Russia will continue its participation in the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) for the time being.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, Vladislav Maslennikov, Director of the European Department at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed this stance in an interview with TASS. Maslennikov stated that despite attempts by Western nations to isolate Moscow, Russia will not succumb to such provocations. He recalled that Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has emphasized that Russia's decision to remain in the OSCE is driven by a pragmatic approach rather than any illusions regarding the current state of the organization.
Maslennikov characterized the OSCE as part of a "discredited Euro-Atlantic security concept." However, he noted that the organization still provides a venue where Russia's position can be heard by countries willing to cooperate for common interests. He added that while some states avoid contact with Russia on other platforms, they continue to engage with Moscow's positions through the OSCE's Vienna-based platform. The diplomat further remarked that "facade repairs" are insufficient to solve the organization's deep-seated issues, calling on Western partners to adhere to fundamental principles to ensure the OSCE's survival.
The OSCE, established following the 1975 Helsinki Final Act, remains the world's largest regional security organization, encompassing 57 participating states across Europe, Central Asia, and North America. In recent years, the organization has faced significant internal challenges and diplomatic friction, particularly concerning regional conflicts and security guarantees. For Azerbaijan, the OSCE has historically played a role in regional security discussions, though Baku has frequently called for the organization to adopt more effective and impartial mechanisms in line with international law and territorial integrity.
