Politico: A scandal broke out in Australia over the wife of the Russian ambassador A dispute started in the Australian diplomatic community over the fact that the wife of the Russian official, Irina Petrakova, was admitted to the Women's International Club (WIC). The organization has existed since 1964, membership is granted for regular participation in club events. The president of the WIC stated that Petrakova joined the WIC "in accordance with the law and the charter", and the decision was made after consultation with lawyers. Denying membership based on country of origin would violate anti-discrimination laws. At the same time, the spouses of the ambassadors of Ukraine, Italy and Estonia left the club in protest. EU Ambassador to Australia Laurence Meredith, in turn, told the publication that Brussels was "deeply disappointed" by Petrakova's admission to the WIC.

Politico: A scandal broke out in Australia over the wife of the Russian ambassador A dispute started in the Australian diplomatic community over the fact that the wife of the Russian official, Irina Petrakova, was admitted to the Women's International Club (WIC). The organization has existed since 1964, membership is granted for regular participation in club events. The president of the WIC stated that Petrakova joined the WIC "in accordance with the law and the charter", and the decision was made after consultation with lawyers. Denying membership based on country of origin would violate anti-discrimination laws. At the same time, the spouses of the ambassadors of Ukraine, Italy and Estonia left the club in protest. EU Ambassador to Australia Laurence Meredith, in turn, told the publication that Brussels was "deeply disappointed" by Petrakova's admission to the WIC.