‘What is the big idea?’ Russian ambassador fights for wife’s right to join social club

Detailed summary

A diplomatic stoush has erupted in the nation’s capital, triggering resignations and claims of discrimination over membership of a women’s social club.

A Canberra social club’s decision to grant membership to the wife of Russia’s ambassador to Australia has sparked a diplomatic stoush in the nation’s capital, triggering resignations and claims of discrimination.

Moscow’s ambassador in Australia, Mikhail Petrakov, accused Ukraine of promoting Russophobia following the resignation of Liana Myroshnychenko, the wife of Ukrainian ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko, from the Women’s International Club of Canberra after it admitted Petrakov’s wife Irina Petrakova.

The spouses of Italy and Estonia’s ambassadors joined Myroshnychenko in quitting the club in protest, and the European Union’s ambassador to Australia expressed deep disappointment at the club’s decision.

The self-described women’s friendship club, established in 1964, says it has 300 members, representing more than 50 countries.

It organises an array of activities for members including bridge, mahjong, tennis, craft groups, dining groups, photography, meditation and origami, with a focus on women living in Canberra on diplomatic or business postings.

Petrakov said in a Facebook post on Thursday that Ukraine had injected politics into “a purely social, non-political institution”, noting the spouses of other Russian ambassadors had previously been admitted as members.

“What we see now is an act of political pressure on Australian laws and institutions by the Ukrainian side, its attempt to determine who are more equal than others, promote Russophobia, both in the club and in the country.”

Petrakov suggested the timing of the resignations was striking given Ukrainian and Russian representatives were holding talks with the United States in Abu Dhabi.

“What’s the big idea?” he asked. “Like it or not, socialise or not, Russia will not go anywhere. Will Australians agree that Russia and her national interests should be respected? Will Australian public bow down to the attempts to impose the Ukrainian will, and to discredit a well-respected club?

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