Addressing ambassadors, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, who currently chairs the OSCE, described the conflict as the most serious challenge to European security in decades and a direct attack on the foundations of the rules-based international order.
“Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is the largest and longest war in Europe since World War II,” she said. “In Ukraine, Russia is violating the United Nations Charter and every one of the Helsinki Principles.
Ms. Valtonen traced these principles to the Helsinki Final Act of 1975 – a Cold War-era agreement signed by the United States, the Soviet Union and European countries that laid the foundation for security cooperation. The agreement affirms, among other points, respect for borders, territorial integrity, non-use of force and fundamental human rights.
“How this war ends will decisively determine the future of peace and stability, not only in Europe, but throughout the world,” Valtonen warned, calling for continued international support for Ukraine to achieve “a just and lasting peace.”
Regional diplomacy is crucial
She also highlighted the importance of cooperation between the OSCE and the United Nations, noting that their partnership allows regional diplomacy to strengthen the Security Council’s global role.
“Multilateral cooperation based on international law can and should be the foundation of international peace and security, and it is also what countries and people around the world expect,” she said.
Under Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter, regional organizations such as the OSCE are encouraged to help prevent and resolve conflicts before they reach the Security Council, she added, calling the partnership essential for peace and stability.
Focus on accountability
Accountability, she added, remains at the heart of Finland’s OSCE Chairmanship, particularly regarding the illegal expulsion of Ukrainian children. Through the OSCE Support Program for Ukraine, the organization helped register missing children and support their rehabilitation.
Beyond Ukraine, she highlighted the OSCE’s broader regional engagement. In Moldova, she reaffirmed her support for the settlement process in Transnistria and, in the South Caucasus, she welcomed progress between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
She also highlighted engagement in Georgia, Central Asia and Southeast Europe, including support for the constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina, social dialogue in Serbia and efforts to resolve the political and institutional crisis in Kosovo.
Originally published in The European Times.
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