a sign of solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
"The nearly empty hall where Matviyenko spoke reflects how democratic countries, and parliaments, in particular, view the aggressor state," she added.
On July 27, Valentina Matviyenko arrived in Switzerland to attend the World Conference of Speakers of Parliament.
Ukrainian Foreign Ministry representative Heorhii Tykhyi stated that Matviyenko belongs in the dock, not at international conferences.
"Her admission to Geneva is disgraceful and should never have happened. Genocidal Matvienko bears personal responsibility for the crime of aggression and all subsequent atrocities after publicly endorsing the use of Russian armed forces on Ukrainian territory," he emphasized.
Tykhyi also urged conference participants to refrain from shaking her hand, which he said "which is covered in Ukrainian blood."
Earlier, Matviyenko confirmed that Russia has no intention of making concessions to end the war with Ukraine, reiterating that Moscow would not retreat from its demands made in Istanbul in 2022 "by even an inch."
-9220540186162ee79463169b5478a8d5.jpg "Soldiers of Ukraine’s 40th Coastal Defense Brigade prepare a SHARK UAV for a mission in Kherson region, January 2025. (Source: Getty Images)")
