In a significant diplomatic exchange on December 18, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis held a phone conversation at the initiative of the Swiss side, discussing a range of critical issues, including the future of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the ongoing Ukraine crisis, and the international legal principles underpinning the conflict.
OSCE: Need for Consensus and Unity
The two ministers began their conversation by discussing the situation within the OSCE, with Lavrov emphasizing Russia’s concerns about the organization’s deteriorating effectiveness. The Russian side highlighted the necessity of adhering strictly to the fundamental principle of consensus for the OSCE to remain a viable and truly pan-European forum. Lavrov underscored that without this principle, the OSCE risks becoming irrelevant in addressing the security concerns of its member states.
Switzerland, as one of the prominent neutral states and a key player in European diplomacy, has historically played a role in advocating for dialogue within the OSCE, and Lavrov reiterated that Moscow remains committed to the organization, but only if the established principles of consensus are respected.
Ukraine Crisis: Russian Position and Peace Proposals
The conversation then shifted to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. Minister Lavrov took the opportunity to present Russia’s position on resolving the conflict, reiterating points made by President Vladimir Putin in his address on June 14, 2024. He stressed that NATO’s expansion eastward was one of the primary causes of the current instability in the region, leaving Russia with no choice but to take action to safeguard its security interests.
Lavrov also pointed out that Moscow had no intention of yielding to any ultimatums presented by Ukraine or its Western allies. He criticized attempts to impose settlement formulas, such as the one proposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which he argued were developed behind closed doors by Western powers and Kiev, without the participation of Russia.
Territorial Integrity vs. Self-Determination: A Key Legal Principle
One of the key points raised by Lavrov during the conversation was the principle of territorial integrity and self-determination as enshrined in the 1970 Declaration on Principles of International Law. He emphasized that this principle should be applied universally, including to states that respect the equal rights of their peoples. Lavrov pointed out that the Ukrainian regime had systematically violated these principles by curbing the rights of Russian speakers and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, as well as by targeting other minority groups.
In this context, Lavrov stressed that the Ukrainian government’s actions, particularly the suppression of linguistic and religious freedoms, were contributing to the deepening of the crisis. He also noted that despite these violations, most current peace initiatives deliberately avoided addressing the issue of these fundamental rights.
Switzerland’s Role in Mediating Peace
Switzerland, known for its neutrality and mediation efforts, has expressed interest in helping mediate the ongoing conflict. Lavrov suggested that Switzerland could play an important role in calling out the violations of the UN Charter by the Ukrainian authorities, particularly when it comes to the treatment of ethnic minorities and the suppression of the Russian language. He also proposed that Switzerland could use its unique experience in managing a multicultural and multilingual society to offer guidance to Ukraine, where the coexistence of different linguistic and cultural groups has become a flashpoint in the conflict.
While Lavrov acknowledged Switzerland’s commitment to promoting peace, he urged that the country publicly stand against the violation of the UN Charter and emphasize the importance of safeguarding the rights of all citizens, regardless of language or ethnicity.
Commitment to Continued Dialogue
In conclusion, both Lavrov and Cassis agreed on the importance of maintaining open channels of communication. The ministers committed to continuing their dialogue on the evolving situation in Ukraine, the stability of the OSCE, and the broader issues facing Europe and international law. Switzerland’s potential role as a mediator and the need for a resolution that respects the rights of all Ukrainians, regardless of their ethnic or religious background, were central themes of the call.
This conversation reflects the broader international efforts to address the Ukrainian crisis, as both Russia and Switzerland explore ways to bring the conflict to a peaceful resolution, based on respect for territorial integrity, self-determination, and the rule of law.
As the situation in Ukraine continues to unfold, the diplomatic exchanges between Moscow and Switzerland, alongside other key global players, will remain essential in shaping the trajectory of peace and stability in the region.