In a dramatic turn of events at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) meeting in Skopje, North Macedonia, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky, along with other participants, walked out during Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s speech. The controversial address accused the West of orchestrating a hybrid war against Russia, with Lavrov singling out Moldova as a potential victim and describing the European Union (EU) as an aggressive geopolitical project.

The Czech Foreign Ministry responded by revealing that during Lavrov’s speech, an officer responsible for disinformation represented the Czech delegation. This symbolic protest signifies the dissatisfaction and disagreement with the Russian Foreign Minister’s narrative.

Lavrov, as reported by TASS news agency, asserted that the USA and its European allies had imposed thousands of sanctions on Russia, accusing them of attempting to undermine the Russian economy and disrupting the once-common practical cooperation between East and West. Furthermore, Lavrov predicted Moldova’s fate as another casualty in the alleged hybrid war unleashed by the West.

The OSCE, according to Lavrov, is in a deplorable state, and its future remains uncertain. The organization has been grappling with internal challenges, and this controversy further highlights the diplomatic tensions among member states.

The context of Lavrov’s speech was set against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in the preceding February, resulting in the imposition of anti-Russian sanctions by the West. During the subsequent ministerial speeches, criticism towards Russia dominated, with accusations of violating OSCE principles through aggressive warfare against a neighboring country.

However, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto took a divergent stance, emphasizing the necessity for peace talks as the only viable solution to the conflict. Szijjarto’s position contrasts with the prevailing sentiment, as he argued against supplying arms to Ukraine, contending that it only serves to delay the prospect of achieving peace. The diverse reactions among OSCE member states underscore the complexities and divisions within the organization in addressing geopolitical challenges.

Article by Prague Forum