Travelling to Malta for a European security conference, Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, visited an EU state for the first time since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. His attendance at the ceremony has generated significant debate, especially with Ukraine’s official walking out of the hall ahead of Lavrov’s speech.
Why did the Foreign Minister from Ukraine leave the OSCE Summit?
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Sybiga, left the conference room before Lavrov’s remarks to show his displeasure; his foreign ministry confirmed the walkout. Tensions have been exacerbated by Lavrov’s attendance at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) conference; Sybiga has called the Russian diplomat a “war criminal.”
Sybiga underlined in a statement, “Russia’s participation in the OSCE is opposite to the purpose of the organization. It represents the main challenge to our shared security.” This comment captures Ukraine’s persistent position on Russia’s activities and demands for Russia’s expulsion from the OSCE, a body meant to lower east-west tensions and advance European security.
Why Would Poland and Other Diplomats Not Want to See Lavrov?Summit?
Other European officials have likewise greeted Lavrov’s involvement with animosity. The Polish foreign minister openly declined to meet with him, underlining his polarizing character. Before Lavrov’s speech, several other diplomats were observed leaving the chamber, indicating general resistance to Russia’s participation in the debates on world security.
What accusations Lavrov leveled against the West during the summit?
Leveraging the meeting as a chance to accuse the West of worsening world tensions, Lavrov warned of a new Cold War “with a much greater risk of a transition to a hot one.” Claiming that the geopolitical atmosphere of today is significantly more erratic than during the Cold War, he charged Western countries with aggravating problems by their actions.
What Was the US Secretary of State's Strong Rebuke of Lavrov?
Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, also attended the conference and strongly denounced Russia’s activities in Ukraine. Directly contesting Lavrov’s story, Blinken accused Moscow of starting the war and disseminating a “tsunami of misinformation.” Blinken stated, “Let’s not fool ourselves, and let’s not let [Lavrov] or anyone else fool us. This has never been about Russia’s security and is not about it now. This relates to Mr. Putin’s imperial endeavour to wipe Ukraine off the map.”
With the US still supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, Blinken’s remarks draw attention to the apparent disparity between the Western viewpoint and Russia’s depiction of the war in Ukraine.
Did Blinken and Lavrov have scheduled meetings at the summit?
Blinken and Lavrov were not set to meet during the summit despite the strong rhetoric, highlighting the diplomatic gulf between the two nations since the start of the crisis in Ukraine. With limited direct interactions, Lavrov’s complex relationship with his Western peers has been clear-cut throughout the war.
Why did the OSCE meeting in the Kyiv Boycott Last Year go?
Ukraine boycotted the OSCE conference in North Macedonia last year because of Lavrov’s attendance. This choice complemented Kyiv’s ongoing calls for Russia’s OSCE removal, a body they contend has been tainted by Moscow’s actions. The absence of Ukraine at that conference signified a turning point in the widening divide separating Russia from several European nations.
Why is Russia becoming increasingly critical of the OSCE?
Moscow’s complaints about the OSCE have become more forceful recently. Initially set up during the Cold War to reduce east-west tensions, the OSCE has grown to be a significant forum for handling security concerns throughout Europe. However, Russia’s relationship with the OSCE has deteriorated, as Moscow has vetoed numerous vital decisions. Lavrov contends the OSCE is being “turned into an appendage of NATO and the European Union.”
Ahead of the conference, Russian foreign ministry spokesman Maria Zakharova claimed in a statement that the OSCE had become “Ukrainized” and was being used by Western governments for their objectives, accusing it of having an “institutional crisis.”
What Problem Existed with Zakharova's Summit Visa?
Ahead of the summit, Zakharova also encountered diplomatic challenges. Citing her status under a travel ban, Malta’s foreign affairs office announced that three OSCE members opposed her visa application. Therefore, she was kept from going with Lavrov to the conference, even though Lavrov himself is still under EU sanctions, and there is a complete travel ban.
How did Lavrov criticize the direction of the OSCE?
Claiming the OSCE was now under the control of Western powers and was not serving its original purpose, Lavrov used his speech to attack the organization aggressively. Particularly about Ukraine, he claimed the company had veered from its goal of preventing conflict and controlling crises. Lavrov’s comments fit Russia’s general discontent with international organizations, which they feel are biased against Moscow.
Based on Lavrov's attendance at the OSCE Summit, what does it reveal regarding Russia's relations with the West?
Especially given the crisis in Ukraine, Lavrov’s attendance at the OSCE summit in Malta underlined the continuous tensions between Russia and the West. His participation highlighted the sharp differences developed in European security debates and harsh, along with Western leaders like Blinken. The OSCE remains a hot topic for discussions on Russia’s involvement in world security as Moscow defies international standards and institutions.
