OSCE reaffirms support for just peace for Ukraine
On the occasion of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) reaffirmed its support for a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, to be achieved through negotiations based on international law and the Helsinki principles.
This was stated in a joint declaration by the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, former OSCE Chairperson and Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioğlu, President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Pere Joan Pons Sampietro, and OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella, Ukrinform reports.
OSCE leaders emphasized the devastating impact of Russia’s war on people, reaffirmed the continuation of OSCE activities in Ukraine, and stressed their commitment to addressing the most serious security challenge in the OSCE region.
They strongly condemned Russia’s war against Ukraine, as well as attacks on civilians, civilian objects, and infrastructure essential for civilian survival, underscoring that international humanitarian law must be respected at all times.
“Four years into the war, we must spare no effort to end this war. The priority of the Swiss Chairpersonship is to support ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war through a negotiated settlement,” Ignazio Cassis said, stressing that the Organization stands ready to support negotiations and their implementation on the ground.
Elina Valtonen, for her part, emphasized the need to hold those responsible accountable and highlighted the importance of justice for the victims of aggression.
Secretary General Sinirlioğlu stated that the war in Ukraine must end with a “just and sustainable peace.”
“At a time of growing global mistrust, dialogue should remain possible. We need multilateralism to reduce the risks of further destabilization,” he said.
According to Roberto Montella, support for Ukraine since 2014 has been and will remain a priority for the OSCE.
The leaders also reiterated their call for the release of three OSCE staff members – Vadym Golda, Maksym Petrov, and Dmytro Shabanov.
As previously reported by Ukrinform, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk and OSCE Secretary General Sinirlioğlu discussed Ukraine’s recovery and the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia during a meeting in Vienna.