OSCE prepared to monitor possible peace agreement in Ukraine

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has expressed its readiness to supervise a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, according to senior diplomats from numerous member states at a meeting held in Vienna on Thursday.

Although efforts led by the United States to end the ongoing conflict, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, have yet to yield concrete outcomes, OSCE member states are already considering what a monitoring mission in Ukraine might entail. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasized that planning the OSCE's role in a post-conflict scenario is now necessary.

Finlands Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen acknowledged that a ceasefire has not been finalized but stated, We are ready. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul highlighted that supporting Ukraine in peace discussions is the current top priority and noted that frameworks will be essential to enforce and monitor any potential ceasefire. He added that taking preventive measures is important, even though the exact role of the OSCE and timing remain uncertain.

Previously, unarmed OSCE security personnel were deployed in Ukraine from 2014 to 2022 to observe security conditions and the conflict line in eastern regions where Russian-backed separatists controlled parts of Donetsk and Luhansk. The observers left the country following Russias full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov did not attend the Vienna meeting, with his deputy Alexander Grushko representing Russia instead. Any new OSCE mission in Ukraine would require the approval of all 57 member states, including Russia. Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis noted that both Kiev and Moscow were dissatisfied with the previous mission but added that Ukraine would still appreciate the OSCE's monitoring efforts.

Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski expressed skepticism about the OSCEs effectiveness, stating that while the organization could theoretically be helpful, rebuilding its capacity to monitor a much longer front line than before would be a significant challenge. Sikorski suggested the OSCE could assist in arms control and confidence-building measures if Russia recognizes it cannot prevail in an arms race with the West.

The two-day OSCE Ministerial Council meeting in Vienna, chaired by Finland, focused primarily on the Ukraine conflict. However, current US-led negotiations and peace proposals were not part of the official agenda, and no decisions were scheduled. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio did not attend, sending representatives in his place.

The OSCE continues to view itself as a forum for resolving conflicts between Western countries and other powers, while promoting democracy and human rights.

Author: Chloe Ramirez