A high-ranking Russian official at the IAEA was suspended over a book containing attacks on the LGBT community
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has suspended Mikhail Chudakov—the agency’s deputy director general and one of the highest-ranking Russian officials in the UN system—from his duties. The reason was an ethics investigation stemming from a book he wrote under a pseudonym.
The book in question is the 76-page “Treatise on Life,” published in 2025. In the book, Chudakov refers to feminists as “hysterical fanatics” and uses derogatory terms for gay men and lesbians. He describes same-sex relationships as “sinful deviations” and their influence on young people as “poison.”
The book caught the IAEA’s attention after Chudakov presented it at a meeting of the UN Young Nuclear Generation in Vienna. Subsequently, representatives of the youth group handed the book over to the agency’s head of ethics.
In the book, the author also opposes feminist movements, claims that women have more rights than men, and supports “strict authoritarian rule” and a “dictatorship” disguised as democracy. He also calls for loyalty to Russia and its government and advocates the persecution of dissidents.
Chudakov has served as Deputy Director General of the IAEA since 2015 and heads the department responsible for the development of nuclear energy. He published the book under the pseudonym Valentin Voyutin and dedicated it to his children.
According to IAEA rules, agency staff must avoid discrimination, maintain a safe work environment, and uphold neutrality and professional standards. The publication of books also requires approval from headquarters if they address sensitive topics.
Former U.S. Ambassador to the IAEA Laura Holgate called the publication and distribution of such a book by an international official highly inappropriate, emphasizing that its content does not meet the requirements of neutrality and professionalism.
Source: Bloomberg.
The European Union has expanded its sanctions list against Russia, adding more than 80 individuals and entities. Among them is Metropolitan Tikhon (Georgy Shevkunov) of Simferopol and Crimea, whom the media refer to as Putin’s “spiritual advisor.”
Prior to this, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree imposing new sanctions against citizens and organizations linked to Russian propaganda and the persecution of Ukrainians. The restrictions apply to 29 individuals and 17 entities.
