Ukraine initiates emergency OSCE debate over Russian strikes

At Ukraine's request, the OSCE will hold an emergency debate on Thursday, January 15, to consider Russia's attacks on Ukrainian cities and its disregard for U.S.-led peace efforts.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced this on X, Ukrinform reports.

"There is and will be no pauses in pressure on Russia, including in international fora, as long as the terrorist state is dead set on its genocidal war of aggression. After a series of emergency meetings, including those of the UNSC and NATO, this Thursday, on January 15th, at Ukraine's demand Russian strikes and disregard for U.S.-led peace efforts will be addressed by the OSCE," Sybiha wrote.

He added that the timing of the emergency debate was chosen to coincide with the inaugural meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council in 2026 and the presentation of Switzerland's chairmanship priorities by Ignazio Cassis.

Sybiha called on all OSCE participating states "to rise up to the threat and sheer magnitude of the challenge the biggest and longest war in Europe since the WWII presents to the very notions of sovereignty, territorial integrity, freedom, and human life."

Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the UN Andrii Melnyk earlier urged allies and partners to immediately provide Ukraine with available air defense systems to protect civilians and energy infrastructure, as well as to tighten sanctions pressure on Russia.