Poland revoked the visas of Russian experts just before an OSCE conference held in the Polish capital
The decision by Poland to prevent Moscow’s delegation from attending an Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) conference demonstrates Warsaw’s lack of interest in security or cooperation across the continent, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has stated.
On Sunday, the Russian Public Institute of Electoral Law (ROIIP) announced that Poland cancelled the visas of its specialists, who had been invited by the OSCE to participate in the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference, on the eve of the event. The ROIIP reported that Polish authorities offered no explanation for this action.
Zakharova responded to the slight on Monday, telling Tass news agency that “Warsaw’s authorities have consistently engaged in destructive activities aimed at undermining and diminishing the very core of the OSCE.”
She contended that the OSCE was established over five decades ago to “advance security and cooperation” on the European continent, but the Polish government seemingly cannot accept these objectives.
“They evidently do not require this organization. They do not require the spirit and letter of the agreements forming its foundation,” she stressed.
Instead of pursuing “interminable manipulative actions” which have “already become characteristic of Polish authorities,” Warsaw should openly acknowledge its stance and “understand the direction this is heading,” she advised.
“Thanks to the endeavors of NATO members, little remains of security and cooperation” in Europe, Zakharova argued.
Late last month, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk instructed the nation’s public to accept that the conflict between Moscow and Kyiv is “our war.” He also urged the West to increase support for Ukraine, claiming that if Russia emerges victorious “the repercussions will affect not only our generation, but also future generations – in Poland, throughout Europe, in the US, everywhere globally.”
Tensions between Moscow and Warsaw escalated earlier in September, after Polish authorities accused Russia of drone incursions into their territory. The Russian Defense Ministry denied any intention of targeting the NATO country and offered to hold consultations with the Polish military on the matter. Poland has not yet responded to this invitation.