Fear forces the loyalty of Russian diplomats

The resignation earlier this week of veteran Russian diplomat Boris Bondarev over the invasion of Ukraine has put the Kremlin in an embarrassing position. As Voice of America correspondent Henry Ridgwell reports, analysts say fear prevents most Russian officials from expressing disagreement with President Putin’s actions.

Forty-one-year-old Boris Bondarev has a 20-year career in the service of Russian diplomacy.

Until this week he worked at the United Nations in Geneva.

On Monday, he announced his resignation through a Facebook post, stressing that “I have never been so ashamed of my country as on February 24 this year” – the date when Russia launched its attack on Ukraine.

“Of course, the attack in Ukraine worries me, because it is a key moment. After that, there is only one choice – to leave, to resign. I do not know at the moment what I will do next. “I am thinking about it, but I say that if I have to go back to Russia, the prospects will probably not be very pleasant.” says Boris Bondarev, a former Russian diplomat at the United Nations.

The resignation will be embarrassing for the Kremlin, says Valery Solovei, a former professor of International Relations at the Moscow State Institute – where he has taught some Russian diplomats.

“The Kremlin was absolutely confident in the loyalty of Russian diplomats. “I think he reflects what many of his fellow diplomats feel, but that does not mean they are willing to follow his example.” says for the Voice of America Valery Solovei.

Mr. Solovei says that after the incident, Moscow has made an urgent review of its diplomatic staff.

“There will be more control abroad and maybe some who are on the list, as potentially unfaithful, will leave the embassies abroad or in Moscow.”

The Kremlin will not panic, says analyst Alex Titov.

“I do not expect massive resignations.”

Most officials remain loyal to President Vladimir Putin, says analyst Titov.

“Diplomats are a special caste in a sense, they are selected. The government uses their allegiance in many ways. They also have many benefits. “They are professionals who are adapted to the idea of ​​enmity with the West.”

The Kremlin has a method of ensuring loyalty, says analyst Solovei.

“Fear. Fear and strict control.”

Former diplomat Bondarev says he fears for his safety. Under Putin’s rule, some dissidents living abroad have been killed or targeted by the Russian state, although Moscow denies such actions.