B Bondarev biography

Boris Bondarev: The reason is that I completely disagree with what and did my government at least since February, and I no longer want to be associated with this. BBC: How difficult was it for you to go for it? There was a decision to do this [and it was necessary to understand] when. I have not seen any alternative. BBC: Are you afraid for your safety? BBC: How much were you shocked by the offensive in Ukraine on February 24?

Because the first thing I heard on the morning of February 24 was that Russian military aircraft bombing Kyiv and Kharkov. And the last time these cities were bombed during the Second World War - and the Germans did this. And now we will bomb them. I think that all Russians should be shocked by this. BBC: How common is this sense of shock and objection to what is happening in Ukraine in the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs?

This is not. BBC: Why is this happening? When you work in the ministry, there is a hierarchy there, so you are obliged to follow the instructions of the leadership. And for many years the critical approach to the ministry was mainly eliminated. Therefore, most people simply believe everything that they are told, without any criticism, without independent thought. BBC: Do you think to what extent your decision to resign can change something?

But I think that this can become a brick in the wall that can be built over time. I hope so. BBC: How strong was the shock among your colleagues? Have you talked about this with them? At first, the general mood was, as it seemed to me, was joy, satisfaction, euphoria. That finally [Russia] went to some radical steps. Now they are not so happy, because we first have problems with the economy.

But it does not seem to me that most of them will repent and change their views. They can become a little less radical, slightly less aggressive.

But not peaceful. BBC: What do you plan to do next and do you intend to ask for a political asylum? To protect yourself? Speaking from a legal point of view, I did not do anything illegal, I have not committed any crime. I just resigned and said that I think. But it seems to me that, of course, I have to worry about my safety. BBC: Given what your president said in the past, can you consider you a traitor to your country?

BBC: And how did your boss reacted in Geneva? Since then, I have not been in the mission and I don’t know about his reaction. But I do not think that it will be positive. To continue to receive BBC news, subscribe to our channels:.