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Transcript/ScriptRUSSIA DIPLOMAT RESIGNATION
HEADLINE: Russia ‘Embarrassed’ by Diplomat Resignation, but Fear Enforces Loyalty
TEASER: Russian UN diplomat Boris Bondarev quit over his country’s invasion of Ukraine, now fears for his safety
PUBLISHED AT: Thursday, 05/26/2022 at 2:30pm
BYLINE: Henry Ridgwell
DATELINE: LONDON
VIDEOGRAPHER: Henry Ridgwell
VIDEO EDITOR:
SCRIPT EDITORS: Steve Hirsch, Salem Solomon
VIDEO SOURCE (S): APTN, Reuters, AFP, Skype
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV X RADIO __
TRT: 2:46
VID APPROVED BY: MAS
TYPE: VPKGF
EDITOR NOTES: There is an accompanying web article.))
((INTRO))
[[The resignation earlier this week of veteran Russian diplomat Boris Bondarev over the invasion of Ukraine is an embarrassment for the Kremlin but analysts say fear prevents most Russian officials from voicing dissent. Henry Ridgwell reports.]]
((NARRATOR))
Forty-one-year-old Boris Bondarev forged a 20-year career in the Russian diplomatic service.
Until this week he worked at the United Nations in Geneva.
((NARRATOR))
He confirmed his resignation Monday in a letter posted on Facebook — saying “never have I been so ashamed of my country as on February 24 of this year” — the date Russia launched its latest invasion of Ukraine.
((Boris Bondarev, Former Russian Diplomat to the United Nations (in English))) ((AP Photo for Bondarev))
“Of course, it worries (me), Ukraine, as it is a pivotal moment because there is no choice after that, there is only one choice — to leave, to quit. (I) don’t know for now what I’m going to do next. I’m thinking about it, but I think if I have to go back to Russia, then the prospects maybe not very pleasant.”
((NARRATOR))
The resignation will be embarrassing for the Kremlin, says Valery Solovei, a former professor at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations — where he taught several of Russia’s diplomats.
((Valery Solovei, Former Professor at Moscow State Institute of International Relations (in English))) ((Mandatory cg: Skype))
“Because they, the Kremlin, were absolutely sure in (the) loyalty of the Russian foreign office. I think that he reflects (the) general emotion of many of his colleagues in the foreign office, but it doesn’t mean that they are ready to follow.”
((NARRATOR))
Solovei says Moscow has since conducted an urgent review of its diplomatic staff.
((Valery Solovei, Former Professor at Moscow State Institute of International Relations (in English))) ((Mandatory cg: Skype))
“There will be more control outside the country and maybe some who are on the list, who were included in the list as potentially disloyal, will be removed from their embassies outside or outside the country to Moscow.”
((NARRATOR))
The Kremlin will not be panicking, says analyst Alex Titov.
((Alex Titov, Russia Analyst at Queen’s University Belfast)) ((Mandatory cg: Skype)) “I wouldn’t expect them to have mass resignations.”
((NARRATOR))
Most officials remain loyal to President Vladimir Putin, says Titov.
((Alex Titov, Russia Analyst at Queen’s University Belfast)) ((Mandatory cg: Skype))
“Diplomats are a special caste in a sense, they are selected for, they (the government) use their loyalty in many ways. They also have a lot of benefits. And they are professionals who are attuned to this idea of hostility with the West.”
((NARRATOR))
The Kremlin has one method to ensure loyalty, says Solovei.
((Valery Solovei, Former Professor at Moscow State Institute of International Relations (in English))) ((Mandatory cg: Skype))
“Fear. Fear and strong control.”
((NARRATOR))
Bondarev said he is fearful for his safety. Under Putin’s rule, several dissidents living overseas have been killed or targeted by the Russian state, although Moscow denies such actions.
((Henry Ridgwell, for VOA News, London.))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Location (dateline)
LONDON
Embargo DateMay 26, 2022 17:19 EDT
Byline((Henry Ridgwell, for VOA News, London.))
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
