Over 100 Diplomats Walk Out as Russia Speaks at the UN
At least 140 diplomats representing at least 40 countries walked out on Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov as he spoke at the UN Human Rights Council on March 2, 2022.
Footage of the walkout was uploaded on the official Twitter account of the U.S. Diplomatic Mission assigned to the U.N.
Lavrov was supposed to be at the U.N. but had to appear on a virtual call because Europe closed its airspace to all Russian aircraft.
The unprecedented stunt was led by Ukrainian Ambassador Yevheniia Filipenko, who thanked those who stood up for Ukraine.
“Thank you very much for this wonderful show of support to Ukrainians who are fighting for their independence,” said Filipenko.
What did Russia’s foreign minister had to say?
Russia defended its actions in Ukraine through Lavrov’s speech.
He described Russia’s invasion as a “special military operation” aimed at neutralizing Neo-Nazis in Ukraine. He also slammed Europe for delivering weapons to Ukraine and propagating hatred toward Russia, which he described as “Russophobic frenzy,” while accusing Ukraine of committing human rights violations.
