**Russian Official Skirts Sanctions to Attend Geneva Conference**
In a move that has raised eyebrows, Valentina Matviyenko, a top ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and one of Russia’s most senior officials, traveled to Switzerland despite being under international sanctions. According to Bloomberg, Matviyenko flew from Moscow to Geneva via European airspace, using a government plane that took an indirect route through Turkey and the Mediterranean before entering Italy’s airspace.
Matviyenko, who serves as the speaker of Russia’s Federation Council, led a Russian delegation to the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament and the Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament in Geneva. The conferences were organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union in cooperation with the United Nations. This event was attended by delegations from various countries, including Ukraine.
It is worth noting that Matviyenko has been sanctioned by the EU, US, UK, and Switzerland due to her role in Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The sanctions were imposed on individuals who have been involved in approving Russian troop deployments into Ukraine and the annexation of Ukrainian regions.
**A Waiver for a Sanctioned Official**
Italy reportedly approved the overflight at the request of the Swiss government, consulting with French authorities beforehand. France’s Foreign Ministry did not comment on this matter. Switzerland’s Foreign Ministry declined to discuss Matviyenko’s case specifically but confirmed that exemptions can be made for sanctioned individuals attending international conferences.
**Contrasting Views on Ukraine**
At the Geneva conference, Matviyenko repeated claims of Ukrainian disinformation and portrayed Russia’s invasion as justified resistance against the “Kyiv regime.” She encouraged attendees to visit occupied areas of the Donbas to “counter the information war against Russia.” In contrast, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry condemned Matviyenko’s appearance at the event, stating that her place was in a dock, not at international conferences.
**European Commission Stance**
The European Commission said it had not issued a waiver for Matviyenko or her flight. However, EU member states are permitted to approve exceptions on a case-by-case basis for reasons including humanitarian need, participation in intergovernmental meetings, or efforts that support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
**Analysis**
This incident highlights the complexities of international relations and the gray areas between diplomatic norms and economic sanctions. The waiver granted by Italy and France has raised questions about whether it contradicts EU policies aimed at supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. As tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate, such incidents may further strain relations between European countries.
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