In Skopje, North Macedonia, during the OSCE foreign ministers’ meeting, tensions flared, marked by accusatory rhetoric between Russia and the other participating nations.
➤ The controversy arose well before the meeting itself when Russian diplomatic chief Sergei Lavrov faced obstacles due to EU sanctions, preventing his travel by land and air in EU space. Despite Bulgaria permitting Lavrov’s plane to fly over its territory, he ultimately reached Skopje via Greece, adhering to Bulgaria’s condition that Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, also under EU sanctions, should not be on board.
➤ Several countries’ foreign ministers, including those from the Baltic States, Ukraine, and Poland, publicly opted out of the ministerial meeting due to Lavrov’s presence. Estonia cited Russia and Belarus’s veto, which thwarted its chance to lead the OSCE in 2024 (eventually granted to Malta).
➤ Lavrov’s speech stirred controversy, accusing Western countries of hindering the OSCE’s revival and turning it into an appendage of NATO and the European Union. He expressed doubts about the need to revive the organization and reiterated the Kremlin’s narrative regarding the wars in Ukraine and Georgia, attributing them to the actions of NATO and the EU.
➤ Lavrov openly threatened Moldova, claiming it is “destined to be the next victim in the hybrid war unleashed by the West against Russia.” He also suggested that countries hosting Western emissaries and foundations should “think twice.”
➤ During Lavrov’s speech, the Ukrainian delegation and several other countries left the hall. Lavrov interrupted his speech, stating, “Can you leave me alone, please? Thank you,” and left the room immediately after finishing, without listening to other speakers.
➤ US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken arrived in Skopje after the NATO ministerial meeting in Brussels, engaging in discussions with the Foreign Minister of North Macedonia and participating in a working dinner with colleagues from other countries. Blinken left Skopje before Lavrov’s arrival.
➤ Head of European diplomacy Josep Borrell attended the meeting but delegated the speech to Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to the OSCE Rasa Ostaruskaite (Lithuania). Her speech strongly criticized Russia and Belarus, calling on their authorities to halt “horrific and unprecedented internal repression” and release political prisoners, including those in the occupied territories of Ukraine. She affirmed the EU’s full support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
➤ German Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock expressed strong criticism towards Russia, accusing it not only of wanting to destroy Ukraine but also of attempting to undermine the cooperation of organizations like the OSCE. Berbock urged Lavrov to “stop this war” and cease the “unspeakable suffering” inflicted on millions of people, asserting that Russia’s decision is all that is required for the war to end and peace to prevail.
➤ Luxembourg Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel, recalling his Russian roots and past contact with Putin, lamented the breakdown in ties, stating, “With your behavior, you have destroyed everything we have built – cultural, political, economic ties.”
➤ Meanwhile, Lavrov managed personal communication with colleagues from Northern Macedonia, Austria, Hungary, and Armenia.
➤ Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto actively advocated an anti-Ukrainian position, expressing regret over the absence of direct contacts between Ukraine and Russia within the OSCE.
➤ A spokesperson for Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg confirmed a meeting with Lavrov “at the request of the OSCE and in consultation with the chairmanship” to discuss appointments to senior positions in the OSCE.
