Valentina Matviyenko, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and one of the country’s most senior officials, attended a conference in Geneva earlier this week, despite being under EU sanctions. Her participation in the event, where she promoted Kremlin disinformation about Ukraine, has drawn attention to the complex dynamics between Russia and Western nations. The EU has imposed sanctions on Matviyenko for her alleged role in supporting the Russian government’s policies in Ukraine.
Matviyenko’s statements at the Geneva conference reiterated the Kremlin’s stance on the conflict, suggesting that the Russian government continues to disseminate narratives that contradict international consensus. This has raised concerns among Western diplomats about the potential for further destabilization in the region. The incident underscores the challenges faced by the EU in enforcing sanctions and managing its relations with Russia.