Boris Bondarev

Why I quit as a Russian diplomat to the United Nations

A captured Russian tank spray-painted with the letter 'Z'. Bondarev argues Russia's war has destroyed hopes for a prosperous free Russia 'with a bold letter Z' (photo: Getty)

My name is Boris Bondarev, in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Russia since 2002, since 2019 until now — Counsellor of the Russian Mission to the UN Office at Geneva. 

For twenty years of my diplomatic career I have seen different turns of our foreign policy, but never have I been so ashamed of my country as on February 24 of this year. 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, with a bold letter Z crossing out all hopes and prospects for a prosperous free society in our country. 

Today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is not about diplomacy. It is all about warmongering, lies and hatred.

Those who conceived this war want only one thing – to remain in power forever, live in pompous tasteless palaces, sail on yachts comparable in tonnage and cost to the entire Russian Navy, enjoying unlimited power and complete impunity.

Written by
Boris Bondarev
Boris Bondarev was Counsellor of the Russian Mission to the United Nations in Geneva. He resigned in protest to Russia's invasion of Ukraine on May 23 2022.

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