EU representatives, including the president of the German Bundestag, walked out of an event in Geneva in protest at the presence of Ukraine war campaigner Valentina Matvienko.

The protest was triggered by the appearance of Valentina Matvienko, head of the Russian Federation Council, at an international forum, seen as a prominent figure in support of the war in Ukraine. The Russian delegation, including members under international sanctions, has been criticized by European officials, who point to Russia's violation of international law. Julia Klockner, president of the German Bundestag, condemned attempts to distort the facts and said Matvienko should be tried for crimes of aggression. The reactions underline continuing tensions between Russia and the West.