MFA: Russia not to escape responsibility for war crimes by blocking OSCE mission

This is stated in the commentary by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine on the termination of the mandate of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine due to the position of Russia, Ukrinform reports.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine notes that Mission’s key tasks, inter alia, included reducing tensions and developing peace, stability and security.

"Blocking the Mission's mandate confirms Moscow's conscious choice to continue waging the aggressive war against Ukraine. Russia is not interested in the work of the OSCE SMM which was to record numerous violations of international humanitarian law, war crimes, and crimes against humanity," the Ukrainian diplomats underscored.

At the same time, it is emphasized that the destructive position of the Russian Federation will allow neither Russia’s military and political leadership, nor the direct executors of criminal orders to escape responsibility.

As the MFA stressed, Ukraine is interested in further monitoring activities of the Mission throughout the internationally recognized territory of the country.

"In this context, we express our strong support for the efforts of Poland’s Chairmanship and the OSCE Secretary General to ensure an effective OSCE presence in Ukraine," the Ministry emphasized.

As reported, the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine was established in March 2014 at the request of the Government of Ukraine to the OSCE and by consensus decision of all 57 participating States, including Russia.

The mandate of the Mission was extended every year, the last annual period – from April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022.

Incumbent OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland Zbigniew Rau stated that Poland's Chairmanship of the OSCE would continue consultations with participating States on the future role and presence of the OSCE in Ukraine.

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