The Reinforced Meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council at the Ministerial Level

VIENNA, 24 FEBRUARY 2022 – To address Russia’s military operation in Ukraine, the Polish OSCE Chairmanship convened a reinforced meeting of the Permanent Council at the ministerial level.

Almost all of the OSCE participating States condemned Russia’s military operation as an unacceptable act of aggression and blatant violation of international law. Participants expressed their solidarity and support to territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and for the work of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine.

The OSCE Chairman-in-Office and Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau said “By this act of military aggression Russia broke virtually all international treaties, rules and commitments, including the fundaments of this Organization - the Helsinki Final Act and the Charter of Paris.”

“This behavior is proof that Russia has rejected all international efforts, including within the OSCE, to engage in dialogue,” he added.

“Russia has chosen force over dialogue, even when dialogue was repeatedly offered and options were not exhausted. Their actions are resulting in injuries and death and they are creating a humanitarian crisis. Owing to the ongoing fighting and deteriorated security situation, in coordination with the Chairman-in-Office, I have decided to temporarily evacuate all international mission members,” stated Secretary General Schmid.

“An overwhelming number of Members of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly condemn in the strongest terms the advancement of the Russian military into the territory of Ukraine. This constitutes armed aggression in clear and gross violation of the most basic norms of international law, as well as OSCE principles and commitments,” said OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Margareta Cederfelt.

The majority of the OSCE participating States were represented by foreign ministers. The meeting took place at Hofburg, Vienna and was held in a blended format.