Poland in the OSCE

On 24 February marking the 3rd anniversary of the start of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, the Finnish OSCE Chairpersonship convened a meeting of the OSCE Reinforced Permanent Council to address the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine.

Poland was represented by the Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski, who noted that in the fourth year of the war, there are no signs of a de-escalation of the conflict, and Russia, supported by Belarus, continues its criminal war against Ukraine. The Minister emphasised in his speech: - Negotiations cannot be led under bomb or missile attacks, nor nuclear blackmail. We are engaging in ongoing efforts by Europe to take ownership and finding feasible solutions related to peace talks, while securing necessary support for Kyiv. –

Almost all OSCE participating States condemned Russia's military action in Ukraine as an unacceptable act of aggression and a gross violation of international law. Ministers referred in their speeches to the fundamental principles of the OSCE, the Helsinki Decalogue, the need to enforce and hold Russia accountable for the crimes it has committed. Many delegations also stressed the potential importance of the OSCE in the peace process.

Speaking countries stressed the need for Ukraine to be at the negotiating table. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha noted: - There is not a single hint that Russians seek just peace or real talks. Russia seeks a surrender of Ukraine and destabilisation of Europe. Putin is not a deal-maker, he is a deal-breaker. We can only force Russia to a true peace. A new effective security architecture in Europe can only be built on the comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine.-

Minister W. T. Bartoszewski, as well as representatives of other speaking participating States, recalled that it is Russia that is violating OSCE principles and commitments: - Russia has violated each and every commitment laid down in the Helsinki Final Act. If OSCE wants to play a constructive role in shaping future relations between its participating States, it can’t negotiate with aggressor. Therefore, no business as usual, priority on Ukraine and isolation of aggressors by the Organisation should be the guideline for the OSCE leadership. -

The reinforced OSCE Permanent Council is convened on an exceptional basis. It meets in Vienna, in the format of foreign ministers of the 57 OSCE participating States. In contrast, the weekly meetings, which take place in Vienna, in the format of the Permanent Representatives (Ambassadors) of the 57 OSCE participating States, are the OSCE Permanent Council - the main decision-making body for regular political consultations and for managing the day-to-day operational work of the OSCE.

Photos: Micky Kroell/OSCE