OSCE Troika meets with Ukrainian Foreign Minister, expresses strong support to Ukraine and calls on Russia to immediately stop its military attack

RZESZOW, 8 April 2022 - The Foreign Ministers of Poland, Sweden, and North Macedonia, representing the OSCE Troika met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Rzeszow, in Poland’s Podkarpacie Region. During a meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, the Foreign Ministers of Sweden, Poland and North Macedonia reiterated their call for the Russian Federation to end hostilities and withdraw its forces from Ukraine and expressed their full support in these challenging times.

The Ministers deplored the reports and shocking testimonies of unlawful violence and abuse against civilians in Bucha and other cities in the Kyiv region following the withdrawal of Russian forces from these areas. They repeated their call for an independent investigation.

The Ministers also expressed their sincere regret that no consensus was reached on the extension of the mandate of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine due to the position of the Russian Federation.

OSCE Chairman-in-Office and Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau stated that the OSCE remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s population and stands ready to assist.

“The Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine has re-established its presence in Ukraine with an office in Uzhhorod and will continue to provide support across three dimensions of the OSCE work,” Minister Rau said.

“In order to address the country’s most urgent needs, the PCU team will shortly start implementing a new project on humanitarian support, working in close co-operation with its long-standing partners and co-ordinating efforts with national and international stakeholders,” he underscored.

“As a country with some experience of securing living conditions for people fleeing war, Sweden would like to express great respect for Poland. Your limitless dedication and engagement in helping your neighbours brings faith in humanity and better future,” said Minister Linde.

“The scale of Polish support for the people in highest need is beyond comparison. I am convinced that the international community is well noticing this attitude and is ready to support Poland in this life-saving mission,” said Minister Osmani.

Minister Rau also highlighted that the Polish Chairmanship will continue consultations with the participating States on the OSCE’s future role and presence in Ukraine.

The Foreign Ministers of the OSCE Troika also visited the Polish-Ukrainian border crossings in Korczowa, met with representatives of the Polish Border Guard and visited the reception centre for refugees in Młyny.