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Russia continues its massive attacks on Ukraine, falsely believing that more deaths, suffering, destruction, and ultimatums can strengthen its hand at the negotiating table.
This was stated by Victoria Kuvshynnykova, Deputy Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the International Organizations in Vienna, during a meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council on Thursday, reports Ukrinform.
“As the OSCE approaches the halfway point of its annual activities, it’s important to draw some conclusions. Clearly, a chance for peace was lost when Russia rejected the U.S. proposal for a full and comprehensive ceasefire back in March. Instead, Russia has doubled down on its aerial attacks on Ukraine,” she said.
Kuvshynnykova highlighted the recent months of Russian atrocities, including:
- children killed in Kryvyi Rih,
- a bloody Palm Sunday in Sumy,
- a destroyed apartment block in Kyiv,
- constant shelling of Kharkiv and Kherson,
- “human safaris” conducted by Russian troops in frontline communities,
- ongoing torture of Ukrainian POWs,
- and Russia’s lies to justify refusing to return abducted Ukrainian children.
She emphasized that Russia’s illegal detention of three OSCE staff members is “further proof that dialogue with the aggressor is an illusion unless backed by pressure.”
“The Kremlin believes that new deaths, further human suffering, continued destruction, and repeated ultimatums can strengthen its negotiating position. What a mistake,” she stated.
The Ukrainian diplomat informed OSCE delegations about Russia’s latest airstrikes on Ukrainian cities this week.
She also warned about Russia’s deepening illegal ties—especially military ones—with North Korea, saying that the Kremlin has chosen to act as an enabler for rogue states that challenge international norms, provoke instability, and threaten global security.
“This has gone on for far too long to believe that the current Russian regime can be convinced to choose peace and return to international law through diplomacy alone. Only increased pressure and decisive actions can stop the senseless killing and create space for diplomacy,” Kuvshynnykova concluded.
Earlier, reported that 41 OSCE participating states invoked the “Moscow Mechanism” to investigate Russia’s treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war.
