Baltic States and Ukraine to Boycott OSCE Meeting Over Russia's Participation

Foreign ministers of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, along with the head of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have decided to abstain from participating in this week's OSCE ministerial meeting in Skopje due to the presence of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The corresponding statement is posted on the website of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This decision was expressed in a joint statement by the foreign ministers of the Baltic countries - Krisjanis Karins (Latvia), Gabrielius Landsbergis (Lithuania), and Margus Tsahkna (Estonia). Additionally, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oleg Nikolenko, announced that Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba would also not attend the OSCE meeting.

According to the foreign ministers of the Baltic countries, Lavrov's participation may legitimize Russia as an aggressor and lead to the depreciation of crimes committed by Russia, violating the basic principles and commitments of the OSCE.

"The aggressive war and atrocities of the Russian Federation against its sovereign and peaceful neighbor Ukraine grossly violate international law, including the UN Charter, and constitute an attack on the OSCE and its fundamental principles. In fact, Europe today needs security from Russia and against Russia, not together with it," stated the ministers of the Baltic countries.

The statement notes that the OSCE was created to ensure European security and maintain peace, but Russia, through its unlawful actions, proves to be a non-partner in the security sphere. Minister Tsahkna emphasized that Estonia is not prepared to sit at the same table with the aggressor and take responsibility for the possible consequences of Lavrov's presence, as it contradicts European principles.

As Tsahkna pointed out, Russia will use this opportunity to spread its propaganda and undermine Western unity. "The place for Lavrov is in a special tribunal, not at the OSCE table," emphasized Margus Tsahkna.

It is worth noting that last week, Russia and Belarus vetoed Estonia's approval as the next OSCE chairing country in 2024. Moscow has consistently opposed Estonia's appointment since 2020, citing Estonia's NATO membership.

Against this backdrop, Malta received the proposal to chair the OSCE in 2024. This country was considered a compromise option as it declares neutrality, although it has condemned Russian aggression and, as an EU member, has joined sanctions against Russia.