Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was about to hold a press conference at the annual ministerial conference of the Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSCE) in Skopje, North Macedonia when the chaos ensued. Journalists and cameras swarmed the already packed room, prompting the North Macedonian press officer to scream, “This corridor needs to be free! Please turn off your flashes!” This prompted friction among Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSCE) members before and during the conference. Some members boycotted the event altogether, such as Poland, the Baltic countries, and Ukraine, due to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s highly controversial presence. Lavrov’s visit didn’t sit well with its critics, arguing that it was wrong for him to attend since his country was perpetrating aggression against Ukraine.
The 57-member OSCE was founded during the Cold War to alleviate tensions between Communist and Western powers. However, Russia’s ongoing veto power has paralyzed the organization. North Macedonia, the current OSCE chair, invited Lavrov in an attempt to break the deadlock and ensure the organization’s future. Lavrov, however, scoffed at the criticism and dismissed the claims, criticizing the OSCE itself and questioning its relevance in today’s world.
Despite resistance, Lavrov’s appearance in North Macedonia had a clear goal – to demonstrate that Russia is not facing international isolation. Russia is keen on maintaining connections with allies such as Hungary, Kazakhstan, and Armenia. However, the roster of attendees in the room during his speech indicated a lack of genuine interest in engaging with Russia.
Overall, Russia was able to achieve appointments within the organization in spite of the resistance they faced. The OSCE continues to remain important and influential, serving as a platform for future peace negotiations and bridge-building between Russia and the West.
