Minister Radosław Sikorski takes part in OSCE Ministerial Council

In his address, Minister Sikorski pointed out that unfortunately this year's 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, which laid the groundwork for the OSCE, cannot be properly celebrated. The reason is that, with its brutal aggression against Ukraine, Russia has violated all principles of what is known as the Helsinki Decalogue, including the respect for countries' sovereignty, the ban on changing borders by force, and the respect for human rights.

"Today's Russia is more aggressive than the Soviet Union in the 1970, when the Conference for the Security and Co-operation in Europe was established. Today's Russia is travelling from democracy to autocracy and from coexistence to aggression," said Minister Sikorski.

Poland's chief diplomat condemned Russia's increasingly bold hybrid activity which undermines Europe's security. In this context, he referred to a series of Russia's hostile actions, including the recent act of sabotage on the rail line linking Warsaw and Ukraine, as well as disinformation campaigns and activities aimed at triggering internal division in democratic societies. He called on the OSCE members to strongly counteract such behaviour and to further support Ukraine in its fight for dignity, freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

Minister Sikorski thanked Finland for leading the OSCE with ironclad commitment to fundamental values of the Organisation. He expressed his belief that Switzerland, set to take over the OSCE Chairpersonship in 2026, would pursue this approach. The same spirit marked Deputy Prime Minister Sikorski's bilateral talks with Ignazio Cassis, foreign minister of the Swiss Confederation, that took place on the side-lines of the Council's meeting.

Photo: Konrad Laskowski/MFA