Ukrainian, Italian, Estonian envoys' wives quit Canberra club over Russian
Wives of three ambassadors quit a Canberra club after it admitted the Russian ambassador's wife. They cited Russia's actions in Ukraine.
The Women's International Club of Canberra admitted Irina Petrakova, wife of Russia's ambassador. The wives of Ukraine's, Italy's, and Estonia's ambassadors then withdrew their memberships.
The club's president said the admission was legally required to avoid discrimination by country. Ukraine's ambassador's wife objected on principle.
Russia is invading her home country. Russia has been accused of war crimes.
The EU ambassador told POLITICO the admission was disappointing. The EU will not accept Russia's actions as normal.
Ukraine's ambassador pointed out more context. Russian-backed forces shot down Malaysia Airlines MH17 over Ukraine in July 2014.
This crash killed 283 people, including 38 Australians. What began as a bridge and mahjong club has become a flashpoint in Canberra's diplomatic tensions.
Why it mattersThis shows how the Ukraine war is splitting Western unity. It is splitting even social spaces. People are forced to choose between civility and principle.
