"I am ashamed of my homeland Russia"… '20-year veteran' Russian diplomat publicly resigns

"War of aggression is a serious crime," President Putin strongly criticized

Boris Bondarev (41), Russian diplomat. /Photo by AP Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] A Russian diplomat stationed in Geneva, Switzerland, strongly criticized President Vladimir Putin and resigned from his diplomatic post.

According to foreign media including the AP News, Boris Bondarev (41), a Russian diplomat, submitted his resignation to the Russian Mission to the United Nations in Geneva on the morning of the 23rd (local time).

In an English statement sent to about 40 fellow diplomats, Bondarev explained his reason for resignation, saying, "During my 20-year diplomatic career, I have seen foreign policy change, but never have I been as ashamed of my homeland as on February 24," the date Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine.

He said, "The 'aggressive war' President Putin has waged against Ukraine and, in fact, the entire Western world, is not only a crime against the Ukrainian people but also the most serious crime against the Russian people," adding, "As a public servant, I will take responsibility for my part."

He then targeted the Russian ruling class, saying, "Those who conceived this war want only one thing: to remain in power, enjoy eternal authority, and complete immunity," and "They are willing to sacrifice as many lives as necessary," pointing out that "thousands of Russians and Ukrainians have already lost their lives because of this."

Bondarev also testified that he repeatedly expressed concerns about the war to the Russian mission but was ignored each time. He stated, "Not all Russian diplomats dream of war. They had to keep silent."

Bondarev's English statement.
Photo by Twitter capture

Regarding Sergey Lavrov, the head of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to which he belonged, Bondarev said, "Many colleagues, who are experts and intellectuals, have highly regarded him, but now he has become someone who constantly issues conflict statements and threatens the world with nuclear weapons," raising his voice.

Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet issued an official statement regarding Bondarev's resignation. Russian state media are also refraining from reporting on it. However, the Washington Post reported that the Russian government may impose up to 15 years in prison on those who spread "false information" about the war, such as referring to the Ukraine conflict as a "war" rather than a "special military operation."