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KYIV, 3 July 2025 – A high-level delegation of Ambassadors from OSCE participating States concluded a significant visit to Kyiv yesterday, underscoring their united and unwavering support for Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against Russia’s ongoing war of aggression.
Jointly hosted by the Finnish OSCE Chairpersonship and the Special Representative of the Chairperson-in-Office and OSCE Project Coordinator in Ukraine, Ambassador Petr Mareš, this visit marked the first of its kind since 2018 — a powerful gesture of international solidarity.
The delegation comprised representatives from Austria, Canada, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Norway, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, and Ukraine. In their joint stance, the Ambassadors unequivocally condemned Russia’s continued attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure across Ukraine.
“Our presence in Kyiv is a clear demonstration of enduring solidarity with Ukraine and its people,” said Ambassador Vesa Häkkinen, Finland’s Representative to the OSCE and Chair of the Permanent Council. “We urge Russia to end its war of aggression, agree to an unconditional ceasefire, return deported children, and release all arbitrarily detained civilians.”
The Ambassadors reiterated their demand for the immediate release of three OSCE officials — Vadym Golda, Maksym Petrov, and Dmytro Shabanov — who have been unjustly detained by Russia for over three years.
During the visit, the delegation was received by Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, who welcomed the show of support during a pivotal moment for Ukraine and the OSCE.
“This visit comes as we mark the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, a foundational document of European security and OSCE principles,” said Minister Sybiha. “Russia’s war flagrantly violates these principles — including the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and inviolability of frontiers. A just and lasting peace must restore their force and relevance.”
The Ambassadors emphasized their collective commitment to harnessing all OSCE tools to support Ukraine, promote accountability for violations, and respond to the country’s urgent needs. This includes robust engagement through OSCE Extra-Budgetary projects on the ground.
While in Kyiv, the delegation held high-level meetings with Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa, Deputy Heads of the Office of the President Ihor Brusylo and Ihor Zhovkva, and engaged with civil society and international partners working on key issues, including the forced deportation of Ukrainian children.
They also visited OSCE-supported initiatives focusing on humanitarian demining, environmental recovery, and the protection of journalists and human rights defenders. The visit concluded with a solemn tribute at the site of a recent Russian missile strike on civilian infrastructure in Kyiv.
This visit not only reaffirmed the OSCE’s steadfast partnership with Ukraine but also signaled the participating States’ shared resolve to uphold the principles of peace, justice, and sovereignty in the face of continued aggression.
