© TASS
Russia: Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov meets with officials of Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics
GENEVA (77WABC) — Dozens of diplomats from countries including Britain, the United States and France walked out of a Geneva meeting when Russian foreign minister serge Lavrov’s pre recorded message began to play.
U.S., European, and British diplomats walked out of a speech by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to the top U.N. human rights forum, in protest on Russia's attacks on Ukraine. https://t.co/Cemp8fumlD pic.twitter.com/WWbbTSi7G4
— ABC News (@ABC) March 2, 2022
During his speech, the foreign minister blamed Ukraine for the war and claimed Kyiv has been seeking to acquire nuclear weapons – a “real danger” that required a Russian response. Lavrov also accused Russia of war crimes through its shelling of his country and the ambassador called for a special meeting to address Russian aggression and weapons of mass destruction.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told a Geneva disarmament meeting via video link that Ukraine has been seeking to acquire nuclear weapons, a ‘real danger’ that needed a Russian response https://t.co/bvha9JiCI6 pic.twitter.com/Dd08PPMhN3
— Reuters (@Reuters) March 1, 2022
The walkout was led by Ukrainian Ambassador Yevheniia Filipenko, who told the crowd gathered around the large Ukrainian flag outside the chamber.
“Thank you very much for this wonderful show of support to Ukrainians who are fighting for their independence,” Filipenko said.