The foreign ministers of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Ukraine have chosen to boycott the upcoming OSCE meeting scheduled in Skopje, North Macedonia, from November 30 to December 1. The primary cause for this collective decision is the anticipated presence of Russian diplomatic chief Sergey Lavrov at the ministerial gathering. Bulgaria has granted permission for Lavrov’s airspace transit specifically for the OSCE meeting.
Joint Statement by the Baltic States
In a joint statement, ministers Gabrielius Landsbergis (Lithuania), Krišjānis Kariņš (Latvia), and Margus Tsahkna (Estonia) expressed their rationale:
“For the past two years we have witnessed how one OSCE participating state has actively and brutally tried to annihilate another. Let us be very clear: Russia’s war of aggression and atrocities against its sovereign and peaceful neighbor Ukraine blatantly violate international law, including the UN Charter, and constitute an attack on the OSCE and its underlying principles.
We have also seen nothing but Russia’s obstructive behavior within the OSCE itself – first, by blocking any OSCE presence and activities in Ukraine, then by blocking Estonia’s 2024 chairmanship on completely fabricated reasons and now by blocking constructive solutions for keeping the organization alive and functional.
We deeply regret the decision enabling the personal participation of Russian Foreign Minister S. Lavrov at the 30th Session of the OSCE Ministerial Council in Skopje. It will only provide Russia with yet another propaganda opportunity.
S. Lavrov’s attendance at the OSCE Ministerial also risks legitimizing aggressor Russia as a rightful member of our community of free nations, trivializing the atrocious crimes Russia has been committing, and putting up with Russia’s blatant violation and contempt of the OSCE fundamental principles and commitments. We, the Ministers of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, will not be part of this and will not share responsibility for consequences it will create.”
The ministers also emphasized that “OSCE was originally designed to build European security, to prevent conflicts and to preserve peace.” However, they lamented the absence of any indication that Russia considers fulfilling its international and OSCE commitments.
“And Russia has, through its unlawful and atrocious actions, proved time and again that it is not a security partner to Europe.” The ministers summarized.
Ukraine’s Declaration
Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolenko stated that neither the head of Ukrainian diplomacy, Dmytro Kuleba, nor the Ukrainian delegation will participate in the OSCE meeting due to Lavrov’s attendance.
EU’s Stand
Meanwhile, European diplomacy chief Josep Borrell confirmed his participation in the OSCE foreign ministers’ meeting. During a briefing in Brussels, Borrell expressed, “I don’t want the EU chair to be empty. I will be there.” He underscored that while he has “some experience of talking to Lavrov in difficult circumstances,” there are no plans for a bilateral meeting with Lavrov.